Latest Articles

Categories

Delivering Reduced Cost of Ownership With Enhanced Cloud-based MES

Delivering Reduced Cost of Ownership With Enhanced Cloud-based MES

GE Digital continues improving its Proficy Smart Factory portfolio by enhancing its cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) for overall equipment effectiveness and production and quality management.


News Feb 20, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Unlocking Efficient Intralogistics with KUKA’s KMP 600-S diffDrive

Unlocking Efficient Intralogistics with KUKA’s KMP 600-S diffDrive

KUKA has recently released the KMP 600-S diffDrive for intralogistics. The mobile platform is designed to be efficient and speedy in material handling, with an added safety advantage of 3D object detection and laser scanners.


News Feb 19, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
Exploring Flexible Automation in Retail and eCommerce

Exploring Flexible Automation in Retail and eCommerce

What are the benefits of flexible automation in production, and how are retail and eCommerce businesses implementing this type of automation in their operations?


News Feb 17, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Combatting the Effects of EMI with EMC Design Principles for Electrical Panels

Combatting the Effects of EMI with EMC Design Principles for Electrical Panels

EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control systems. Learn about some features of electromagnetic compatibility in panels.


Technology Highlights from ATX West 2023 - Magnetic Conveyance

Technology Highlights from ATX West 2023 - Magnetic Conveyance

Among the technologies demonstrated at the recent ATX West show in Anaheim, CA, were conveyor systems relying not on geared or belted tracks but rather on coil-driven magnets, providing control and feedback.


News Feb 16, 2023 by David Peterson
Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a DC supply with respect to ground and how circuits can be functionally constructed both ways.


Electrical Symbols and What They Mean to Controls Engineers

Electrical Symbols and What They Mean to Controls Engineers

Using symbols instead of text provides a fast and effective way to describe an electrical system. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of commonly used electrical symbols from the perspective of a controls engineer.


 A Look at IO-Link Enabled Optical Code Readers from Balluff

A Look at IO-Link Enabled Optical Code Readers from Balluff

Balluff has released their IO-Link enabled IDENT series of optical code readers capable of reading 1D and 2D codes of different protocols for use in manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.


News Feb 14, 2023 by Seth Price
What is Proportional Gain?

What is Proportional Gain?

This article discusses the meaning and effects of proportional gain in a controlled system such as motion, temperature, and fluid flow.


“Results Before Launch”: 3D Simulation Software To Optimize Plant Processes

“Results Before Launch”: 3D Simulation Software To Optimize Plant Processes

Mitsubishi Electric's 3D simulation software, MELSOFT Gemini, is designed to save manufacturers time and money by speeding up the development and implementation phases of production line design.


News Feb 10, 2023 by Seth Price
What’s the Difference Between an Electronic Data Sheet and Add-on Profile?

What’s the Difference Between an Electronic Data Sheet and Add-on Profile?

Using an electronic data sheet or add-on profile is an easier method than having to manually configure and map a generic Ethernet module. Learn about the differences between an EDS and AOP and how and when each is used.


New Incremental Encoders Without Silicon-related Lead Time Constraints

New Incremental Encoders Without Silicon-related Lead Time Constraints

CUI Devices' new AMT13A series of incremental encoders addresses silicon lead time issues and increases the range of shaft sizes available to customers.


News Feb 09, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
AI-enabled Platforms Achieve New Levels of Production Efficiency

AI-enabled Platforms Achieve New Levels of Production Efficiency

Digitalization is steadily gaining importance to help manufacturers meet changes in the process industry, however, modern digital solutions must represent the interaction of both machine parameters and tribal knowledge.


ABB’s Protection Relay Retrofit Program Modernizes Power Systems

ABB’s Protection Relay Retrofit Program Modernizes Power Systems

ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program promises to extend the lifespan of switchgears and future-proof equipment for an ever-expanding electrical grid.


News Feb 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Day 1 Wrap-up: ATX West 2023 Show

Day 1 Wrap-up: ATX West 2023 Show

Robots, sensors, and automation instruments were just a few of the sights and sounds from ATX West in Anaheim, CA. Our team shares some great insights from Day 1 at the show!


News Feb 08, 2023 by David Peterson
Intro to Siemens S7-1200 PLC and TIA Portal Programming

Intro to Siemens S7-1200 PLC and TIA Portal Programming

The S7-1200 is one of Siemens’ most popular PLC options for relatively small automation projects. Learn how to use the Totally Integrated Automation Portal to design simple ladder logic programs.


Taking Building Automation Into the Future With “Industry Firsts”

Taking Building Automation Into the Future With “Industry Firsts”

PassiveLogic has released and will showcase their "industry first" building automation ecosystem of hardware and software solutions to make building systems more efficient and autonomous.


News Feb 07, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Delivering Smart and Bluetooth-capable Radar Level Measurement

Delivering Smart and Bluetooth-capable Radar Level Measurement

Emerson’s new Rosemount level transmitters, equipped with Bluetooth for configuring devices during startup, power outages, maintenance, and troubleshooting, seek to improve water and chemical process safety and efficiency.


News Feb 06, 2023 by Seth Price
Module Converts Existing AC/DC Power Converters Into UPS System

Module Converts Existing AC/DC Power Converters Into UPS System

Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates sensitive electrical equipment. Traco’s latest TIB-240BCMU module can turn a normal AC/DC power supply into an operable UPS system.


News Feb 05, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
“Among the Fastest in the Industry”: Omron Automation’s Slim Relays

“Among the Fastest in the Industry”: Omron Automation’s Slim Relays

Omron Industrial Automation has released two new styles of industrial relays to its existing lineup. The slim-style relays are available as mechanical or solid-state and offer a reduced footprint being only 6.2 mm wide.


News Feb 03, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich