In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.
In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots…
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots detect transparent objects in three dimensions.
Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware…
Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.
Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series,…
Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series, designed for on-machine control with heightened IP ratings over previous models.
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware,…
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.
While UR enjoys a record first quarter in 2022, a joint project between UR and mobile robot manufacturer MiR looks to…
While UR enjoys a record first quarter in 2022, a joint project between UR and mobile robot manufacturer MiR looks to develop solutions for mobility to advance the future of cobot applications.
The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically…
The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically detect any Keyence branded IO-Link devices for rapid installation and monitoring.
‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But…
‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But a circular economy model includes manufacturing processes and raw materials as well.
Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with…
Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with web-based visualization for instant remote monitoring of up to 40 motion axes.
Epson robot programming bears similarities to other industry-standard brands, but contains many unique features,…
Epson robot programming bears similarities to other industry-standard brands, but contains many unique features, including the ability to run background programs alongside the main function.
The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).
The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f,…
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.
The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators -…
The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators - regardless of age or origin.
Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog…
Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog devices to an industrial controller. But once you connect the hardware - what next?
Rugged Robotics receives $9.4 million in Series A funding led by BOLD Capital Partners and Brick & Mortar Ventures to…
Rugged Robotics receives $9.4 million in Series A funding led by BOLD Capital Partners and Brick & Mortar Ventures to develop and deploy floor layout marking robots for construction projects.
Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But…
Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But what implications, if any, does blockchain hold for industrial control system engineers?
Increasing use of autonomous robotics in hospital and patient care environments means more careful examination of…
Increasing use of autonomous robotics in hospital and patient care environments means more careful examination of security risks - and immediate measures to patch vulnerabilities when detected.
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?
Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently…
Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?