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Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

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.


Fraunhofer Develops MWIR 3D Sensor to Aid in Detection of Transparent Objects

Fraunhofer Develops MWIR 3D Sensor to Aid in Detection of Transparent Objects

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots detect transparent objects in three dimensions.


News May 04, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

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’s New Armor Powerflex Variable Frequency Drive

Rockwell’s New Armor Powerflex Variable Frequency Drive

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.


News May 03, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Siemens SIMATIC PLCs - Hardware History

Siemens SIMATIC PLCs - Hardware History

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.


Universal Robots Reveals Record Q1 Amid Groundbreaking for Cobot Hub

Universal Robots Reveals Record Q1 Amid Groundbreaking for Cobot Hub

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.


News May 02, 2022 by David Peterson
Keyence Announces New NQ IO-Link Master Module

Keyence Announces New NQ IO-Link Master Module

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.


News Apr 30, 2022 by David Peterson
Circular Economy - Manufacturing to End User… And Back

Circular Economy - Manufacturing to End User… And Back

‘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.


Parker Hannifin Announces PAC Motion Controller and Modules

Parker Hannifin Announces PAC Motion Controller and Modules

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.


News Apr 28, 2022 by David Peterson
Epson Robot Programming Example

Epson Robot Programming Example

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.


US DoC Appoints 27 Board Members to the National AI Committee

US DoC Appoints 27 Board Members to the National AI Committee

The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).


News Apr 27, 2022 by Seth Price
Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

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.


Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators - regardless of age or origin.


News Apr 26, 2022 by Seth Price
How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

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 Awarded $9.4 Million for Autonomous Construction Technology

Rugged Robotics Awarded $9.4 Million for Autonomous Construction Technology

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.


News Apr 25, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

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?


Hospital Robot Investigation Reveals Potential Cybersecurity Risks

Hospital Robot Investigation Reveals Potential Cybersecurity Risks

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.


News Apr 22, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

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?


Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.


News Apr 21, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

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?