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SmartScan: Could it Improve the Quality of Metal 3D Printed Parts?

SmartScan: Could it Improve the Quality of Metal 3D Printed Parts?

A University of Michigan team recently created a new control software called SmartScan, which promises to increase speed and reliability of printing (particularly in metal) by optimizing toolpath based on material properties.


News Apr 20, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Mechanisms of Linear Sensing and Linear Encoding

Mechanisms of Linear Sensing and Linear Encoding

Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive, capacitive, and many rely on a property called magnetostriction.


ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics announces the release of its new four-legged inspection bot, ANYmal X, for use in extreme environments, designed specifically for the oil & gas and chemical industries.


News Apr 19, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices. Learn how to connect an example IO-Link block into an actual PLC project.


Igus Designs ReBeL Collaborative Robot with Plastic Motion Elements

Igus Designs ReBeL Collaborative Robot with Plastic Motion Elements

Plastic is well-known for being inexpensive and lightweight, but not very resilient to friction and heat. Plastic motion pioneer Igus aims to overcome challenges and present a new solution.


News Apr 18, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

This article covers the prominent IEC 60870 standard for SCADA in electrical power systems, as well as background information on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the publishing organization.


Beewise Employs AI, Robotics, and Vision to Monitor and Safeguard Bee Populations

Beewise Employs AI, Robotics, and Vision to Monitor and Safeguard Bee Populations

Beewise receives $120 million in funds to continue the development of its solar-powered, artificial intelligence-driven beehive management technology.


News Apr 15, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.


Vehicle Recycling Uses AI and 3D Imagery To Reduce Waste

Vehicle Recycling Uses AI and 3D Imagery To Reduce Waste

Vehicle part recycling locates and reads part numbers to know which vehicles a replacement part may fit - but wear and tear, grease, and corrosion can make them hard to truly identify, even to an experienced eye.


News Apr 14, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Web-Based Industrial HMIs: What’s The Difference?

Web-Based Industrial HMIs: What’s The Difference?

With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the graphical HMIs, and see implications for our modern control system architecture.


Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Commander S series of variable frequency drives from Control Techniques enables parameter upload and download as well as performance monitoring through secure NFC, app-based communication.


News Apr 13, 2022 by David Peterson
DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?


PickNik Robotics Teams Up with Sierra Space to Develop Habitats and Enhance Missions

PickNik Robotics Teams Up with Sierra Space to Develop Habitats and Enhance Missions

PickNik Robotics announces collaboration with Sierra Space to generate robotic autonomy solutions for the future of space travel and its habitation.


News Apr 12, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Walgreens Enlists Robotic Workforce to Optimize Fulfillment Times for Pharmacists

Walgreens Enlists Robotic Workforce to Optimize Fulfillment Times for Pharmacists

Walgreens turns to industrial robots to help fill standard pharmacy prescriptions and allow pharmacists to spend more time in face-to-face patient care and relationships.


News Apr 10, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Overcoming Challenges with Automated WMS

Overcoming Challenges with Automated WMS

In this article, learn about different challenges that warehouse systems can face and how automation helps solve them.


Kinova’s Link 6 - The First Canadian-Built Industrial Cobot

Kinova’s Link 6 - The First Canadian-Built Industrial Cobot

Kinova, based in Montreal, has recently developed a cobot to add to their robotic lineup with many industry-standard features, designed to help alleviate post-Covid pressure.


News Apr 08, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Introduction to Epson Programming Language

Introduction to Epson Programming Language

A common staple in the pharmaceutical industry, Epson robots come in a variety of models, programmed with the SPEL+ language. Learn the unique traits of the language before diving deeper into a programming example.


Keyence Launches new FD-H Series of Clamp-On Fluid Flow Sensors

Keyence Launches new FD-H Series of Clamp-On Fluid Flow Sensors

New non-obstructive sensor series adapts to a wider variety of piping materials, providing accurate data with lower influence from viscosity and bubbles.


News Apr 07, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.


ASRock Industrial Introduces IoT Controller for Factory Automation

ASRock Industrial Introduces IoT Controller for Factory Automation

ASRock Industrial announces the new iEP-5000G family of IoT controllers with power inputs, tolerances, and IO communication capabilities designed for the factory floor.


News Apr 06, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich