Latest Assembly Line Articles

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices…

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices provide benefits of greater range, precision, and even mapping for mobile robotics.

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and…

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people…

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.

Mitsubishi Electric releases a new module that combines IoT asynchronous messaging with deterministic cyclic messaging…

Mitsubishi Electric releases a new module that combines IoT asynchronous messaging with deterministic cyclic messaging typically found in field I/O.

Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor…

Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor basics and commonly used types, including fiber optic, photoelectric, and optical encoders.

ABB has begun the expansion to its North American robotics headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, strengthening its…

ABB has begun the expansion to its North American robotics headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, strengthening its commitment to the Americas market and accelerating the development of the "next generation" of robots.

The results from the Global ABB Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey highlight the struggles of the automotive…

The results from the Global ABB Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey highlight the struggles of the automotive industry to find skilled workers. Is it the fault of foreign manufacturing and education?

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard…

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC…

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history,…

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.

AVEVA has begun a portfolio-wide transition to a subscription model, expecting 80% of clients to be switched over by…

AVEVA has begun a portfolio-wide transition to a subscription model, expecting 80% of clients to be switched over by 2025. With the transition, clients can expect to see quicker ROI, reduced costs, and the latest in software.

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should…

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should relate to the lowest power consumption. Why, then, is inrush current so high for motors?

Industrial computing leader OnLogic sets the stage for more reliable data processing at the edge with the new Helix 401…

Industrial computing leader OnLogic sets the stage for more reliable data processing at the edge with the new Helix 401 IPC with expanded I/O and faster CPU/GPU capabilities, all in a rugged, fanless enclosure.

Banner Engineering's new R90C Modbus to Analog Hub allows users to easily add analog output to a system that uses Modbus…

Banner Engineering's new R90C Modbus to Analog Hub allows users to easily add analog output to a system that uses Modbus or RS485 without purchasing expensive output cards or replacing outdated equipment.

ASRock Industrial has introduced a new addition to their IoT controllers. The iEP-5010G is packed with communication and…

ASRock Industrial has introduced a new addition to their IoT controllers. The iEP-5010G is packed with communication and input/outputs for modern IoT controller solutions.

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs…

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the…

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the differences between RAM, ROM, and removable memory, and how to keep program sizes in check.

The BMW Group announced that it will begin utilizing Realtime Robotics' robotic systems and software for more efficient…

The BMW Group announced that it will begin utilizing Realtime Robotics' robotic systems and software for more efficient motion planning and collision-free tandem operation of their industrial robots.

Banner Engineering's ZMX Series 3D Time of Flight sensor can accurately measure the fill level and volume of material in…

Banner Engineering's ZMX Series 3D Time of Flight sensor can accurately measure the fill level and volume of material in a bin, suitable for palletizing, shipping, and tracking levels in large powder, grain, or solids handling bins.