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Pilz Releases New “Key In Pocket” for Machine Maintenance Safety

Pilz Releases New “Key In Pocket” for Machine Maintenance Safety

Machine maintenance safety is a major concern for manufacturers, and Pilz hopes to increase efficiency through the use of card readers to reduce cost and improve the process over traditional methods.


News Mar 02, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience. Decimal makes sense, but what about hexadecimal and the lesser-known octal systems?


SensoPart Connects Universal Robots’ Cobots and Vision Sensors Seamlessly

SensoPart Connects Universal Robots’ Cobots and Vision Sensors Seamlessly

SensoPart’s latest version of its VISOR Robotic URCap application demonstrates the flexibility and ease of use required by modern factories, where demands and product lines shift rapidly.


News Mar 01, 2023 by Seth Price
A Compact Inductive Sensor That Offers a Large Measuring Distance

A Compact Inductive Sensor That Offers a Large Measuring Distance

Baumer has added to their compact inductive sensing lineup with the addition of the IF200 sensor to measure distance within a range of 10 mm.


News Feb 28, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Understanding Sensor Specifications

Understanding Sensor Specifications

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls for understanding these specs in detail during design, purchasing, and installation.


Deploying a Robotic Workforce: Universal Robots and Yaskawa Motoman Partner with RaaS Company

Deploying a Robotic Workforce: Universal Robots and Yaskawa Motoman Partner with RaaS Company

Universal Robots and Yaskawa Motoman partnered with the Robotics as a Service (RaaS) company Rapid Robotics earlier this month to deliver robotic automation to a greater market share.


News Feb 27, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.


“Four Times More Performance”: B&R Unveils Backplane Bus for X20 System

“Four Times More Performance”: B&R Unveils Backplane Bus for X20 System

Greater I/O and computing power are becoming necessary as automation takes on more tasks. With its latest offering, B&R aims to stay ahead of competitors by offering faster control systems with more rapid I/O capabilities.


News Feb 22, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
How IIoT can Benefit Maintenance Practices and Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness

How IIoT can Benefit Maintenance Practices and Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness

As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of fixing as required, even turning attention to the root cause of maintenance woes.


ATX West 2023 Technology Highlight: PLCs with Additional Capabilities

ATX West 2023 Technology Highlight: PLCs with Additional Capabilities

PLCs need no trade show to announce their presence. But many companies have developed improvements to the traditional platform that can present new opportunities for the future of operational technology.


News Feb 21, 2023 by David Peterson
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
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
 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
“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
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
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
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
Monitoring Both Analog and Discrete I/O Signals With One Module

Monitoring Both Analog and Discrete I/O Signals With One Module

Acromag's latest multi-functioning Ethernet remote I/O modules are designed to monitor both analog and discrete signals, aiming to save on costs and computational power by freeing up PLCs and other control devices.


News Feb 02, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Hosted by IMEngineering West in Anaheim, CA on Feb 7-9, the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West is quickly approaching. Check out some of the innovative factory automation and robotic solutions to be demonstrated on the show floor.


News Feb 01, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson