Latest Building Articles

Categories

DHL Pilots Robotic System to Increase Distribution Efficiency and Accuracy

DHL Pilots Robotic System to Increase Distribution Efficiency and Accuracy

Robotic sorting systems allow DHL to increase speed and accuracy for customers, but in a recent interview with Control Automation, we learned about some key exciting accomplishments of the new system.


News May 16, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
SGN and ULC Technologies Unveil World’s First Robotics Roadworks System

SGN and ULC Technologies Unveil World’s First Robotics Roadworks System

SGN and ULC Technologies introduce their all-electric autonomous robot for road and infrastructure repair, the Robotic Roadworks and Excavation System, which is set to begin UK trials in Epsom, Surrey.


News May 16, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
MOV.AI and Lannar Electronics Meeting Global Demand for AMRs

MOV.AI and Lannar Electronics Meeting Global Demand for AMRs

MOV.AI and Lannar Electronics collaborate to provide an integrated computing and software platform to speed up mobile robot development and deployment.


News May 06, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
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.


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.


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
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
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?


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?


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.


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?


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.


How IIoT is Transforming Predictive Maintenance

How IIoT is Transforming Predictive Maintenance

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning algorithms provided with vast quantities of data.


Methods of Marking and Labeling for Wiring and Tubing

Methods of Marking and Labeling for Wiring and Tubing

Labels are such a small detail in the world of robotics and automation, they are often given very little attention. However, they play a vital role in proper system function - from installation to troubleshooting.


HAI Robotics Showcases ACR Systems at MODEX and SITL 2022

HAI Robotics Showcases ACR Systems at MODEX and SITL 2022

HAI Robotics demos its autonomous case-handling robotic systems at two trade fairs, continuing to strengthen its presence in the U.S. and Europe.


News Apr 02, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Characteristics of Highly Automated WMS Systems

Characteristics of Highly Automated WMS Systems

This article explores various characteristics that are common in advanced and highly automated warehouse management systems (WMS).


Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.