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Tutorial: First Program With Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext Platform

Tutorial: First Program With Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext Platform

Learn how to get started with Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext and Engineer software, a platform that ultimately provides a PLC environment for plant control as well as an OS for more advanced IIoT projects.


Python Tutorial Part 4 | Data Structures: Dictionaries

Python Tutorial Part 4 | Data Structures: Dictionaries

Both lists and dictionaries can retain structured data in Python. The dictionary is unique in that it stores individual entries with human-readable logical names rather than index numbers.


Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic?


The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary I/O, communication protocols, and processor necessary for controlling your system?


Mitsubishi PLC Tutorial: Program and Display Strings In Ladder Logic

Mitsubishi PLC Tutorial: Program and Display Strings In Ladder Logic

Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any HMI compatible with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLC series.


Enhanced Analog Sensing With New Compact 5000 HART I/O Modules

Enhanced Analog Sensing With New Compact 5000 HART I/O Modules

Rockwell PLC users can more easily integrate field-level analog HART devices with two new modules designed for the popular 5380 CompactLogix platform.


News Jun 03, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Partnership Aims to Improve the Performance of ‘Brainless’ AMRs

Partnership Aims to Improve the Performance of ‘Brainless’ AMRs

Naver Labs and Adlink Technology are partnering to drive innovation in next-generation service robots for delivery, café assistance, and parcel distribution applications.


News Jun 02, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
ABB, Rockwell Automation, and Others Launch Edge Interoperability Initiative for Automation Ecosystems

ABB, Rockwell Automation, and Others Launch Edge Interoperability Initiative for Automation Ecosystems

ABB, Rockwell Automation, and other top industrial automation companies have come together to develop an open standard for interoperability between hardware and software in the industrial space.


News May 31, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Python Tutorial Part 3 | Data Structures: Lists

Python Tutorial Part 3 | Data Structures: Lists

This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with one of the more commonly used structures called ‘lists.’


Understanding Sensors with Timer Functions: Applications and Advantages

Understanding Sensors with Timer Functions: Applications and Advantages

Sensors with timer functions advance modern automation systems, enhancing the precision and flexibility of in-process controls to ease the strict requirement for an external, clock-based logic CPU.


New I/O Modules for AutomationDirect’s Productivity PLC Series

New I/O Modules for AutomationDirect’s Productivity PLC Series

The new additions include a high-current relay output for the Productivity1000 and 2000 series and a TTL input and output for the Productivity2000, allowing interface with systems of varying voltages.


News May 27, 2024 by David Peterson
Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans.


Infrastructure From IT to OT: SCADA Platform Example with Ansible

Infrastructure From IT to OT: SCADA Platform Example with Ansible

High-level IT/OT integration in a manufacturing environment involves skills in networking communication and field equipment. This example involves automating remote connections between computers.


Comau Showcases the “Power of Automation” at Automate 2024

Comau Showcases the “Power of Automation” at Automate 2024

At Automate 2024, Comau unveiled its latest innovations in hardware and software that promote sustainability, productivity, and enhanced worker safety in industrial environments.


News May 17, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
Mitsubishi HMI Programming Tutorial: Controlling On/Off Bits

Mitsubishi HMI Programming Tutorial: Controlling On/Off Bits

Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of simple on/off bits, gain some understanding of HMI designing and programming.


Python Tutorial Part 1 | What is Python and Where do I Start?

Python Tutorial Part 1 | What is Python and Where do I Start?

An introduction to the popular Python language and how to take the first step in learning programming. In this article, learn how to obtain the proper IDE and executable for your OS.


Introducing the edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC for Data Integration

Introducing the edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC for Data Integration

Softing Industrial has expanded its edgeConnector product family of docker containers to support the widely used Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers.


News May 15, 2024 by Austin Futrell
3 Lessons From Automate: Looking Toward the Trends of the Future

3 Lessons From Automate: Looking Toward the Trends of the Future

The Automate Show is a great place to get a pulse on the tech that will be driving industrial automation. From the demos and displays, what kind of trends can we expect throughout 2024 and beyond?


News May 14, 2024 by David Peterson
Weidmuller Introduces New Modular Compact Terminal Blocks

Weidmuller Introduces New Modular Compact Terminal Blocks

Weidmuller recently launched several new product ranges of multi-purpose terminal blocks, designed to save valuable cabinet space for signal routing and marshaling in distributed control systems.


News May 13, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Automate 2024: More Exciting Control and Robotics Technology

Automate 2024: More Exciting Control and Robotics Technology

The 4-day Automate trade show held many innovations from over 800 exhibitors. Check out more announcements, featured items, and snapshots of the technology on display to the world!


News May 11, 2024 by David Peterson