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Automate 2024 in Chicago: The Exciting First Days of the Show

Automate 2024 in Chicago: The Exciting First Days of the Show

Chicago has been the hub of high-tech automation technology for the past several days. Check out some of the amazing new and innovative tech to discover the trends we can expect for 2024 and beyond.


News May 09, 2024 by David Peterson
Seamless PLC-to-Robot Integration With Universal Robots and Siemens

Seamless PLC-to-Robot Integration With Universal Robots and Siemens

Universal Robots is the first cobot manufacturer to adopt the Siemens SRCI system to provide seamless cobot-to-PLC integration.


News May 06, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Balluff Brings Wireless IO-Link to Redefine Control System Networking

Balluff Brings Wireless IO-Link to Redefine Control System Networking

Balluff has announced a host of products embracing wireless IO-Link, simplifying the configuration and connection process of automation communication for field I/O devices.


News May 01, 2024 by Seth Price
FANUC Robot Ethernet Tutorial: Setting Up PLC I/O Communication

FANUC Robot Ethernet Tutorial: Setting Up PLC I/O Communication

Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000 environment for a Rockwell PLC.


Introducing Valmet DNAe: A Next-generation Distributed Control System

Introducing Valmet DNAe: A Next-generation Distributed Control System

Valmet’s new advanced distributed control system, Valmet DNAe, provides customers with integrated advanced process controls, enhanced cybersecurity, and data-driven process analysis and optimization.


News Apr 27, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
Control Bits: A Roundup of April’s Automation News You May Have Missed

Control Bits: A Roundup of April’s Automation News You May Have Missed

Connectors, robot trainers, pneumatics, servo motors, and more… Join the Control editorial team as we dive into some news and headlines from the world of robotics and control automation over the past weeks!


News Apr 26, 2024 by David Peterson
Hannover Messe 24: Phoenix Contact and Festo Align Using PLCnext Tech

Hannover Messe 24: Phoenix Contact and Festo Align Using PLCnext Tech

Festo adopts the open architecture of the PLCnext platform from Phoenix Contact to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions to customers who need connectivity in electric and pneumatic systems.


News Apr 25, 2024 by David Peterson
How-to: Programming Discrete I/O With a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC

How-to: Programming Discrete I/O With a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC

Learn how to use DirectSOFT6 to program discrete I/O functions in a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC. Although these PLCs are older, they are found in many existing automation installations.


DFI Launches Latest Industrial PCs for Advanced AI Computing

DFI Launches Latest Industrial PCs for Advanced AI Computing

In a world where real-time data processing and data-driven insights are paramount for establishing an efficient automated industrial environment, DFI brings forward its latest embedded system solutions.


News Apr 24, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
Control Looks Ahead to the Future of Industrial Tech at Automate 2024

Control Looks Ahead to the Future of Industrial Tech at Automate 2024

Join us as we check out the latest in today's industrial control system technology when we visit Chicago in early May, enjoying the sights and sounds of Automate 2024.


News Apr 23, 2024 by David Peterson
Introducing Cincoze’s Latest Industrial PCs: The DA-1200 and DV-1100

Introducing Cincoze’s Latest Industrial PCs: The DA-1200 and DV-1100

Cincoze has released two new compact industrial PCs for use in high-vibration, rugged environments. The DA-1200 is palm-sized and fit for standard use, while the bigger DV-1100 offers powerful processing.


News Apr 21, 2024 by Seth Price
Tutorial: Arduino and AutomationDirect Merged in the ProOpen PLC

Tutorial: Arduino and AutomationDirect Merged in the ProOpen PLC

Having separately covered Arduino’s microcontroller platforms and AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs, it’s time to take the wheel of the ProOpen, a PLC that combines modularity with C++ programming.


Simple, Cost-Effective I/O: Control Techniques Releases Drive Expansion

Simple, Cost-Effective I/O: Control Techniques Releases Drive Expansion

Expanding motor drives with I/O is a cost-effective way of increasing local control without burdening the control system. Control Technique’s new SI-I/O 24 Plus expands I/O right on the drive unit.


OnLogic Tacton Series: New Panel PC & Display Technology

OnLogic Tacton Series: New Panel PC & Display Technology

OnLogic has announced a new customizable HMI interface that uses modern PC technology with an integrated industrial touchscreen for a flexible control environment.


News Apr 17, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Robot-To-PLC Handshaking

Robot-To-PLC Handshaking

Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies.


Siemens Debuts Updated PLC: The S7-1200 G2

Siemens Debuts Updated PLC: The S7-1200 G2

The S7-1200 is Siemens’ flagship small form factor PLC, upgradable with signal boards and modules. The new update, the S7-1200 G2, demonstrated at Hannover Messe, contains an array of new features.


News Apr 16, 2024 by David Peterson
Rockwell Makes Automation Look Easy With Updates to ArmorBlock 5000

Rockwell Makes Automation Look Easy With Updates to ArmorBlock 5000

Integrators and machine builders can automate and maintain systems with greater ease thanks to Rockwell Automation’s enhanced firmware and features for the ArmorBlock 5000 IO-Link device series.


News Apr 15, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.


Accelerate PLC Ladder Logic Learning with New Arduino Starter Kit

Accelerate PLC Ladder Logic Learning with New Arduino Starter Kit

Tackling a growing need for education in industrial automation, Arduino has launched a starter kit for PLC learning based on the new Opta, the PLC IDE, and hardware to integrate I/O devices.


News Apr 08, 2024 by David Peterson
Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?