Latest Technical Articles

Blockchain is a secure and decentralized system of immutable database records that can be useful in manufacturing, such…

Blockchain is a secure and decentralized system of immutable database records that can be useful in manufacturing, such as with product traceability and logging network activity from IoT industrial devices. 

Build a low-cost PLC using the Arduino Uno and the open-source industrial controls software, OpenPLC, to learn how to…

Build a low-cost PLC using the Arduino Uno and the open-source industrial controls software, OpenPLC, to learn how to program with ladder logic, beginning with your first OpenPLC project: Hello World.

As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its…

As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its solutions. Learn about these challenges as well as some potential solutions.

IIoT adoption increases productivity and efficiency while reducing costs in manufacturing. However, such systems often…

IIoT adoption increases productivity and efficiency while reducing costs in manufacturing. However, such systems often open up potential attack surfaces for malicious actors if not secured correctly. 

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two…

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two types of induction motors: squirrel cage and wound rotor.

Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must…

Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must be collected. How can IoT devices be designed to conserve power to last for months or even years?

Learn about the four IIoT architecture layers: perception, network, processing, and application, and how  these layers…

Learn about the four IIoT architecture layers: perception, network, processing, and application, and how  these layers are necessary to implement IIoT in an industrial setting to benefit varying processes.

Learn how to take advantage of the powerful AOI feature that comes standard in Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs using…

Learn how to take advantage of the powerful AOI feature that comes standard in Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs using RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 Software.

Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the…

Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the technology differences between fixed-location robots and mobile robots and why no one robot is like another.

There are many considerations when selecting a thermocouple type. In this article, we look at the advantages, and…

There are many considerations when selecting a thermocouple type. In this article, we look at the advantages, and limitations, of the eight standard thermocouples and various installation considerations.

B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however…

B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however their PLCs, lineup of motors, and product offerings with Automation Studio make B&R a leader in industrial innovation.

Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital,…

Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital, cloud-based solutions have become increasingly popular, including SaaS and its variants, IaaS and PaaS.  

Ladder logic and structured text language are fairly common yet visually different. How do you choose the best PLC…

Ladder logic and structured text language are fairly common yet visually different. How do you choose the best PLC language for your automation application?

Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature…

Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature problems occur only based on climate conditions, and mitigation steps must be employed.

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage…

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage and current of the output module terminals.

The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead…

The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.

Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These…

Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These remain the top concern of many manufacturing businesses, but as improvements are rolled out, more and more companies are adopting cloud solutions. 

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several…

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.

Mobile robot work cells can move between workstations and tend to where demand is highest. These self-contained work…

Mobile robot work cells can move between workstations and tend to where demand is highest. These self-contained work cells offer more flexibility for manufacturers than industrial and collaborative robot cells we have previously talked about.