Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment…
Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.
We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation,…
We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?
Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics…
Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics information. What’s inside these touchscreen displays, and how do they actually work?
Air power drives a lot of modern equipment. Robot grippers, ejectors, actuators, and rotary tables are just a few of the…
Air power drives a lot of modern equipment. Robot grippers, ejectors, actuators, and rotary tables are just a few of the devices controlled by air. What’s inside those banks of solenoid valves, and how do they work?
Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn…
Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn about the role of routers in industrial applications and how to properly maintain them.
No matter how robust an automated control system might be, physical damage is a reality that plagues all machines. Thanks…
No matter how robust an automated control system might be, physical damage is a reality that plagues all machines. Thanks to new breakthrough materials, some failures may be prevented—or even reversed.
Fatigue failures in amorphous materials have long been a bit of a mystery in the engineering and scientific fields, but…
Fatigue failures in amorphous materials have long been a bit of a mystery in the engineering and scientific fields, but new research is removing some of the mystery and may open up new applications for amorphous materials.
When a robot crashes, it needs to be put back into position. The steps in this process depends on the end user and the…
When a robot crashes, it needs to be put back into position. The steps in this process depends on the end user and the equipment manufacturer. Understanding why the robot crashed also helps prevent future failures.
Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and…
Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and parts. Learn how Autodesk’s Fusion 360 offers a complete solution for electromechanical integration and design.
Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory…
Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory space and computation time. This can be overcome using simple approximations.
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.
Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop…
Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop offering an application system from the Universal Robots UR+ series.
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…
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?
We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a…
We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a cobot? Last week, I got a chance to get my hands on a cobot for the first time.
Product lifecycle management (PLM) and industrial automation are growing closer together. This article explores recent…
Product lifecycle management (PLM) and industrial automation are growing closer together. This article explores recent trends and application examples of this software in industry.
Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate…
Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate a process without a large upfront capital investment.
This article explores the different ways in which PLM applications can be integrated with enterprise resource planning…
This article explores the different ways in which PLM applications can be integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
In this article, learn about the key features and benefits of some of the most popular PLM applications in the market.
In this article, learn about the key features and benefits of some of the most popular PLM applications in the market.
Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.
Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.