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 PLC Program Commands: Arrays and Pointers

PLC Program Commands: Arrays and Pointers

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very complex and difficult to master. Let’s do a run-down of arrays and some of their complexities!


Challenges and Best Practices Implementing Industrial IoT Solutions

Challenges and Best Practices Implementing Industrial IoT Solutions

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.


3-phase Motor Types: Synchronous and Induction Motors

3-phase Motor Types: Synchronous and Induction Motors

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.


Solving the Biggest Challenge of IoT Devices: Power

Solving the Biggest Challenge of IoT Devices: Power

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?


Components of the Industrial Internet of Things

Components of the Industrial Internet of Things

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.


Technology Differences: Stationary Robots vs Mobile Robots

Technology Differences: Stationary Robots vs Mobile Robots

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.


B&R Industrial Automation Hardware and Software

B&R Industrial Automation Hardware and Software

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.


IoT Software Distribution Models: Cloud Based and On Premises

IoT Software Distribution Models: Cloud Based and On Premises

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.  


I/O Module Debate: Transistor vs. Relay Output?

I/O Module Debate: Transistor vs. Relay Output?

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.


Cloud Computing and the Industrial Internet of Things

Cloud Computing and the Industrial Internet of Things

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. 


Automation on the Move: Mobile Robot Cells

Automation on the Move: Mobile Robot Cells

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. 


Automation Issues and Energy Usage in Environmental Extremes

Automation Issues and Energy Usage in Environmental Extremes

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems. 


Recreating PLC Ladder Logic in an Arduino C/C++ IDE

Recreating PLC Ladder Logic in an Arduino C/C++ IDE

​​​​​​​Arduinos have been a staple in the community of makers, students, and project innovators for many years. For many using Arduino’s IDE, there can be difficulties in translating between PLC ladder rungs and text programming.


How to Define the Tool Center Point (TCP) on a Robot

How to Define the Tool Center Point (TCP) on a Robot

Robots must be moved using cartesian frames to coordinate motion of all the joints. Properly defining the tool center point greatly simplifies teaching for any type of end of arm tool (EoAT).


PLC Program Commands: Move and Copy Instructions

PLC Program Commands: Move and Copy Instructions

Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and Synchronous Copy File and show how they can be used to move individual pieces of data and entire arrays. 


Electrical Resistance Measurement Problems - What Can Go Wrong?

Electrical Resistance Measurement Problems - What Can Go Wrong?

Today’s digital multimeters (DMMs) are inexpensive, accurate, and easy to use, but sometimes a problem with the circuit or the measurement can cause incorrect readings. Learn to interpret and fix these problems.


Photoelectric Sensor Wavelengths

Photoelectric Sensor Wavelengths

Learn about the differences between red, green, infrared, and more recently, blue photoelectric sensors and how the different light spectrums can aid in varying industrial automation processes.


Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

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.  


What is Firmware, and Why is PLC Firmware Important?

What is Firmware, and Why is PLC Firmware Important?

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and registers, and even the communication of network signals. This is the job of firmware.


Interrupting Dangerous Current Flow: Fuses vs. Circuit Breakers

Interrupting Dangerous Current Flow: Fuses vs. Circuit Breakers

Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two pieces of industrial equipment and the difference between slow blow and quick blow responses.