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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.  


Preventing Failures in High-Temperature Manufacturing Processes

Preventing Failures in High-Temperature Manufacturing Processes

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.


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.


Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

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.


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. 


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.


How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with perhaps the most basic: how do you program industrial robots?


UL Listed Devices For Industrial Automation

UL Listed Devices For Industrial Automation

UL Listed devices are certified as safe within North America, specifically, the US. Learn about the importance of UL Certification and the key role it plays in industrial automation.


Understanding Centralization vs Decentralization of PLCs

Understanding Centralization vs Decentralization of PLCs

Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing which one to use in manufacturing. 


Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.


Working With Legacy Systems—Why Use Serial to Ethernet Converters?

Working With Legacy Systems—Why Use Serial to Ethernet Converters?

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old protocols like RS232 and RS485. Learn about the importance of converting from serial to Ethernet.