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Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Broken industrial machinery can cause unexpected downtime, production loss, and even injury. Let's look at some of the most common issues and how to properly address them.


Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

XaaS, or the service model, has grown in the last several years. Pop-up terms like “SaaS,” “IaaS,” and “RaaS” are seen throughout the industry. But what do they mean, and do they provide dependable ROI?


Why are 6-axis Robot Arms so Common?

Why are 6-axis Robot Arms so Common?

In the typical articulated arm structure, six axes of motion are often seen as a standard design target. Why is six that target, and what are the benefits and losses from more or fewer axes?


Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

What does “digital transformation” really mean, and what are the technologies involved in the process? Further, which of these technologies are facilities adopting?


An Introduction to Genetic Programming: A System That Programs Itself?

An Introduction to Genetic Programming: A System That Programs Itself?

Can a system author itself? Genetic programming may represent the next revolution for control systems, robot navigation, pattern recognition, and more.


Data Flow Programming in LabVIEW

Data Flow Programming in LabVIEW

One of the most confusing concepts for new LabVIEW programmers is the concept of data flow programming. Data flow programming determines the run order of nodes, making some data available before others.


How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

Let’s review how fuzzy logic and ladder logic work together, how to design a fuzzy logic controller, and some advantages and disadvantages of using fuzzy logic.


How to Calculate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

How to Calculate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

In production, "effectiveness" can refer to numerous factors. If these factors are all considered together, the overall effectiveness of the equipment and process may be rated.


Data Science for Control Systems

Data Science for Control Systems

Data science is a multidisciplinary field crucial to modern automation. In this article, learn about data science concepts and best practices.


Data Types Used in LabVIEW

Data Types Used in LabVIEW

LabVIEW uses different data types to store and convey information. Let’s review the most common types and how they are used in the program.


What is a Data Lake?

What is a Data Lake?

Learn the fundaments of data lakes and how they are important to digital transformation under Industry 4.0.


Simple File Output in LabVIEW

Simple File Output in LabVIEW

The scope of this article shows one method of writing data to a file using LabVIEW software, and when this type of data acquisition and recording is appropriate.


M2M Communication: Is Ethernet or Wireless Better?

M2M Communication: Is Ethernet or Wireless Better?

Efficient communication between machines is key in industrial automation. As both Ethernet and wireless network technologies improve, which one is poised to take the lead in the future?


Optical Fiber: The Future of Industrial Communications?

Optical Fiber: The Future of Industrial Communications?

Fiber optics is a promising technology for the future of industrial automation. In this article, learn the history, fundamentals, and application of fiber optics.


Decision-making Structures in LabVIEW

Decision-making Structures in LabVIEW

Choosing between a select? structure and a case structure to form your decision-making structure in LabVIEW? In this article, we’ll review how each of these structures suits different applications.


Addressing AS-Interface (ASi)

Addressing AS-Interface (ASi)

ASi is a pioneering standard in automation technology that helps simplify and lower field device integration costs.


What is the Difference Between IoT and Cloud Computing?

What is the Difference Between IoT and Cloud Computing?

IoT infrastructure consists of many factory parts, one being cloud computing. Rather than ask how they’re different, let’s look into how they work together to form industry 4.0.


LabVIEW Loops Explained

LabVIEW Loops Explained

In programming languages, loops control processes and instrumentation. Learn how to set up while loops, for loops, and other types of loops in LabVIEW.


An Introduction to Ball Valves in Control Systems

An Introduction to Ball Valves in Control Systems

In control systems using fluid or airflow, ball valves can restrict pressure leaks and connect instruments in a network.


Key Factors in Selecting a DIN Rail Power Solution

Key Factors in Selecting a DIN Rail Power Solution

What are DIN Rail power solutions, and where do you need them in your facility?