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What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines smart conveyor systems and what makes them “smart.”


Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.


Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Can industrial automation utilize blockchain's security integrated with IoT, ICS, and PAC?


Genetic Algorithm Applications and Limitations

Genetic Algorithm Applications and Limitations

Learn about the applications and future directions of genetic programming.


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?


Introduction to Micro PLCs

Introduction to Micro PLCs

Micro PLCs are quite similar to their larger PLC brethren. What are the major differences, advantages, and disadvantages of micro PLCs?


Genetic Algorithm Examples: Evolving a Sorting Program and Symbolic Regression

Genetic Algorithm Examples: Evolving a Sorting Program and Symbolic Regression

Learn about symbolic regression in genetic programming, one of the breaking fields of research for algorithm development that can be used in the control systems of tomorrow.


Assessing Buzzwords: Industry 5.0

Assessing Buzzwords: Industry 5.0

American history has undergone several industrial revolutions largely focused on mass production. Are we heading into a fifth revolution focused on human-machine interaction?


Error Clusters in LabVIEW

Error Clusters in LabVIEW

Simple errors may corrupt data files, crash LabVIEW, or crash the entire computer system. Implementing error clusters will help prevent these issues. Learn how to set up error clusters for your VI.


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.


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.