Emerson now offers a free template configuration for marine applications, based on its Movicon.NExT HMI/SCADA system, its PACSystems edge controllers, industrial panel PCs, and other control and networking products. This marine demonstration configuration provides a comprehensive user visualization and interface experience, and it is available free of charge so designers and shipbuilders can accelerate their…

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation recently announced that it had been awarded a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title onMay 21, 2024, for the fastest robot to solve a puzzle cube using the TOKUI Fast Accurate Synchronized Motion Testing Robot (TOKUFASTbot). The previous record of 0.38 seconds was trumped by TOKUFASTbot’s time of 0.305 seconds. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation reports…

For applications combining traditional automation, multi-axis coordinated motion control, and a need for data handling, a motion-optimized PLC platform provides an elegant and streamlined solution. By Kevin McClelion and Joe Scoccimaro, AutomationDirect Anyone who has had the chance to see a modern factory in action, whether in person or perhaps via an episode of the…

Industrial engineers spend a lot of time writing code for programs that will run machines in the plant, on the packaging line, or in a warehouse. The problem is, however, there’s no standard best practices for version control or disaster recovery. Copia Automation, a four-year-old start-up, is changing that by applying IT-based DevOps to the…

IDEC Corporation has expanded its SmartAXIS touch family with the new FT2J Series combined PLC+HMI. A compact all-in-one form factor combines built-in full function controller features and functions, both onboard and expandable I/O, and an advanced technology 7” touchscreen display, providing many advantages for a wide variety of industries. Compact, simple, and streamlined An all-in-one…

Programmable logic controllers or PLCs are microprocessor-based components that serve as the programmable smarts for simple or isolated applications. They’re also finding increasing use on integrated machinery and automated installations with extensive IIoT connectivity. In this new Tech Toolbox, the editors of Design World detail how PLCs came to replace relay-based controls as well as…

AutomationDirect has added a low-cost CODESYS PLC solution for those who prefer CODESYS programming. CODESYS is the most widely used manufacturer-independent IEC 61131-3 development system on the market, and the new P2CDS-622 CPU features a CODESYS engine housed in a Productivity2000 controller form factor. This CPU offers plenty of communication capabilities and works seamlessly with…

AutomationDirect has added XGB PLCs designed and manufactured by LS Electric, a well-established global PLC manufacturer with over 40 years of experience. This PLC family offers advanced controllers geared for motion applications but with high-level features, such as IEC programming, that can be beneficial in any automated system. These stackable LS Electric PLCs have numerous…

AutomationDirect has added the next-generation CPU for the Productivity2000 PLC line. The P2-622 CPU has all the functionality of the original CPU including up to 50MB ladder memory, embedded OLED status display, remote I/O, multipurpose Ethernet 10/100Base-T (RJ45) ports, and a microSD card slot. In addition, this new CPU has a lower cost, dual software-configurable…

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. expands its line of MELSEC iQ-F series compact controllers to now offer a basic model providing OEMs with an all-in-one controller for small machines up to 60 I/O with integrated Ethernet connectivity. The FX5S PLC is a solution for simple automation applications at a more affordable price than the original FX5U…

For decades, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies have been migrating into industrial automation applications, providing expanded functionality. Control room workstations and local human-machine interfaces once ran on proprietary operating systems, but most are now Linux- or Windows-based, with dramatically lower costs and increased capabilities. In the same timeframe, industrial communications have advanced from dedicated and limited…

Emerson, a global software, technology, and engineering leader, today announced the release of its PACSystems™ RSTi-EP CPE 200 programmable automation controllers (PAC). This new family of compact PACs helps original equipment manufacturers (OEM) successfully meet customer requirements by minimizing the need for specialized software engineering talent. CPE 200 controllers will deliver large programmable logic controller…

Softing Inc. announces tManager for PostgreSQL delivering streamlined connectivity between Rockwell PLCs and PostgreSQL databases. tManager is one of many connectivity solutions offered by Softing including OEM engineering development toolkits, PLC in-chassis connectivity modules, DIN rail gateways, server-based connectivity solutions, and a vast array of industry-leading OPC UA solutions. tManager is a ControlLogix or CompactLogix…

As we ring in the new year, the Design World staff would like to present our most-read articles of 2022. 1. Best free analog circuit simulators Blogs and online forums catering to engineers often mention all kinds of free packages and services aimed at circuit designers. Trouble is, a lot of these free resources are…

Softing just extended tManagerTM connectivity for Rockwell PLCs by adding a connector to PostgreSQL databases for easy, secure, and robust production monitoring, recipe downloading, high-speed sorting, and industrial analytics at scale. tManager inserts into the ControlLogix PLC chassis. tManager can move Logix tags from the in-chassis PLC, collect tags from other PLCs and move tags…

AutomationDirect has added RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Read/Write modules from Contrinex. RFID technology uses radio frequencies to read and write data to/from electronic labels called tags. As opposed to standard barcode readers, RFID technology doesn’t require a line of sight between the tag and the Read/Write module to operate, and tags store a large amount…

WAGO’s new Compact Controller 100 is a small-scale PLC with a wide variety of remote I/O for use in smaller applications. Engineered for OEMs, IIOT digitization projects, and building automation applications, this easy-to-use device is cost-effective for small, but demanding applications. This PLC can interface with industrial devices using protocols such as MODBUS TCP/UDP, EtherNet/IP,…

Perform local control and monitoring of applications wirelessly with WAGO’s new industrial-grade PFC200 controller with integrated cellular modem. This all-in-one PLC controller and cell modem eliminates extra hardware and, by using the controller’s web-based management configuration software to initiate the cell modem, reduces setup time. This new controller has the ability to deliver information directly…

The new Industrial Gateway Communications Device by Weidmuller is the solution for interference-free data transmission over long distances. It is a single solution for connecting multiple devices, across multiple protocols. In systems where the installed base includes Industrial Ethernet and/or serial protocols, establishing communication across devices is critical and upgrading the equipment isn’t always feasible.…

NORD’s condition monitoring solution focuses on status-based maintenance to increase the service life of components and machines, predict undesirable operating conditions, and reduce unplanned downtimes, service costs, and material costs. NORD’s Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance solution uses sensors and drive parameters to provide status-based maintenance Condition monitoring for predictive maintenance is a drive solution…

OEMs and systems integrators are finding that they can speed development and reduce risk for edge computing, visualization, analytics, and IIoT project solutions by selecting fit-for-purpose hardware and software combinations. By Silvia Gonzalez and Nishita Palkar, Emerson Designers of automated machinery and systems must truly be multi-discipline masters to combine mechanical, electrical, and automation elements…

CLICK PLUS PLCs combine the simplicity of the original CLICK PLC with advanced features, including Wi-Fi capability, MQTT communication, data logging, and mobile access. The new CLICK PLUS 2-slot CPU offers an additional built-in option module slot for even more PLC I/O customization. Over 400 option slot I/O module combinations are now possible for a…

By Michael Hoffman, of Dragos and the SANS Technology Institute Those already working in the industrial automation space are aware of the advances over recent years with controllers, communications, and other technologies used for projects of all sizes. Whether the automation task is a single machine or a factory, there are many options for creating…

From its early beginnings, the Krispy Kreme company has designed and built the proprietary machines that have given “rise” to their equally safeguarded doughnut recipe. The company’s headquarters in Winston Salem, NC., is where a 105,000 square foot manufacturing facility houses research, design, testing, engineering, and production. The machines and processing equipment being built there…

Industrial automation typically uses 24 Vdc, but many mobile and remote applications are easier to integrate with 12 Vdc PLCs. By Don Pham, IDEC Corporation Typical industrial automation projects today rely heavily on 24 Vdc for device power and signaling. This voltage level is touch-safe for users and the minimal voltage drop in conductors due…