Industrial Automation News for the Next Generation
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Recent Posts
Closed-loop PID control is indispensable for a myriad of automation applications, and designers need to know the options for implementing PID using either dedicated devices or automation controllers. Automated regulatory control of characteristics like flow, level, pressure, temperature, and many other types of analog values is essential for countless types of machinery, processing equipment, and…
Since 1977, Ever Motion Solutions has been a trusted leader in industrial automation, designing and manufacturing high-performance motion control solutions including stepper, brushless motors and drives. The company uses its nearly 50 years of expertise to simplify motion control for customers worldwide and deliver reliable, durable products with an emphasis on innovation. Founded by engineer…
Beyond Safety Slogans: Cultivating a Workforce Culture to Protect People and Productivity Industrial safety standards have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily driven by the integration of automation and robotics into manufacturing environments. Traditional lockout and tagout procedures have evolved into sophisticated safety systems that incorporate real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and zone-based safety…
This OEM systems integrator has standardized on a common touchscreen user interface, improving their ability to create automated equipment for their clients. While automated equipment ideally runs itself, there remains a need for humans to interact with machinery for setup, monitoring, troubleshooting, and more. This role was once fulfilled by buttons, switches, lights, and the…
Anyone who has ever observed a modern factory in action, whether in person or perhaps via an episode of the “How It’s Made” documentary television series, is aware of just how impressive machine automation can be. This is especially the case when witnessing robotic arms and other machine motion control, as mechanical apparatus and payloads…
This home-built robot was created with industrial-grade automation technologies, providing a unique platform for learning career-enhancing skills. Inspired by science fiction movies featuring robots like R2-D2 and WALL-E, Justin Flynn, a controls engineer, embarked on a journey to build a personal animatronic robot named Hubert Evolution 2 (HEV2), reminiscent of Johnny 5 from the 1986…
Application StoriesHMIMotion ControlOperator InterfacePLCPneumaticsProductProgrammable ControlSafety
Automated Robotic Welding Cuts Production Time by Over 90%
A manufacturing company teamed up with a systems integration firm to significantly accelerate an infrastructure project by integrating a robotic welder with precision motion control, intelligent safety systems, and other advanced automation components. Tasked with producing over three miles of steel fencing in just 90 weeks, a leading steel fabrication company knew it needed to…
New Product Giveaway – CHANNELLOCK! Enter your info for a chance to win some of our newest products. This giveaway includes (2) 9.5-in. pliers, (2) 6.5- in. pliers and (2) 6-in. wire strippers. You will also be entered to win 1 of 5 drill bit sets. Contest is open for approximately 3 weeks after the…
Pilot devices are essential operator interface components for most automated equipment and processes. As the industrial age dawned, machinery and equipment were controlled manually by operators pulling levers, turning hand cranks, and making similar actions and adjustments as they saw fit. Industry 1.0 was powered by water and steam, 2.0 relied on electricity and added…
Press Releases
August 6, 2025 – AutomationDirect.com has added Atkore Liquid-Tuff conduit which provides versatile cable protection and routing in hazardous environments, is UL-listed in all trade sizes, and is marked for outdoor use, direct burial, and concrete embedment. Atkore’s Type LFNC-B non-metallic liquid-tight flexible conduit is a raceway with a smooth polyvinyl chloride (PVC) inner surface…
August 6, 2025 – AutomationDirect.com has added ASO Safety Solutions safety mats which provide a horizontal detection area (typically on the floor) to sense and protect personnel when entering dangerous areas. This safety mat addition includes yellow mats in 24 x 24 inches, 24 x 60 inches, and 36 x 36 inches with tapered or…
August 6, 2025 – AutomationDirect.com has added Minerallac’s comprehensive range of electrical fasteners and support systems ensures secure mounting, reliable positioning, and efficient installation of electrical conduit, piping, or equipment in commercial and industrial applications. Minerallac beam and flange clamps feature screw-on and hammer-on designs for secure attachment to structural beams. Conduit straps and clips,…
July 30, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Ardent digital multimeters, testers, and testing accessories which are ideal tools for diagnosing and maintaining electrical systems. Digital and clamp-on multimeters measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity with high accuracy, helping identify faults and verify system performance. Ardent’s auto or manual ranging digital multimeters feature an Automatic terminal…
July 30, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added di-soric 2D S-mount lens cameras, which utilize a standard interchangeable M12 lens. These cameras provide powerful imaging capabilities and can also function as vision sensors, making them ideal for applications that require flexibility and adaptability. They support functions such as localization, detection, counting, measurement, and code reading, and…
July 30, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added WAGO JUMPFLEX® 857 series signal conditioners and temperature transmitters which deliver reliable signal conversion in a compact 6 mm-wide housing, ideal for high-density DIN rail installations. With configurable input and output ranges, these modules adapt easily to a wide range of industrial applications. WAGO conditioners and transmitters easily convert…