Industrial Automation News for the Next Generation
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Recent Posts
Every workplace has that one person who seems to notice what everyone else overlooks. In one small manufacturing facility, that person was Bryce, a maintenance supervisor who had a habit of stopping by workstations before shifts began—not to interrupt, but to ask a simple question: “Is everything ready to run safely today?” At first, those…
Modern PLCs Support Dependable SCADA Communications Water and wastewater treatment systems of all sizes are essential and roughly 90% of U.S. systems are considered small (serving 10,000 or fewer people). Though large and small plants often use similar technologies, they operate at very different scales and budgets for automation and staffing. Recognizing this disparity, the…
Unmanaged+ industrial Ethernet switches apply key IT technologies—including VLANs, QoS, IGMP snooping, and more—in easily deployed OT-friendly hardware, all without any required complex management. Today’s manufacturers are pursuing data analytics, AI-driven optimization, remote support, and enterprise-wide visibility, which means that their operational technology (OT) networks can no longer remain isolated from information technology (IT) systems….
By: Kristin Lewotsky, contributing writer Industry 4.0 is a conceptual framework that applies industrial networking, data-gathering and analytics, and smart devices to cut costs and boost efficiency. It emphasizes improving performance by automating processes and removing humans from the loop. Industry 4.0 led to substantial gains in productivity and profitability. It wasn’t universally applicable, however….
Highlights For the last decade (or more), the manufacturing industry has been adopting Industry 4.0 technology. A mashup of the Internet of Things (IoT), network connectivity, cloud computing, analytics and 3D printing have formed the foundation of what’s been leading us toward widespread digital transformation. It’s been the ultimate automation experiment. Especially when we started…
Modern servo and stepper motors and drives—combined with innovations in controllers, communications, and software—have simplified motion control integration and multiplied the possibilities for applying these technologies. By Joe Kimbrell, AutomationDirect Early motion control applications developed a (mostly) well-deserved reputation for requiring costly and esoteric components and technologies that are complex to design, install, configure, and…
Automating livestock feed mixing in an accessible way provides the ideal solution for dairy farmers. By Miles Brake, W.G. Dairy Supply, Inc. W. G. Dairy Supply, Inc. (W.G. Dairy) is an innovative equipment and services supplier in the agricultural space. A portfolio of mechanical and automated equipment, and the company’s ability to provide additional automation…
An automation upgrade allowed a professional summer stock theatre company to integrate its lighting systems, improving control while simplifying operations. By Ryan Poethke, ShowFab In the theatre, lighting sets the stage—creating an atmosphere and evoking mood even before the actors appear. Behind the scenes, however, there is far more than meets the eye: a fascinating…
These engineering students relied on an industry-proven automation platform and other products, to rapidly create a reliable rocketry ground test system. Byline: Jayden Sorensen, Electrical Lead As rocket companies have advanced from using single-use, expendable rockets to now achieving landing and reuse of the vehicles, much of the cost of transporting people and payloads into…
Press Releases
June 3, 2026-AutomationDirect now offers RBS ball screws and nuts to support precise linear motion in both OEM and maintenance replacement applications. Designed to convert rotational motion into linear movement, these US-manufactured ball screws are engineered for high positioning accuracy, low friction, and long service life. Utilizing recirculating ball bearings that roll rather than slide, they…
June 3, 2026 – AutomationDirect has added METEcon multi-wire connectors that simplify complex industrial wiring while improving long-term reliability. Our expanded offering includes more inserts, housing components (including new 32B size), and configuration options without increasing complexity. With pole configurations from 2 poles plus ground up to 108 poles plus ground, screw or crimp terminations,…
June 3, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers Continental hydraulic valves which provide rugged, high‑performance control for industrial hydraulic systems built around NFPA standards. Available in D03 and D05 sizes, these valves support a wide range of circuit requirements while maintaining consistent operation under high pressure and demanding duty cycles. NFPA D03 solenoid valves deliver reliable,…
May 27, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers more Gladiator GR series DIN rail mounted duplex receptacles that are convenience outlets easily installed within electrical enclosures to provide temporary power for laptop computers, test equipment, and USB powered devices. The new GR-REC2 model consists of two NEMA 5-15 straight blade receptacles, the GR-REC2-GFCI adds GFCI protection,…
May 20, 2026-AutomationDirect now offers a wide selection of SIM couplings, along with a new offering of 8M timing pulleys, which has been added to support reliable power transmission in both OEM and MRO applications. Designed for precise motion control, these components help efficiently transmit torque and rotational power between shafts and belt‑driven systems across…
May 20, 2026-AutomationDirect has added Lapp OLFLEX® 190 flexible control cable which provides a new, rugged, versatile option for demanding industrial wiring applications. Designed for machinery, equipment, and control panels, OLFLEX 190 features finely stranded copper conductors with number‑coded insulation and an oil‑, coolant‑, and solvent‑resistant outer jacket for reliable performance in dry, damp, or wet locations….