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 24, 2026-AutomationDirect has added ABB-Thomas & Betts cable management solutions that combine durability, efficiency, and ease of installation, with Ty‑Rap® stainless steel tooth cable ties, Ty‑Grip® reusable cable ties, and dedicated cable tie installation tools. Ty‑Rap cable ties are engineered for secure, long‑term bundling, using a hardened stainless steel locking tooth and UL‑rated Nylon…
June 24, 2026 – AutomationDirect has added RECOM Power RACPRO1 series single-phase DC power supplies which are a highly reliable, low-cost solution for harsh industrial automation and renewable energy applications. These power supplies include adjustable power outputs and other model-specific features, including selectable power boost, switchable constant current or parallel mode, and a load LED display…
June 24, 2026 – AutomationDirect has added more I/O modules for the Productivity2000 PLC series. New combination I/O modules deliver increased flexibility and efficiency by integrating multiple input and output points into a compact footprint, helping reduce both panel space and overall system cost. Available options include DC input modules paired with sinking or sourcing…
June 24, 2026-AutomationDirect now offers Wachendorff 58V and 36J series encoders that sport both IP67 and IP69K ratings, making them well-suited for high-pressure, high-temperature, washdown environments. IP69K is essential for sanitation compliance and protects against dust and intense, close-range liquid jets, including those used for high-pressure steam cleaning. The 58V models have additional resistance to acidic…
June 17th, 2026-AutomationDirect now offers WAGO Base series single-phase switching power supplies that combine a slim form factor with regulated DC outputs, providing low-cost, safe, and reliable power that is ideal for space-limited enclosures. These power supplies offer easy 35mm DIN rail installation, quick wiring with their convenient, tool-free, push-in termination connectors, a wide 90-264 VAC…
June 17, 2026-AutomationDirect’s lineup of knockout and punching tools now includes Cembre hydraulic knockout punching tools and accessories that deliver fast, clean, and accurate cutouts in steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, and plastic sheet materials—eliminating the need for any secondary finishing. A puller‑type hydraulic mechanism applies consistent force through the entire punch stroke, producing smooth, burr‑free…