Industrial Automation News for the Next Generation
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Recent Posts
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…
While PROFINET and EtherNet/IP are among the most well-known industrial Ethernet communication protocols in North America, there are compelling reasons to choose EtherCAT for your next motion control or automation design. By Chip McDaniel, AutomationDirect For new industrial automation installations, as well as retrofits and upgrades, Ethernet adoption continues to grow as traditional fieldbus technology…
May 6, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers Hammond wireways which are designed to house electrical cables and wires, keep them organized, and protect them from environmental contaminants or physical damage. The new CW series carbon steel lay-in wireways are available with a NEMA 1 rating, a hinged screw cover, and are offered with or without…
Five Ways AI Will Grow ROI on Plant Floors in 2026 AI isn’t new to manufacturing. Vision systems can already spot defects; predictive maintenance models can keep bearings from failing unexpectedly; and scheduling software can adjust production on the fly. What’s changing in 2026 is the reach and capabilities of these tools as well as…
Press Releases
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….
May 13, 2026 – AutomationDirect has added Saginaw NEMA 1 wall‑mount enclosures which are designed for indoor use where economical, reliable protection is essential. Available in a wide range of sizes, these enclosures feature sturdy carbon steel construction, convenient knockouts on all sides for streamlined wiring, 180‑degree door opening for easy access, and compatibility with common…
May 13,2026 – AutomationDirect now offers additional Metal Work pneumatic and new potable water components that support both general and specialized applications. The BIT series air prep line includes compact, cost effective filters, coalescing filters, regulators, lubricators, filter regulators, and complete FRL units. Available in multiple pressure ranges with 1/8″ and 1/4″ NPT ports, select units…
May 13, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers STAHL Zener barriers and intrinsically safe isolators expands our offering of safety products, further strengthening our ability to support a wide range of hazardous area applications. This expanded lineup adds single- and multi-channel support for the following input signals: zero-potential contacts, vibration transducers, 7.5 VDC load cells, analog…
May 6, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers Datalogic series safety laser scanners in enhanced models, delivering advanced protection for machinery, robotic cells, and mobile automation applications. These next-generation scanners use time of flight measurement technology to safely monitor up to a 72 m² area with a wide 275° scanning angle, ensuring reliable detection in even…