Industry Supports Rocket Science
AutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 53, 2024Notebook IssueStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Industry Supports Rocket Science

Industrial-grade products provide a path for this student organization to develop a space-capable rocket. Byline: Oleg Khalimonov, Space Concordia Many are familiar with the phrase “it isn’t rocket science.” But today more than ever, sometimes it is rocket science. SpaceX and other organizations have made rocket launches and space exploration commercially viable and almost commonplace,…
2025 Digital Animation Award
Education/DIYStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

2025 Digital Animation Award

This FIRST award, sponsored by AutomationDirect, celebrates the art of digital animation and its close relationship to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).  NEW FOR 2025: Separate competitions for FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge teams. The 2025 Digital Animation Awards are offered to help encourage students to cultivate skills in design and creation of animation…
Supplier Profile: Plymouth Rubber
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Supplier Profile: Plymouth Rubber

With more than 100 years of experience developing, manufacturing and selling electrical insulation solutions, Plymouth Rubber knows quality is key to continuous success for its business and its customers. With this in mind, the company has a dual focus on delivering products that offer both high-efficiency and durability to reduce costs, while improving the longevity…
Supplier Profile: Teknokol
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Supplier Profile: Teknokol

In the manufacturing industry, companies are clamoring for products that can automate processes to increase efficiency. The safety and comfort of machines and their operators is also paramount, causing a rising demand for more protective workplace solutions. That’s why innovative solutions, such as programmable support arms, operator control systems and enclosures, are becoming more essential…
Supplier Profile: Epson LabelWorks
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Supplier Profile: Epson LabelWorks

When it comes to industrial labeling, precision is important. Misplaced, peeling or torn barcode labels can make them unreadable to scanners, while poor ink quality can make them unreadable to the human eye. Inconsistent coloring can also jeopardize brand recognition. Operating amidst the rigors of an industrial environment, durability is critical, as well. The portable…
Supplier Profile: Pfannenberg
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Supplier Profile: Pfannenberg

What do severe weather, industrial fire, hazard warnings, airport safety, and illuminating the Eiffel Tower have in common? They are all important ways that signaling technologies for machines and buildings made by Pfannenberg are being used to protect people, machines and the environment. When Otto Pfannenberg established his electrical equipment company in Hamburg, Germany in…
Supplier Profile: Schmersal
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Supplier Profile: Schmersal

Open, close. Lock, unlock. On, off. Within industrial operations, the seemingly simple action of a switch has the power to keep a production line humming, prevent a potentially disastrous equipment accident or failure, or even save a life. With automated systems continuing to grow in scope and sophistication, so does awareness of the importance of…
Supplier Profile: Balluff
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Supplier Profile: Balluff

What do manufacturers in the packaging, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries have in common? How would you answer this question if it was asked during a restaurant trivia game? If you bet all your hard-earned trivia points on “E,” then you would be collecting your prize! Balluff is a fourth-generation, family-owned sensor and…