Highlights
- 5 Ways AI Will Grow ROI on the Plant Floors in 2026
- Headless HMIs Bring New Levels of Flexibility for Machine and Process Control
- Getting with the Object-Oriented Program
- And Much More!
With every new year comes the obligatory “top technology predictions” from industry pundits who look into their crystal ball to figure out the future. Well, we’re doing it too. In this issue of NOTEBOOK, we ring in the new year by enlisting the help of Bill Makley, principal at BMC Consulting, who, for over 30 years, has been advising on industrial automation and cybersecurity projects. For the last 10 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been a big part of his practice. So, we asked him: Where will AI make the most difference for manufacturers this year? His answer may surprise you. But 2026 could be the year that AI delivers that important return on investment (ROI) we’ve all been waiting for. All this and more in our first issue of NOTEBOOK 2026.
In this issue of the Automation Notebook…
For decades, the HMI took the form of a panel-mount device at the machine or on the front of the cabinet. It was a natural fit for the era in which most factories, plants, and facilities were populated by discrete equipment, controlled locally. As facility design and usage models have changed, however, users seek the…
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 their potential to expand returns on a plant’s investment in the cost,…
The recent introduction of user defined instructions in AutomationDirect PLCs provides another tool for accelerating PLC and HMI development. By Tim Ensminger, AutomationDirect Many industrial automation products and practices have been developed as more robust versions of commercial-grade technologies. As microprocessors, memory, and communications hardware and software have evolved throughout the information technology (IT) world,…
Headless HMIs slash costs, simplify installation, and unlock creative display options ranging from handheld tablets to wall-mounted scoreboards. By Bobby Thornton, AutomationDirect On a traditional factory floor, operators usually monitor and control equipment using classic panel-mounted touchscreen human-machine interfaces (HMIs). But to meet the demands of a modern facility, designers need technologies to more effectively…
After running for decades on its original electro-hydraulic drive, Timber Lake Playhouse’s revolving stage system received significant behind-the-scenes AutomationDirect upgrades in 2007 and 2025. By Ryan Poethke, ShowFab Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), adjacent to its namesake body of water and surrounded by woods and acres of farmland beyond, has been operating as a professional, non-profit…
Specialty equipment and mechanical contractors, in this case a cryogenic systems solutions provider, can extend their project delivery capability by partnering with experienced automation systems integrators. By Kyle Lamb, Quantum Automation Extreme cold temperature and freezing techniques are essential for many industries, but some of the most demanding applications are found in the scientific, research,…
November 19th, 2025 – AutomationDirect now offers Dold 9019 soft starters which offer simple dial setup for standard and light-duty three-phase applications under 9 amps and support a voltage range of 200-480VAC. These soft starters are in an ultra-compact, space-saving package with many great options, including a soft stop feature. Like most other solid-state soft…
November 19th, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR series FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar level transmitters that utilize 80 GHz radar technology, which is unaffected by most media, processes, or environmental factors. Using the change in frequency between the transmitted and reflected signals and time-of-flight calculations, the FMR series sensors continuously measure…
November 19th, 2025 – AutomationDirect now offers Fibox MNX and TEMPO series polycarbonate miniature cases which are engineered to deliver durable, adaptable protection for every installation need. The MNX series combines a premium thick-wall construction with reinforced corners for superior impact resistance and long-term performance. A corrosion-free polyamide screw cover ensures a secure seal, while metric…
AutomationDirect has added RHINO SELECT PSRS series switching power supplies. These power supplies are small, cost-effective, and easy to use, and remain stable in a wide range of temperatures.
AutomationDirect has added C-more CTM series industrial LCD flat panel monitors.
AutomationDirect now offers the new P1-412 and P1-622 CPUs, next generation versions of the existing Productivity1000 P1-540 and P1-550 CPUs.
October 1, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added ProSense XTD2/XTH2 series fixed-range temperature transmitters that convert a variety of temperature sensor input types into precise signals for PLCs, meters, or controllers. The XTD2 series features compact, DIN-rail–mounted signal conditioners that deliver accurate, isolated temperature signals, support multiple sensor types, and provide flexible monitoring solutions. New fixed-range…
AutomationDirect has added EtherCAT-capable stepper drives from Ever Motion Solutions® that offer peak performance and a rich feature set.