Highlights
- Industry 5.0: The Human-Centric Shift
- Easy Ethernet Connectivity
- Mission Control Build on an Industrial Foundation
- Mixing Dairy Feed with Automation
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 to add artificial intelligence (AI) into the mix. But there’s always something right around the corner and that something is Industry 5.0.
In this issue of the Automation Notebook…
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…
March 5, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers STRIDE PRO Unmanaged+ industrial Ethernet switches which are a step up from basic unmanaged switches, adding efficient network optimization by seamlessly integrating essential features such as IGMP snooping (traffic prioritization), port monitoring, port alarms, VLAN support, and more. IGMP snooping ends network flooding by transmitting data only to…
March 4, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers Schmersal PROTECT PSC1 safety controller which is a compact safety control system with scalable I/O from a trusted leader in machine safety. E-stops, light grids, and almost any safety device can be monitored with ease, and the universal interface ensures instant connection to every standard fieldbus. The base…
February 18, 2026 – AutomationDirect has added stripping, cutting, and crimping tools from Weidmuller which are designed to streamline wiring tasks with greater speed, precision, and consistency. The STRIPAX PLUS 2.5 combines cutting, stripping, and ferrule crimping in one compact tool, allowing complete terminations with minimal motion. Linked ferrule strips (sold separately) feed automatically into…
February 11, 2026 – AutomationDirect has added TE Connectivity Snap-on markers which are “C” profile wire labels designed for quick and easy application onto wires that are already terminated. These markers can be applied or changed without disconnecting the wire, offering significant time savings compared to on-site printing or handwriting for small jobs. Each marker…
February 4, 2026 – AutomationDirect now offers WIKA NSF-certified mechanical pressure gauges deliver precision and reliability for drinking water and food and beverage applications. The lineup includes dry and liquid-filled mechanical pressure gauges with lead-free wetted parts, as well as manual needle valves for instrument isolation and flow control. WIKA pressure gauges meet NSF/ANSI 61…
January 14, 2026 – AutomationDirect has added more WEG CFW500 washdown AC drives that increase the horsepower offering of this series—up to 30 hp for the 460 VAC models and up to 20 hp for the 230 VAC models. These drives are manufactured by WEG, a well-known and trusted brand in VFDs. CFW500 drives are…