This article will introduce Modbus, an industrial protocol that laid the foundation for fieldbus communication in industrial systems. In 1979, Modicon introduced an application layer protocol (layer 7 of the OSI model) for use with its Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). This protocol was called Modbus and became the first widely used fieldbus in the history … Read more
This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans. After we have defined the basic steps for creating the python development environment, the logical next step for many new students in learning the Python programming language is … Read more
Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value. Control algorithms have evolved since the early days of computation. It started with simple on/off limits (like a thermostat) then moved to … Read more
High-level IT/OT integration in a manufacturing environment involves skills in networking communication and field equipment. This example involves automating remote connections between computers. A modern SCADA/DCS system environment comprises IT and OT infrastructure, including servers, workstations, network switches/routers, PLCs, RTUs, and IEDs that can be configured and tuned with a central software platform. Ansible is … Read more
In the world of automation, PLCs and PACs are often at the center of the action. But where did these machines come from, what are the functional differences between the two, and what applications are they best suited for? In the 1960s, computers were ruggedized for industrial environments where they were implemented to automate simple … Read more
During national safety month, let’s dive into a safety feature required by OSHA: machine guards. OSHA Machine Guarding Standards Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the regulatory body in the United States for ensuring labor safety and devises protective methods from a severe or life-threatening injury. Machine parts, especially moving ones, can harm the … Read more
For many manufacturing processes, Cartesian robots work well. However, there are times with a robot with more movement capabilities works better. Learn about six-axis robots, how they move, and popular applications. Cartesian robots move on the x, y, and z-axis. It has three degrees of freedom for movement. The disadvantage of Cartesian or linear robots … Read more
This article discusses the importance of rev counters when troubleshooting a robot and how to update rev counters as needed. What are Rev counters? Rev counters are the servo motor encoders on the axis motors of a robot. Although the term Rev counter is considered an ABB term, all robots use encoders on their servo motors, … Read more
Cobots are poised to provide major breakthroughs in robot integration alongside the workforce. The questions around safety are certainly warranted, as this single factor is the biggest consideration when integrating them into any project. Collaborative robots, or cobots, are quickly gaining traction in the workforce. The strength of these machines lies in projects where ultra-precise … Read more
This article discusses force control in robots and how it can be applied in a few different ways. What is Force Control? Force control is a method of monitoring the forces a robot experiences during movement. During normal operation, a robot encounters a multitude of different forces based on its position in space, speed, and … Read more