Industrial robots have replaced many of the dangerous and repetitive tasks that workers have faced in manufacturing. But they have far from replaced the workforce. They have made vast improvements in production rates, safety records and the ability of companies to respond to global competition. Robots are not a new kind of technology at all. … Read more
An introduction to the popular Python language and how to take the first step in learning programming. In this article, learn how to obtain the proper IDE and executable for your OS. Python is, at present, one of the most popular programming languages in the world. In a 2023 developer survey by Stackoverflow, Python ranked … Read more
Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of simple on/off bits, gain some understanding of HMI designing and programming. Interacting with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in industrial control systems is one of the most engaging aspects of the system. HMIs come in different sizes … Read more
Mitsubishi’s FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and medium-scale applications. Learn how to use GX Developer software to program the FX series PLC. The FX series PLC is one of the introductory MELSEC product lines from Mitsubishi Electric. The company is widely recognized for the manufacturing … Read more
In this article, learn how variable frequency drives make use of the principle of pulse width modulation to create analog-type signals from a digital source, such as with motor drives. Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM, is a commonly used strategy for creating analog types of signals from a digital source. This is a common method … Read more
Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies. In an automated environment, we use program instructions, oftentimes in ladder logic or structured text, to command robots and other equipment to do work. However, external devices like those robots and … Read more
This article will provide links and resources for those looking to integrate robotics into their process without having to go back to school or spend hours researching programming languages. This article will present visual block-based programming. An interface that requires no coding experience, block-based programming lets users select blocks with commands more or less in … Read more
Whether using an industrial DIN-rail power supply or a linear supply for an audio application, these devices have the potential to fail. Although there can be several reasons, there are a few simple (and some not-so-simple) methods of testing a power supply for proper functionality. Locating the faults in a system so often seem to … Read more
With technology becoming more connected and smarter, understanding robotic programming is becoming even more of a valuable skill. Are you keeping up? The current skills gap and the number of baby boomers preparing to retire has sparked some concern in the manufacturing industry. How can manufacturing advance with technology if companies can’t find workers with … Read more
What are Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and how are they becoming more widely used within industrial manufacturing? What are Automated Guided Vehicles? Automated Guided Vehicles or AGVs, are a form of vehicle that moves autonomously from location to location to carry a payload, usually in the manufacturing process. They are not run by an operator when … Read more