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
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
Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000 environment for a Rockwell PLC. Connecting a PLC to a FANUC robot via Ethernet/IP offers numerous benefits for industrial automation. It gives access to integrated control, allowing coordination between different manufacturing process components. The PLC can send … Read more
There are multiple methods for mapping inputs and outputs to an industrial robot. In this article, we cover two of the most popular methods: letting the robot or the PLC control the I/O signals. There is one unavoidable question to ask during your next robotic design, no matter what brand of robot is used: you … Read more