Sensors, Sensors, Sensors

AutomationDirect’s sensor line includes miniature rectangular ultrasonic and diffuse photoelectrics with background suppression. Shop now.

Nov 2nd, 2007

AutomationDirect has the proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors and limit switches you need to sense the presence of objects in a variety of applications. Our high-quality line of proximity and limit switches come from high-tech European manufacturers with years of experience developing and supplying reliable sensors.

Is Internet of Things Control via SCADA Too Risky?

Ben Manlongat of system integrator Outbound Technologies explains the risks of remotely accessing SCADA data—even if it's 'read only'—and how to secure this critical automation system component.

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What Happens When The Agile Culture Becomes a Trend?

While the Agile framework has much to offer, if not correctly implemented it could result in lost value.

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Real-Time, Voice Programming for Robotic Applications

Comau's MI.RA/Dexter software allows end users to program robots in real-time using simple verbal commands, such as “look,” “touch,” and “execute.”

Panduit’s SP1 Single Pair Ethernet shielded plug connector provides simple field termination to 18 AWG 1-pair shielded copper cable compliant with ANSI/TIA-568.5 (draft) SP1 and IEC 61156-13 and -14 (draft) standards.

How Single Pair Ethernet Brings Ethernet to the Edge

Designed to provide communication, power and extended distance cable runs, Single Pair Ethernet is poised to digitally connect analog devices, simple I/O, and sensors to industrial control networks.

Unilogo Robotics’ Cleanline packaging system targets liquid product CPGs in industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household cleaners and chemicals.

Linear Servo Track System Allows Production-on-Demand for Liquid Filling

With the help of a track system from B&R, this Polish OEM is building machines that make it practical for liquid products CPGs, like cosmetics or pharma companies, to plan for short and specialized product runs.

Trademark Plastics Inc. cross-trains machine operators to be the first line of quality by inspecting parts beside the molding machine.

Trademark Plastics Adapts to Market Changes with ERP

Trademark Plastics Inc. connects all its production equipment data into its DelmiaWorks enterprise resources planning software to align orders, production, and quality management.

TMRW is a plant-based innovation company working to reimagine how plant protein can feed people.

ERP System Helps Startup TMRW Foods Grow in the Right Direction

Icicle Technologies’ enterprise resource planning system is helping the plant-based protein producer make sure it has the data it needs—for traceability, HACCP, costing, and more—to optimize its growth.

How Industry is Using Cloud, Edge, and Fog Computing Today

Comparing 2021 survey data on industrial cloud, edge, and fog computing use to a similar 2019 survey shows how the pandemic is transforming industry’s use of these technologies.

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ArcelorMittal Launches 5G Steel Initiative

ArcelorMittal France is launching a private 5G network with Ericsson and Orange Business Services to deliver high data throughput for all connected devices, including autonomous vehicles and remote-controlled machinery.

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A Digital Thread for Industrial Lithium-Ion Battery Innovation

A new partnership between Rockwell Automation and Cadenza Innovation will create a digital thread to gather real-world data pertaining to the performance of lithium-ion batteries to improve their cost, efficiency, and safety.

Cybersecurity at the Forefront of Industry Concerns in Early 2022

Log4j presents industry with another serious security concern as the new year begins. Meanwhile, ISA 99 updates its cybersecurity approach.

Rafael Amaral, Chief Technology Officer, Nukon

Demystifying Digital Operations: Why OEE isn’t the Only Tool You Need

Discover how emerging digital IoT platforms can help orchestrate operator and equipment to effectively bridge the OEE diagnosis-to-action gap.

Industrial Robots Get Collaborative

Watch 2021's Top Automation World Video: Learn how new technologies are allowing industrial robots to work alongside humans in factory environments.

Comau Mi ra Dexter Robot

No-Code, Voice Programming for Complex Robotic Applications

Comau's MI.RA/Dexter software allows end users to program robots in real-time using simple verbal commands, such as “look,” “touch,” and “execute.”

Dave Roosa, Senior Engineer, Avanceon.

Don’t Fall Victim to Commissioning Gremlins: The Value of a Controls Expert

Having an experienced controls expert on your design team will bring valuable insight into what needs to be addressed during the design phase and how to implement it.

New Cloud & Cybersecurity Strategy for Rockwell Automation

Rockwell acquires Plex, Fiix, Oylo, and Avnet adding cloud-based software and cybersecurity services to its industrial control portfolio.

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Visual Dashboards for Robotic Workcells

OnRobot's WebLytics allows end users to create data visualizations of key performance indicators that can help them uncover new insights and improve OEE.

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PLC, PAC, or IPC?

Determining which type of controller to use in an automated system can lead to some difficult choices. Focusing on the application and specific capabilities of each controller type helps ease this decision-making process.

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The Importance of Change Management to Digital Transformation

The addition of a new Archive Management of Change module to Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk AssetCentre can help end users to increase uptime, ensure code quality, and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

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Applying Artificial Intelligence to Food Tray Production

Food producer apetito uses Neurala’s artificial intelligence technology to automate and optimize visual inspection of meal tray components.

Remote Access Cybersecurity Management

The next big cybersecurity challenge for manufacturers is how to secure the remote access points that have been implemented on the plant floor during the pandemic before hackers can exploit these new channels into the organization.

Dan Riley, Analytics Manager, Interstates

Analytics Decision: Buy or Make Capabilities

Three value drivers of analytics platforms are confidence in vendor, development effort, and platform cost. Discover how software-as-a-service platforms and opensource platforms compare in these categories.

When is a Retrofit Appropriate?

Retrofits can result in substantial cost savings, and enable an incremental approach to Industry 4.0 initiatives. However, they may not be the correct option in every case.

OPC Foundation Updates Field Level Communication Specs and Launches Cloud Library

New specifications address OPC UA information models and networking services, while the OPC UA Cloud Library provides information model access for applications.

Brian R. May, Managing Director, Industrial North America, Accenture

Accelerating the Industrial Enterprise

Using insights and lessons learned from industry executive surveys, discover a framework that companies can use to assess their own growth efforts and build accelerated growth into the DNA of their business.

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How Time-Sensitive Networking Delivers Determinism

With Time-Sensitive Networking poised to bring determinism to standard Ethernet on the plant floor, it’s helpful to understand how the technology works to support your industrial networking decisions.

Thanks to an investment in cloud ERP, Core Technology Molding was not only able to keep operations going, but tripled its business during a pandemic year.

Pandemic Accelerates Edge-to-Cloud Digital Transformation

An Automation World survey reveals an uptick in cloud and edge deployments as manufacturers roll out performance monitoring, collaboration, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance applications in support of newly remote and distributed workforce.

Dick Slansky, Senior Analyst, ARC Advisory Group

Why Quality Management Systems Are So Essential

Learn the history of QMS systems, how it can extend beyond manufacturing, and recommendations for your production line.

How to Decide Whether to Use a PLC, a PAC or an Industrial PC?

In this episode of the 'Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered' podcast series, we learn about the key differences between programmable logic controllers, programmable automation controllers, and industrial PCs.

In the lab at the Veramaris facility where omega-3 oil is made from marine algae.

Producing Omega-3 Oils from Marine Algae

A broad automation project, for a joint venture by Evonik and DSM, enables initial annual production to meet about 15% of the industry’s current total demand for omega-3 oils.

Automated Ingredient Handling Brings Bevy of Benefits

An automated system from Radar Process provided biscuit-making operations at Cerealto Siro Foods with more accurate weighing, elimination of foreign matter, improved inventory control, and significantly reduced safety risks for its workers.