Passing of an Automation Legend

The “father of the PLC,” Dick Morley, has passed—but not without leaving a legacy that forever changed industrial automation.

David Greenfield
Oct 18th, 2017
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In an industry where few innovators receive widespread recognition, Richard “Dick” Morley was an exception—and for good reason. Morley was considered to be the “father of the PLC (programmable logic controller)” based on his involvement in the production of the first PLC—the Modicon (MOdular DIgital CONtroller). He passed away on October 17, 2017.

Though his work in developing the first PLC is what Morley was most known for, he remained active on the engineering, manufacturing and automation fronts through his work with the ISA and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, among others.

Over the years, Automation World interviewed and published contributions from Morley on numerous occasions. Following are a few links to content published by Automation World relevant to Morley.

Thank you, Dick, for all you did for industry and the world of automation.

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All-in-One Controller
Omron releases the CP2E Series all-in-one controller for compact IoT applications. Unit features an extended temperature range that integrates I/O ports, communication, and motion control and increases reliability in a variety of applications.
May 22nd, 2020
Sp5000 X Family
Pro-face Expands the Outdoor Human-Machine Interface Family
The SP5000X Outdoor HMI series from Pro-face America offers a larger screen, making it easier to read from further distance which makes the HMI good for extreme and hazardous conditions, including outdoor applications.
May 21st, 2020
Seifert Thermoelectric Coolers 5x7
AutomationDirect adds Enclosure Thermoelectric Coolers
The Seifert SoliTherm Thermoelectric Coolers from AutomationDirect don't have any moving parts aside from axial fans and can effectively be used in a wide range of environments and both indoor and outdoor applications.
May 21st, 2020
Matrox Altiz
3D Profile Sensors
Matrox Imaging launches the Matrox AltiZ series of integrated high-fidelity 3D profile sensors featuring a dual-camera single-laser design.
May 20th, 2020
The revolutionary concept of absolute HeavyDuty encoders HMG10 / PMG10 combines the well proven and tested concept of double-sided bearing setup with magnetic precision sensing and the patented Energy Harvesting micro-generator.
Not Spoilt for Choice—HeavyDuty Encoders in Crane and Lifting Applications
Baumer Hübner has established the class of extraordinarily resilient and reliable HeavyDuty encoders and offers a broad portfolio. Manufacturers of cranes and hoists are among the most frequent users of such sensors.
May 12th, 2020
Eaton Faz Line Extension 5x7
Current-Limiting UL 489 Miniature Circuit
Designed and dual-rated for AC and DC applications, the Eaton FAZ-NA and FAZ-NA-L series current-limiting miniature circuit breakers from AutomationDirect offer protection for application with up to 63 amps.
May 12th, 2020
Prosense Process Controllers 5x7
AutomationDirect Adds ProSense Advanced Process Controllers
The ProSense Advanced Process Controllers are made to handle temperature, pressure, level, flow, and other process variable control applications and offer a variety of control, input, output, alarm and communications options.
May 1st, 2020
Wm15 Energy Meter No Bkgd
Three-Phase Energy Analyzer for Conventional Energy and Building and Industrial Automation
The economical WM15 Three-Phase Energy Analyzers are designed for use in a variety of markets and applications, including conventional energy, building and industrial automation.
May 1st, 2020
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Hydrogen Flame Detector
The FL500 from MSA designed for the protection of oil/gas refineries, chemical plants, fuel stations, and other sites managing large volumes of the gas.
Apr 24th, 2020
2004np Rockwell
Medium Voltage AC Drives for Flexibility
Rockwell’s PowerFlex 6000T medium voltage drives share the same control hardware and firmware as the company’s PowerFlex 755T low voltage drives.
Apr 23rd, 2020
2004np Advancedmotion
Micro-Sized Servo Drives can Outperform Digital Servo Drives
The FM series from Advanced Motion Controls are equipped with an additional interface board that makes it easy to integrate into a system with standard connectors.
Apr 23rd, 2020
Gefran Linear Potentiometers 5x7
AutomationDirect adds Linear Position Potentiometers
AutomationDirect has released the Gefran linear potentiometers and accessories, used to detect position and linear direction movement.
Apr 20th, 2020
Murrplastik Cable Entry System 5x7
Control Cabinet Cable Entry Systems
AutomationDirect has released the KDL/D cable entry system which allows new and terminated cables to be installed without disassembling the connectors.
Apr 20th, 2020
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Emerson Announces May 1 Deadline for 2020 ASCO Engineering Scholarships
Emerson is reminding U.S. engineering students of the May 1 deadline to apply for its 2020 ASCO Engineering Scholarship Program.
Apr 17th, 2020
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Safety Laser Scanner
Sick launches the nanoScan3 ultra-compact safety laser scanner designed for use with mobile platforms, autonomous carts, and cobots.
Apr 7th, 2020
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High Rate Bulk Bag Discharge System: EasyFlow EF100-200 and Pal ‘Touch Controls
Apr 1st, 2020
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Red Lion Launches FlexEdge Intelligent Edge Automation Platform
Enabling rugged, optimized connectivity, and automation at the edge.
Mar 23rd, 2020
Pm Plus Front 1563
Temperature Controller is Easy to Use
The PM PLUS from Watlow is more intuitive than its predecessor and features an improved user interface.
Mar 18th, 2020
2003np Visioncomponents
Camera Modules with MIPI Interfaces
These ultra compact, components from Vision Components enable easy connection of image sensors to more than 20 single-board computers.
Mar 18th, 2020
2003np Fci
Wet Gas Flow Sensor
FCI's Gas Master Sensor for the ST80 Series flow meters delivers accurate, repeatable gas flow measurement in the presence of even more moisture and condensation droplets.
Mar 18th, 2020
More in Control
2003np Exor
All-in-One IIOT Controller
The EX700 series from Exor provides multiple functions in one unit.
Mar 18th, 2020
2003np B&r
Industrial Controller Has the Power of a PC
The X20CP3687X controller from B&R combines the performance of an industrial PC with the compact design of the company’s X20 controller series.
Mar 18th, 2020
2003np Emerson
Pilotless, Spring-loaded Back Pressure Valve
The Daniel V707 valve increases reliability and reduces spill risks for the crude oil industry.
Mar 18th, 2020
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Emerson Automation Solutions' Edge Virtualization
In this video, Rich Carpenter of Emerson Automation Solutions explains why the company virtualizes its edge devices to take advantage of the multiple cores to perform multiple independent functions on the same device.
Feb 27th, 2020
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Latest Version of Matrox Imaging Library Features Support for Most Widely Used Embedded Vision Platform
MIL X introduces support for the Arm Cortex-A family of processors with enhanced performance using the Neon SIMD architecture extension
Feb 26th, 2020
Click Relay Simulator Modules 5x7
AutomationDirect adds Click PLC input simulator and high-current relay output modules
Higher amperage relay output modules and an 8-point input simulator module are now available from AutomationDirect for the Click series stackable micro brick PLCs.
Feb 13th, 2020
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EPOS4 Micro 24/5 CAN Miniaturized Controller
The EPOS4 Micro 24/5 CAN miniaturized controller from maxon offers the functionality of the existing products in the EPOS4 range but with a smaller form size.
Feb 12th, 2020
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Bedrock Automation Integrates Flow Measurement Software
With the addition of Flow-Cal algorithms, Bedrock Automation’s platform adds oil and gas measurement and secure custody transfer capabilities.
Feb 10th, 2020
Pro Open Cpu 5x7
ProductivityOpen Arduino-compatible Controller from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect is a distributor offering thousands of industrial automation products for electrical control systems, including PLCs, operator interfaces, AC drives, motors, stepper systems, sensors, motor controls, enclosures and more.
Feb 4th, 2020
2010np Abb
Robot and Controller for Harsh Environments
ABB’s IRB 1100 robot, powered by the new OmniCore C90XT controller, is IP67-rated.
Feb 3rd, 2020
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GNSS/INS Localization Solution with Open Navigation Platform Support
ACEINNA’s OpenRTK330L, a low cost triple-band RTK/GNSS receiver, has built-in triple redundant inertial sensors.
Feb 3rd, 2020
Ira Sharp, Director of Product Marketing—Automation, Phoenix Contact USA
A New Generation of PLCs for a New Generation of Engineers
The Industrial Internet of Things demands more data than ever before from systems and processes that have traditionally not been connected to business systems. The end goal is to provide continuity between different systems and make better use of machines
Nov 1st, 2019