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  • April 2025

    • April 2025

    Machine builders and system integrators are experimenting with the benefits of artificial intelligence, just like many other industries. The popularity and ubiquitous nature of generative AI has piqued the interest of OEM and integrator engineers, as well. Practical applications of AI for engineers programming code have real benefits and are being implemented intro daily workflow.
    Are You Ready For Tomorrow - businessman working with virtual reality at office.
    Robotics

    Future-proofing your skills: A preview of Automate 2025 and the CSIA Conference 2025

    Mike Bacidore
    March 31, 2025
    Level up your automation game with these must-attend conferences for robotics, AI and digital transformation
    Man is holding teach panel to control a robotic arm, which is integrated on smart factory production line
    Sensors

    Industrial safety sensors protect workers, equipment and processes

    Charles Palmer
    March 19, 2025
    Proximity, pressure, temperature, gas and chemical, smoke and fire, vibration, motion, safety light, optical, radar, lidar, relay, wearable, load, force, vision and environmental...
    Detail of the spindle pitch of the servo motor.
    Motors

    Servo motion makes cup-filling machine more flexible and faster

    Rick Rice
    March 18, 2025
    Co-packer replaces mechanically cammed operations
    Panoramic banner of man holds a collection of icons representing robotic process automation and software management
    Development Platforms

    Software-controlled automated systems optimize data collection and communication

    Mike Bacidore
    March 6, 2025
    Control, monitor and adjust processes through software interfaces, rather than rewiring or manually adjusting hardware
    Programmer of PLC checks correct function of program
    PLCs/PACs

    How are PLCs and PACs different and the same?

    Tobey Strauch
    March 5, 2025
    Controllers, Linux, programming and containerization in industrial automation

    More content from April 2025

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    Development Platforms

    SDA allows modular control systems and integration of components from multiple vendors

    Mike Bacidore
    March 4, 2025
    Decoupling of hardware and software allows for standardized automation applications to run across IT and OT hardware platforms
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    Data Acquisition & Monitoring

    Remote monitoring and diagnostics require security

    Jeremy Pollard
    March 3, 2025
    System access for monitoring, control and diagnostics must include protections
    Low Angle Shot In Fully Working Data Center IT Engineer Installs Hard Drive into Server Rack
    Development Platforms

    Software-designed automation is a mindset change from hardware approach

    Mike Bacidore
    Feb. 27, 2025
    SDA emphasizes flexible, open-source, universal protocols and agnostic platforms
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    Industrial PCs

    How software updates impact industrial PCs

    Joey Stubbs
    Feb. 26, 2025
    Work with IT departments to avoid firmware and driver incompatibility and to meet regulations and standards
    United States and Canada flags, two flags waving on sky background
    Financials

    How North American machine builders can survive tariff talk

    Jeremy Pollard
    Feb. 25, 2025
    What impact will US tariffs have on automation trade with Canada?
    Photo: ACS
    University of Wisconsin Engine Research Center. Photo: ACS
    Development Platforms

    Software-defined automation expands its range and penetration

    Mike Bacidore
    Feb. 20, 2025
    ACS’ Roy Krans explains how SDA reduces reliance on proprietary hardware, enables remote monitoring and updates, speeds deployment and supports machine learning
    Courtesy of Beckhoff USA
    XTS linear product transport. Courtesy of Beckhoff USA.
    Electromechanical

    Adaptive automation provides machine application flexibility

    Tobey Strauch
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Beckhoff XTS shortens changeover times and reduces equipment footprint
    Closeup of rotary encoder on gradient background
    Encoders

    What is an encoder?

    Tobey Strauch
    Feb. 17, 2025
    How encoders convert mechanical movement to electrical code
    Operator working with HMI touch screen panel
    HMI

    The melding of HMI and SCADA

    Rick Rice
    Feb. 13, 2025
    How human-machine interface and supervisory control and data acquisition systems have evolved and merged
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