Old habits die hard. But change is inevitable. And in this case, if proponents are right, change is on the way in the form of an open PLC programming standard known as IEC 61131-3. Promulgated by the ...

Embedded processors handle the rising complexity of automation tasks by employing architectures that are quite different from those of programmable-logic controllers. It is no secret that ...

User-defined instructions (UDIs) let engineers write logic once and reuse it across many components, eliminating tedious copy-paste duplication. Any updates to a UDI definition automatically propagate ...

As engineers, we often need to design a customized control system or interface to address a need which can”t be met with an off-the-shelf interface device. In the used-to-be days, we”d get a Bud box, ...

STÄUBLI TEC-SYSTEMS is launching the uniVAL pi software that will allow robot programming to be implemented via the PLC, using Plug & Play in Siemens TIA Portal. Thanks to this optionally available ...

On the surface, a programmable logic controller (PLC) might seem like nothing more than a generic microcontroller, perhaps outfitted to operate in industrial settings with things like high ...

Aging programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are exposing power generation and industrial water facilities to growing operational risk. A structured migration strategy can reduce downtime, strengthen ...

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are the backbone of industrial automation, but without regular maintenance, they can fail and cause costly downtime. From cleaning and inspections to firmware ...