Ask Control Engineering
What are the automation standards that you encounter most?
Please reply, "What automation standards do you use the most or find most useful and why?" As you comment below, note that those questions might not yield the same answers. » more
Fieldbus Foundation now certifies hosts?
Recent announcement says the Fieldbus Foundation will be certifying hosts, as well as devices. » more
Will there be room for industrial wireless?
With cellular phone suppliers fighting over wireless spectrum, and paying big bucks, will there be enough left for us? » more
Automation System Integration
Machine Safety
Machine Safety: How do I know that a consensus standard has been updated?
At almost every Machine Safety Seminar I hear someone ask: “How do I know that a consensus standard has been updated?” » more
Machine Safety: Does OSHA reference consensus standards for compliance?
I have presented or been a presenter at literally scores of machine safety seminars over more than 10 years and absolutely the most asked question is, “Does OSHA reference consensus standards for... » more
Machine Safety: Does a risk assessment need to be updated for a minor machine modification?
We’ve made some minor changes to several machines over the past six months but none of these modifications included the safety system. Our engineer said that there was no change in operator safety.... » more
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Real World Engineering
Research Analyst blogs
Direct drive torque motors are replacing gears. But is this statistically significant?
Direct drive torque motors have a greater presence in the marketplace, but overall their impact and potential threat to gearboxes is limited. » more
Bluetooth, NFC pairing together
Bluetooth joining with NFC technology will prove advantageous for both groups as they look to make greater strides in the phone market. » more
Is energy efficiency hurting the pneumatics market? Not a problem...yet!
While people are becoming more environmentally aware and conscious, this hasn't led to a transition away from the pneumatics sector. It is, however, having an effect on how pneumatics are designed. » more
What are the automation standards that you encounter most? Please reply, "What automation standards do you use the most or find most useful and why?" As you comment below, note that those questions might not yield the same answers. » more
Fieldbus Foundation now certifies hosts?Recent announcement says the Fieldbus Foundation will be certifying hosts, as well as devices. » more
Will there be room for industrial wireless?With cellular phone suppliers fighting over wireless spectrum, and paying big bucks, will there be enough left for us? » more
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Machine Safety: How do I know that a consensus standard has been updated?At almost every Machine Safety Seminar I hear someone ask: “How do I know that a consensus standard has been updated?” » more
Machine Safety: Does OSHA reference consensus standards for compliance?I have presented or been a presenter at literally scores of machine safety seminars over more than 10 years and absolutely the most asked question is, “Does OSHA reference consensus standards for... » more
Machine Safety: Does a risk assessment need to be updated for a minor machine modification?We’ve made some minor changes to several machines over the past six months but none of these modifications included the safety system. Our engineer said that there was no change in operator safety.... » more
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Making Equipment Smarter Shouldn’t Make People Dumber
At times it seems that working with smarter devices can make people forget some of the most fundamental concepts and practices when troubleshooting. It’s time to remember basic training. » more
At times it seems that working with smarter devices can make people forget some of the most fundamental concepts and practices when troubleshooting. It’s time to remember basic training. » more
Plan for Networking Success
Current technologies guided by old thought processes can make for a useful combination. » more
Current technologies guided by old thought processes can make for a useful combination. » more
The Importance of a Project Specification Document
Leaving project specifications blank or TBA is a recipe for project trouble. » more
Leaving project specifications blank or TBA is a recipe for project trouble. » more
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Direct drive torque motors are replacing gears. But is this statistically significant?Direct drive torque motors have a greater presence in the marketplace, but overall their impact and potential threat to gearboxes is limited. » more
Bluetooth, NFC pairing togetherBluetooth joining with NFC technology will prove advantageous for both groups as they look to make greater strides in the phone market. » more
Is energy efficiency hurting the pneumatics market? Not a problem...yet!While people are becoming more environmentally aware and conscious, this hasn't led to a transition away from the pneumatics sector. It is, however, having an effect on how pneumatics are designed. » more
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