Automate 2024 Interview: Guneet Bedi, Arduino, on open-source programming, education

WTWH Media senior editor Gary Cohen talks with Guneet Bedi, Arduino's senior vice president a...

How automation, programming standards help upgrades, integration

Automation integration and programming has become easier for controls, motion and networking as result of efforts from OPC Foundation and PLCopen, as explained at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023.

PLC programming language fundamentals for improved operations, maintenance

Programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages help keep manufacturing operations running smoothly. Learn about the five types of PLC programming languages and how they’re used.

Are you making the most of PLC programming standards from PLCopen?

IEC 61131-3 offers users a reliable framework to develop efficient solutions at all phases of their automation process, and is used to support PLCopen libraries.

Building a solid foundation with PLCopen, IEC 61131-3

PLCopen helps increase efficiency, reusability and portability and gives programmers flexibility when working with IEC 61131-3 and IEC 61131-10.

Control Engineering hot topics, May 2023

Control Engineering’s most clicked articles in May 2023 included stories on the 2023 career and salary survey, PLC ladder logic, Automate 2023 and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

How to simplify PLC, control device management with Git version control, auto-backup

Webcast on PLC and control device programming explains Git version control and automated-backup capabilities help simplifying programmable logic controller (PLC) and control device management. Benefits include reduction in onboarding costs and better code.

Using Git workflows to improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks

A control system integrator used Git-based software to improve automation as well as increase onboarding of new hires and scaling quality.

Improving PLC version control, device backup using modern Git workflows

Git-based source control can help programmable logic controller (PLC) programmers improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Feb. 7 webcast, archived for a year, offers tips and other information.

Analysis: Ability to delay Microsoft DCOM hardening patch ends as of March 2023

The mandatory Microsoft DCOM hardening patch, “one of the best changes Microsoft has made for DCOM,” effects only a small percentage, but still a large number of applications. There’s no postponing the patch as of March. Be aware of the impact and related misinformation.

Simplifying, automating sortation system for recycling company

A recycling company hired a system integrator to automate a proprietary sortation system invented to aid recycling company customers with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) documentation.

Using a six-point plan for creating low-code digital thread

Digital threads can help in a manufacturer’s digital transformation, but it doesn’t have to be a complex process. A six-step plan for developing a low-code digital thread is highlighted.

SCARA robot technology benefits

Selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA) robots are capable of many types of movement.

PLC programming dos and don’ts to consider

Programmable logic controller (PLC) programming is often done to resolve an immediate problem, but this can lead to long-term issues, particularly if the original programmer isn't around.

Tips on how to choose industrial controller hardware, software

Choose the right programmable logic controller (PLC) hardware and software and consider ways to make PLC programming more efficient. Get advice below, from the PLC hardware and software webcast, archived for a year after Sept. 29.

How to improve PLC programming with Git workflows

Answer these questions to add speed, quality, and lower costs related to developing code for programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Many industrial automation workflows and software for PLCs haven’t kept pace with traditional software development.

Understanding the wiring and programming of a labeler application

Tutorial: Labeling machines are commonly used as part of the packaging process and must be precise. The setup process for wiring and programming can be complex; here’s how make it simpler.

PLC programming: What you need to know

While the programmable logic controller (PLC) is very important, the programming inside the controller is just as critical and can be overlooked.

7 tips every PLC programmer should know

A good programmable logic controller (PLC) programmer should keep the end user in mind when writing code and implement it that is best for the situation.

Demystify the newly-released open automation platform

How open is your automation? Openness for industrial automation varies. Review history of open in automation and how IEC 61499 standard for distributed control system can help.

Quantum computing language developed

Twist is an MIT-developed programming language that can describe and verify which pieces of data are entangled to prevent bugs in a quantum program.

Know the benefits of no-code robotics

No code programming seeks to make the automation industry more autonomous and to democratize the use of robotics at the shop floor level.

PLC object orientation guidelines published

PLCopen started an object-oriented programming (OOP) guidelines initiative in order to create a more homogeneous method.

Finite-state machine for embedded systems

Get help for finite-state machine programming for embedded systems using C programming language.

Using abstraction to reduce the machine integration efforts

Integrating a packaging machine can be a time-consuming process, but creating a higher abstraction level can help with specific functionalities and speed up the overall PLC and motion programming process. IEC 61131-3 standard and PLCopen Motion Control Function Blocks help.

Know your PLC programming audience

Programmable logic controller (PLC) code should never be a bottleneck when troubleshooting and should be designed to address the needs and knowledge of as many engineers as possible.

Programming standardization unifies, improves operator experience

Integrated automation suites provide control system programmers with the tools to manage standardization across multiple automation projects, creating consistent operational experiences enterprise-wide. See 10 advantages of an integrated programming suite that saved 30% programming time at one customer.

Structuring with IEC 61131-3: 7 steps to success

The IEC 61131-3 standard includes powerful structuring tools and can help provide users an excellent way to break a control system down into manageable units for greater overall effectiveness.

Keeping robot programming simple

As companies look to diversify to help improve sustainability, robot programming that is simple enough to be refigured to any kind of manufacturing environment is critical.

Deep-learning models code more like humans

MIT researchers propose a method for finding and fixing weaknesses in automated programming tools and computer code the way humans do.

PLC users can use cloud services without programming

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), machine builders and others can access a no-code Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) cloud platform, providing easy-to-use data analysis tools, other functionality for bottom-line improvements

Free PLC programming software for education

Available programmable logic controller (PLC) software that is free for users is crucial for users and students who can't currently access a lab. See table with a breakdown.