We found 256 posts about Automation Technologies from DO Supply, a global automation parts
reseller focused on hard-to-find and obsolete industrial automation products.
Every year it seems that technology is growing at an exponential rate, and truth be told, it is. It seemed just 3 years ago that AI wasn’t even quite possible for another decade or so, and yet, it seems every company is implementing it in various applications. This innovation also applies to robotics, and more importantly, automation. While robotics in factories have been around since the 1960s, they are becoming much more sophisticated to fit our ever-expanding range of needs. Not only are these machines getting more advanced, but they’re just downright cool. In this blog post, we’re going to go over the most anticipated technologies in automation for 2023, visiting brands such as Mitsubishi, Fanuc, and more! I would also like to give a quick disclaimer that we are not endorsed or sponsored by any of these brands. “3D Printing Technology @ Siggraph 2011 ” by keepitsurreal is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 . This is by far my favorite category, as well as for many other DIYers...
Automation involves using technology to perform tasks and processes without human involvement. This can include various systems, such as mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic, and computer-based systems, which are often used in combination. Automation is becoming more common in various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy, and can bring benefits such as labor savings, reduced waste, and improved quality and precision. Automation is also being implemented in the banking industry and can range from simple control systems to complex algorithms. In the manufacturing industry, automation has been implemented through robotics and automation equipment for tasks such as assembly, packaging, and material handling, leading to increased efficiency, productivity, and cost savings. The transportation industry has adopted automation through self-driving vehicles and drones, improving safety and reducing labor costs. The energy industry has implemented...
The term “Automation” describes a wide array of technologies, scientific techniques, and tools used to minimize human input in processes, making them more efficient, accurate, fast, and productive. Automation solutions are utilized in practically all areas of our everyday life, covering an extensive range of applications, from household appliances and consumer electronics to advanced and complex systems powering modern-day manufacturing facilities, transport vehicles including ships and aircraft, power plants, etc. Automated banking solutions are also available. One of the most widely adopted forms of automation is industrial automation, which involves the use of a combination of specialized control devices (such as logic controllers), information technologies, and computer-controlled equipment (e.g., robots) to enhance manufacturing/production processes. Essentially, industrial automation streamlines industrial systems by integrating computers and smart machine tools into multiple...
Automation is not a new concept and has been used for many years to help businesses improve efficiency, reduce human error, and increase production. Examples of early automation include the printing press, sewing machine, and assembly line for cars. Today, with advancements in technology, such as Robotic Process Automation, more tasks can be automated using digital bots within a company. As automation continues to evolve, it is becoming an increasingly important aspect of business operations. Understanding the basics of automation is crucial for companies looking to implement innovative solutions and enhance their workforce. Automation is the technology that enables tasks or processes to be completed without human involvement. To create an automated system, three main components are necessary: A source of power to drive the process and operate the system. A set of instructions that directs the process A control system that carries out the instructions. The control system is...
We’ve all heard of the promises of a potential fusion energy breakthrough and what it could mean for us in terms of clean, near-limitless power; however, concepts of how we can revolutionize and renew our current infrastructure aren’t too common at all. Recent developments in fusion research have left many engineers speculating about how far we can go with this technology and its possible ramifications – from revolutionizing robots and factories to opening up new frontiers in automated manufacturing. In this article, we’ll explore what scientists are currently working on regarding net positive breakthroughs for fusion energy production and discuss why these technological strides might just be the key to solving some major engineering challenges we face today, as well as any challenges that may arise along the way. “Nuclear fusion display at the Weiss Energy Hall. ” by kpfellows is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 . Fusion energy has been an alluring concept for many years, with its...
Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are used to improve industrial automation processes by providing a visual interface for operators to interact with and monitor the automated system. HMIs can be used to display real-time process data, control system parameters, and issue commands to the automated system. One of the main benefits of using an HMI in industrial automation processes is that it allows operators to easily monitor and control the system without having to understand the underlying control logic or programming. This makes it easier for operators to perform tasks such as troubleshooting, adjusting process parameters, and monitoring performance. In addition to providing a convenient interface for operators, HMIs can also improve the efficiency and reliability of industrial automation processes by enabling operators to identify and address potential issues in real time. For example, suppose an HMI is used to display real-time process data. In that case, operators can quickly...
In the world of industrial automation, control systems play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of manufacturing processes and equipment. These systems are responsible for monitoring and controlling various aspects of the production process, including the movement of materials, the operation of machinery, and the quality of the final product. Traditionally, these control systems were implemented using programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which are specialized computers that are designed to handle the complex logic and control functions required in industrial automation. Programmable Automation Control (PAC) is a type of industrial controller that offers many of the same capabilities as PLCs but with greater flexibility and more powerful processing capabilities. An industrial control system is categorized as a PAC if it comprises five characteristics which include multi-domain functionality, flexible software tools, multi-discipline development platform, open modular...
Industrial Automation is the use of digital control systems, robotics, and information technologies to control different processes and machinery in an industrial environment to replace human involvement in performing certain functions. These functions primarily focus on material handling, manufacturing, and quality control processes. Concisely, industrial automation makes use of logical programming commands and powerful computer-controlled machinery such as CNC machines to replace human workers on factory floors. At the core of industrial automation are three significant control techniques, namely: Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These control mechanisms consist of smart and interconnected field input and output devices, field instruments, distributed I/O controllers, supervisory control PCs, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). To provide flexible connectivity between the...
Solar farms, also sometimes referred to as solar parks, are large-scale, ground-mounted installations of massive arrays of Photovoltaic (PV) panels or other means of converting sunlight into solar energy, which is then routed to a utility’s power grid. They are simply solar power stations that operate just like other electricity-generating plants such as fossil-powered or natural gas power plants. But unlike traditional power plants, solar farms don’t produce any sort of pollution and they hardly use water in electricity generation. In general, the concept of a solar farm can be associated with both commercial solar projects and residential rooftop solar systems that have just a few solar panels. However, unlike these two solar systems, solar farms are decentralized and they normally consist of large arrays of ground-mounted solar panels. Also, rather than supplying power to a local household or business, solar farms are part of a utility’s energy mix and in most cases, they provide...
For many years, industrial networks were connected using RS232 serial communications, which was limited by only allowing devices in a network to communicate via direct serial connections. This means that if there are N devices per connection, then there would be (N-1) connections available for other communications within the industry. However, in the late 20th century, the Fieldbus International Standard was developed, which marked a significant turning point in connecting these networks, allowing for greater flexibility and scalability than previous technologies did allow for. Fieldbus is a network of computers embedded in various machines at work sites. They allow Input Devices (such as Ethernet Switches and Sensors) to communicate with Output Devices (Valves, Drives) without attaching them to an individual Controller. In summary, Fieldbus systems provide an efficient way to connect different devices to a single industrial network and make it easy to control them at every production...
Renewable and sustainable energy has been one of the hottest topics for the past decade. The most popular choices for the United States are all familiar to us: hydro, wind, and solar. While it seems that we have been seeing more progress with renewables every month, our current renewable energy production only supplies 20% of The United States’ total energy demands according to The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. While that figure does seem low, it has doubled in the last decade, proving that there is a considerable amount of innovation and production happening behind the scenes. Solar energy jobs and production have boomed since the last decade with an increase in jobs from about 100,000 workers to over 200,000 while decreasing the average cost of installation on residential homes by $22,000 (SEIA Comms Team). California has since become the first state to mandate all new homes be built with solar panels. If the tides are changing for our renewable energy production...
A PLC is an abbreviation of ‘Programmable Logic Controller.’ It is a programmable controller used in process control and manufacturing automation. PLCs replaced the relay logic control system, which was used in the industry for interlocks and sequential operations. The relay logic was a hard-wired system with many limitations, including difficulty tweaking logic control, upgradation, and troubleshooting. A PLC is an easy-to-use programmable device that can be programmed and reprogrammed to adapt to any control requirement. All the wiring, connections, and functions like timer, counter, and advanced math operations are accessible inside the software. PLCs can perform operations ranging from simple standalone tasks to complex machine control processes. PLCs can be divided into two types: compact and modular. Compact PLCs are small, low-cost, and easy to install. They house all necessary components in a single package, including a fixed number of input and output channels, power supply...
Industrial automation is the use of information technologies, robotics, machines, and control systems including processors, sensors and actuators to execute production and manufacturing tasks that are normally performed by human workers. Its goal is to improve quality, increase productivity and enhance safety in various industrial applications. Initially, the goal of industrial automation was to increase productivity (since automated systems can operate 24/7 without tiring) and reduce labor costs in the US automotive industry. However, today, 3D technologies and computer-controlled tools such as CNC machines and Robotics have shifted the focus of industrial automation to increasing flexibility and quality of manufacturing processes. For example, installation of engine pistons in automobiles could previously be performed by human workers with an error margin of 1% to 1.5%, but today the task is carried out by automated machinery with an error margin of 0.00001% – an indication of...
A Mars Rover is a robotic vehicle specially designed to explore the surface of Mars. Mars being the planet that most closely resembles Earth (if Earth was to have an average temperature of -81 degrees Fahrenheit and was apparently lifeless) has captivated human explorers for decades. With the naked eye, this Red Planet is seen as a stellar object in the night sky while telescopes reveal a surface full of intriguing landforms and geological patterns similar to those of various places on Earth. As early as the 1960s, humans have been sending uncrewed spacecrafts and robotic vehicles on Mars to discover whether this planet hosted alien life previously and what it can teach us about evolution of other planets. Early missions to Mars involved spacecrafts snapping pictures as they flew past the planet. Later on, probes orbiting around Mars were sent, and more recently, stationary landers and robotic rovers have touched down on Mars surface. Mars Rovers serve a different purpose than...
A Variable Frequency Drive(VFD) is a power conversion electronic device used to control the speed of an AC induction motor, by converting a fixed frequency, fixed AC supply voltage to a variable frequency AC voltage input to the motor. And since the frequency is directly proportional to RPM (Revolutions per Minute), the RPM speed of the AC induction motor can be controlled by regulating the frequency and voltage of its input power. For example, if a motor-driven process requires more speed, then the VFD will increase the frequency of the input voltage to the motor and vice versa. AC induction motors are often designed as fixed frequency electrical devices, operating at 60 Hz (Hertz) or 50 Hz depending on the supply frequency of a given national grid. But the input frequency and voltage to a VFD-equipped AC motor can be adjusted by the VFD circuit to regulate motor speed. Before the advent of VFDs, variable motor speeds were obtained by running the motor at full speed and using...