Automation Insights: Top Blogs from 2024

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With 2024 behind us, we're reflecting on the topics that sparked the most interest among our Automation Insights blog readers. From choosing the right proximity sensors to transforming machine safety, these blogs highlight the most-read insights, trends, and tips in industrial automation. Read them here to revisit the ideas and innovations that shaped the conversation in automation and manufacturing.
1. Flush, Non-Flush, or Quasi-Flush: Choosing the Right Proximity Sensor for Optimal Object Detection
Proximity sensors are aptly named for their ability to detect objects in close proximity. They are unsuitable for detecting objects across a room or conveyor belt. Their focus is on detecting objects up close and personal. Inductive proximity technology allows detection from physical contact with the sensor head to a few millimeters away. Several factors must be considered when choosing the right type of inductive proximity technology.
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2. Understanding the Significance and Color Codes of Stack Lights in Industrial Machinery
Stack lights, or signal towers, are commonly used in industrial settings to convey machinery or process status visually. These lights consist of a vertical stack of colored lights easily seen from a distance. Their importance in industrial machinery is providing quick and clear visual indicators and improving workplace communication and safety.
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3. Is IO-Link a Fieldbus? Unpacking the Differences and Benefits
In industrial automation, distinguishing between communication protocols is crucial for optimizing system efficiency. A common point of confusion is whether IO-Link qualifies as a fieldbus. Although IO-Link is often associated with fieldbuses, it is fundamentally different. IO-Link is a point-to-point communication protocol that connects individual sensors or actuators directly to the control system. IO-Link devices can still integrate into fieldbus networks using gateway devices, enabling them to communicate with the higher-level control system. This blog explores the differences between IO-Link and fieldbuses, how they can work together, and the key advantages and limitations of IO-Link in automation applications.
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4. Choosing Between Smart and Industrial Cameras in Machine Vision
Machine vision is a widely used technology in automation and industry. We are no longer in an era where companies need convincing that machine vision works and shouldn't be feared. While there are still considerations, such as lighting, optical quality, and proper resolution, the functionality has been proven and confirmed for several years. The possible boundaries continue to expand with advancements in AI, deep learning, and neural networks.
Two approaches to machine vision differ significantly in terms of solutions and price ranges: smart cameras and industrial cameras. Here, I describe the advantages and disadvantages of using these technologies.
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5. Choosing the Right Cables for Enhanced Industrial Automation
While every new technology trend seems to eliminate cables, we are not yet living in a cableless working world. To get started, there are many different cabling types for general assembly applications. It’s essential to use the right cable for your industrial automation application and meet any specific needs surrounding ingress protection. As I touch on this information, I’ll uncover new ways to help you improve your assemblies and production safety and possibly prevent future failures.
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6. Exploring RFID Frequencies: Variations and Applications
That IO-Link technology has been making strides is not news to many. Its primary reason for success stems from the simple connectivity of complex sensors through a standardized sensor cable. For the past 12 years, IO-Link has been ultra-successful in simplifying the integration of numerous devices worldwide, as is evident in this chart published by the IO-Link consortium.
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7. Understanding Power Cable Options for Industrial Automation
Today, there seem to be more choices for DC power cables than ever before. In this blog, I’ll explain the differences between these options and help you decide which power cable is best for your application. I’ll cover the most popular power cable options available, including A-coded M12, T-coded M12, L-coded M12, and 7/8” power cables. These differences highlight each cable type's specific use cases and electrical characteristics in industrial automation controls architecture.
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8. Demystifying IO-Link Safety: A Guide to Safety Blocks and Their Capabilities
Many I/O blocks have “IO-Link” and “Safety,” which can create confusion about their specific safety features. Here’s a quick overview of safety-labeled blocks and how they relate to IO-Link Safety.
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9. Selecting the Right IO-Link Hub for Industrial Automation
Several factors must be considered when choosing an IO-Link hub for industrial automation applications to ensure it meets your specific requirements.
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10. Transforming Machine Safety: The Future of IO-Link in Integration and Efficiency
IO-Link safety integrates safety-related devices into a control system using a communication protocol designed for industrial automation. Extending the standard IO-Link protocol, it facilitates communication between sensors, actuators, and a higher-level control system via Ethernet IP, Profisafe, and FSoE. This solution transmits safety-relevant data while maintaining the benefits of the IO-Link technology.
As industries seek improved efficiency and safety in automation, IO-Link safety, including the following key features, emerges as a transformative solution for integrating control systems.
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