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The article offers information on various control systems for automation. Topics include the importance of machine vision and motion control increase accuracy in the manufacturing process, discusses importance of programmable-logic controls (PLC) in the manufacturing industries. Also presented are the limitations of PLC and the offers details on the new generation of PLC known as the programmable automation controller (PAC) which addresses the limitation of the old version of PLCs.

The article reports on the role played by system or stage resolution in enhancing the performance of motion control devices. It states that stage resolution helps in addressing the problems encountered by motion control technologies affecting rotary and linear-motor operations. It reveals that understanding the screw-driven and direct-drive stages of the technology will help the efficient evaluation of the equipment's performance.

The article evaluates several automation devices including the 8LT Series three-phase synchronous motors from B&R Automation Corp., HWS300P and HWS600P Series power supplies from Lambda Americas, and PL, MT, and MX Series linear actuators from Pacific Bearing Co.

Provides information on the input/output systems used in designing control system devices. Best way to find ideal input/output components; Information on the system structure of an application to consider before selecting components; Requirement for an input/output system.

The article discusses digital signal processing (DSP)-based control system used in heavy mobile equipment. The control system based on DSP delivers better processing capability than microcontrollers. The DSP-based control system reduces the control loop time. An example using this system is the Sauer-Danfoss Plus 1.

The article offers a preview of the touch-sensitive, mobile device controls and sensor pads arranged outside a screen called iSkin being developed by collaborating researchers from the Saarland Univerity and Carnegie Mellon University.

The article discusses the testing of an approach to crane control held at the Technical University in Prague (CVUT), Czech Republic. An antiswing crane using input shaping that manipulates the input signal during transport to generate an antiswing crane movement. The control system satisfied all the requirements for antiswing control of crane movements and the tested algorithm for antiswing control using a B&RX20 control system proved to be well-suited for industrial use.

The article evaluates several automatic controls and drives, including the Model RG80 linear drive from Amacoll Inc., the Flex DC controller from Nanomotion Inc., and the PMT 160 Series from Steinmeyer Inc.

The article offers brief information on the MG20, a compact finger-operated twist handle control from J.R. Merritt Controls Inc.

The article offers brief information on the high-resolution 19000 Series captive linear actuator from Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions Inc.

The article features the Easy-2-Combine system from Bosch Rexroth. The systems lets users combine individual linear-motion components, pneumatically driven rotary actuators, grippers and assembly tools into multiaxis automation system. The system comes with a software for developing multiaxis systems.

Evaluates the CP3xxT-Studio-IBs control panels from Phoenix Contact Inc. and Automation Systems Group. User program memory; Screen sizes; Features.

Introduces flow controls from Parker Hannifin Corp.'s Brass Products Division. Features of the controls; Functions.

Introduces UD70, a process controller device from Control Techniques Drives which adds increased control and functionality to the Unidrive digital alternating current drive. Features of the device.