🤔 Have you ever wondered how machining can be fully automated by integrating CNC machines 🛠️, industrial robots 🤖, and automated production lines 📦? Here’s a simplified example demonstrating exactly that 👇 Using Factory IO 🖥️ for simulation and Siemens TIA Portal⚙️ for PLC programming, I created a two machining center cells where: 🔹 The machining center and robot states are used as inputs to the master PLC . 🔹 The PLC decides when the system starts , stops , loads , and unloads . 🔹 Every action is synchronized to ensure smooth and safe operation ✅ This integration shows how modern manufacturing achieves: 🚀 Higher productivity 🤝 Seamless communication between machines 🧠 Smarter decision-making at the control level While this is just a simulation, the same logic applies to real-world Industry 4.0 environments 🌍, where CNCs 🛠️, robots 🤖, and automation lines 📦 work together under centralized PLC control. 🎥 Check out the video below to see the process in action! #Automation #PLC #TIAportal #FactoryIO #Industry #SmartManufacturing #DigitalTwin #CNC #Robotics

How do you validate control logic before your machine is built? 🛠️ With iPhysics by our partner machineering, users can simulate mechatronic systems in real time and connect their PLCnext Control directly to the simulation. This allows control programs to be tested on the digital model early in the development process. What makes this setup useful? 🔍 Better system understanding: Visualize machine behavior before hardware is available 🧪 Risk reduction: Identify and fix logic errors before commissioning 👥 Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Mechanical and automation engineers work on one model 🔁 Efficient iteration: Adjust control strategies and immediately see the impact This setup helps teams reduce errors, shorten development cycles and improve system understanding – especially in complex automation projects. #plcnext #iamplcnext #PLCnextCommunity #simulation #software #machineering #partner

🚀 Calling all #PLC, automation, and robotics enthusiasts! 🤖 As technology continues to advance, so does the industrial automation industry. Are you staying up to date on the latest trends and best practices? Let's dive into the world of PLC, automation, and robotics. One key trend we are seeing in industrial automation is the integration of PLC and robotics. This combination allows for more efficient and flexible production lines, as well as improved safety for workers. Best practice in implementing this integration is to ensure seamless communication and coordination between the PLC and robots through proper programming and setup. Troubleshooting tip: always make sure to have a thorough understanding of your PLC and robot capabilities before attempting to integrate them. A great example of PLC and robotics integration is the project at Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada. The PLC-controlled production lines work hand in hand with the robots, allowing for high-speed and precise manufacturing of Tesla's electric vehicles. But with all this cutting-edge technology, it's important to consider the human aspect. How can we ensure that automation and robotics are not replacing jobs, but rather enhancing them? And how can we prioritize safety and ethical considerations in the development and use of these technologies? Curious to hear your thoughts and experiences with PLC, automation, and robotics in your industry. What is one best practice or trend that you think will shape the future of industrial automation? Let's continue to drive innovation while keeping in mind the impact on both technology and people. #PLC #automation #robotics #industrialautomation

HedraCAM V4 – Virtual Commissioning & Controller Integration HedraCAM V4 takes virtual commissioning to the next level—seamlessly connecting software intelligence with industrial hardware for faster, safer, and more efficient deployment. 🔌 Direct Hardware & Virtual Controller Connectivity Connect directly to physical controllers or run virtual debugging for both robotic and NC (Numerical Control) systems. Integrate effortlessly with PLC systems for both direct connection and virtual testing. 📡 Comprehensive Sensor & Vision Integration Supports real-time communication with a wide range of industrial hardware, including vision systems and other advanced sensors—bridging the gap between simulation and shop-floor reality. 🤝 Interoperability with Leading Global Brands As demonstrated in the video, HedraCAM V4 achieves full interoperability with: Siemens and Omron PLCs FANUC robot controller virtual machines FANUC NC controller virtual machines Nabtesco controller virtual machines Aubo controller virtual machines 🧠 Test, Validate, Deploy—All in One Platform Simulate robotic motion, validate NC programs, and debug PLC logic in a risk-free virtual environment before going live—reducing downtime and accelerating integration. 🌐 Engineered for Global Smart Manufacturing Whether for automotive, aerospace, electronics, or heavy industry, HedraCAM V4 delivers universal compatibility, precision control, and future-ready scalability. More groundbreaking features are on the way—stay tuned!

The Emergence of Mechatronic Subsystems and Their Importance in Product Deployment As automation systems become more complex and project timelines compress, the role of mechatronic subsystems has shifted from convenience to a necessity for many OEMs. From modular robotic actuators to fully integrated motion systems, subsystem-level design is enabling manufacturers to accelerate development cycles, reduce risk, and concentrate internal resources on differentiation rather than reinvention. In this Q&A, Warren Osak, President and Founder of Electromate, discusses the emergence of mechatronic subsystems, their impact on deployment timelines, and why more OEMs are adopting integrated solutions over traditional component sourcing. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eaUaRB6S #mechatronics #subsystems #OEMs #integrators #mechanical #electrical #electromechanical #software

When it comes to sizing Ⓜ️ servo motors and ⚡drives, most manufacturers still rely on desktop programs that users must download, install, and learn to navigate (e.g. Siemens, Bosch, Parker, SEW…). Only a few pioneers (like Oriental Motor and Festo) provide purely web-based tools. A growing group (Rockwell, ABB, Panasonic, Kollmorgen) follows a hybrid approach, offering both web and desktop versions. 👉 Prediction: The future will shift more and more towards web-based sizing tools. ❓Why? Because today’s engineers have less time, shorter attention spans, and expect intuitive, fast workflows. ❌ Yet the fact remains: every tool still has its own unique way of entering data and selecting products — making cross-comparison far from simple. So the real question is: How many different tools are you willing to learn, just to compare a few components with each other? 🌐 Web Tools Oriental Motor → Online Motor Sizing Tool Festo → Electric Motion Sizing 🖥️ + 🌐 Desktop & Web Rockwell Automation → Motion Analyzer Panasonic → M-Select ABB → DriveSize Kollmorgen → Motioneering 🖥️ Desktop Tools Siemens → SIZER for Siemens Drives Bosch Rexroth → IndraSize Yaskawa → SigmaSelect Mitsubishi Electric → MELSOFT MT Works2 Parker Hannifin → Parker MotionSizer Lenze → Drive Solution Designer (DSD) Fanuc → Servo Sizer SEW-Eurodrive → MOVITOOLS MotionStudio Schneider Electric → Motion Sizer Beckhoff → TwinCAT 3 Motion Designer Omron → Motor Sizing Tool #Engineering #AI #Innovation #Automation #ServoGBT #FutureOfWork #Industry40

Motor Control Using Timer | Sequence Automation Project Project Overview :- Designed a Sequential Motor Control System where multiple motors operate in a defined order using timer-based logic. Developed in Siemens TIA Portal and visualized through WinCC HMI simulation. Working Principle:- The process starts with the START button, initiating motor operation in sequence. Motor 1 runs first → after a delay,Motor 2 starts → then Motor 3 follows. Timers (TON) are used to provide accurate delays between each motor’s operation. A RESET button and STOP button ensure full control over the sequence. Overload protection is simulated for each motor (M1, M2, M3). Key Features :-  Automatic Sequential Control: Motors run in order with precise timing. Overload Protection: In case of overload, the respective motor stops. User-Friendly HMI: START, STOP, RESET buttons with real-time motor visualization. Flexibility: Logic can be scaled for more motors or industrial processes. Applications:-  Widely used in industrial automation, pumping stations, conveyor systems, and manufacturing plants. Great for educational demonstrations and practical training in automation. This project highlights how simple timer-based logic can be used to control multiple motors in sequence, bridging classroom learning with real-world industrial needs. #Automation #PLC #MotorControl #TIAportal #IndustrialAutomation

How do you validate control logic before your machine is built? 🛠️ With iPhysics by our partner machineering GmbH & Co. KG , users can simulate mechatronic systems in real time and connect their PLCnext Control directly to the simulation. This allows control programs to be tested on the digital model early in the development process. What makes this setup useful? 🔍 Better system understanding: Visualize machine behavior before hardware is available 🧪 Risk reduction: Identify and fix logic errors before commissioning 👥 Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Mechanical and automation engineers work on one model 🔁 Efficient iteration: Adjust control strategies and immediately see the impact This setup helps teams reduce errors, shorten development cycles and improve system understanding – especially in complex automation projects. #plcnext #iamplcnext #PLCnextCommunity #simulation #software #machineering #partner

🚀 Hands-on Practice with Siemens Process Simulate (PS) & Virtual Commissioning🚀 I recently deep-dived into Process Simulate software and practiced end-to-end workflows that bridge virtual studies, PLC logic, and HMI simulation. 🔹 Key Focus Areas Covered: 1️⃣ Opening and managing studies – selecting libraries, working with different operating modes. 2️⃣ Graphics manipulation – customizing keyboard, mouse, ribbon, navigation cube, and viewer tools. 3️⃣ Exploring tabs – File, Home, View, Modeling, Robot, and Control – and their practical use. 4️⃣ Object modeling & logic blocks – creating logic from poses, setting device scope. 5️⃣ Signal engineering – creating, filtering, mapping, and exporting signals. 6️⃣ Tag management – importing PLC tags, linking them to PS logic blocks, and mapping via Excel. 7️⃣ Simulation panel – monitoring, forcing signals, and testing tool behavior. 🔹 Integration Practice (Optional Add-ons): * Studio 5000 & TIA portal PLC code creation with hardware I/O mapping and tag logic. * HMI screen development for manual clamp/pin operations. * FT Logix Echo setup – adding chassis/controller, downloading PLC backup, and going online. * PLC Sim Adv- downloading PLC backup, and going online. 🔹 Final Simulation Exercise: Created a Virtual Commissioning environment to test clamp/pin, Robot Weld, Tip dress movements, Turntable manual operations by linking: ✔ PLC code ✔ HMI interface ✔ PS study with logic blocks & signals ✔ Studio 5000, FT view ME & PS using FT Logix Echo controller connection ✔ TIA portal using PLC SIM Adv connection This practice gave me a clear understanding of how Digital Twin and VC workflows come together, from study setup → signal mapping → PLC/HMI integration → full simulation testing. Excited to keep building on this foundation and apply it to real-world projects! ✨ #Siemens #ProcessSimulate #VirtualCommissioning #DigitalTwin #RockwellAutomation #FTLogixEcho #Studio5000 #TIAPortal #PLCSIMADV #FTView #Industry4.0 #Automation #Robotics

Continuing my journey through “Introduction to Industrial Automation” by George Nikolakopoulos! 🔗 From mastering PID control (Chapter 9) … to putting everything into practice (Chapter 10). 🚀 Continuing the Series: Chapter 10 – Industrial Applications We’ve explored the hardware, programming, and control principles—now it’s time to put it all together. 🏭 Chapter 10 of "Introduction to Industrial Automation" is the capstone, showcasing how theory translates into real-world factory applications. This chapter challenges engineers to design complete automation solutions by analyzing requirements, selecting devices, and writing the control program. Some example projects include: 🔹 Traffic Lights – Timer-based sequential control with multiple operating modes. 🔹 Conveyor Sorting & Packaging – Using sensors, counters, and logic to track and separate objects. 🔹 Process Control Systems – Applications like barrel filling, painting, or food processing that combine timers, sequencing, and analog regulation. 🔹 Motion Control & Robotics – Pick-and-place arms, stacking machines, and encoder-based cutting systems. The engineer’s task is to: ✅ Analyze the process flow. ✅ Select sensors, actuators, and I/O devices. ✅ Design the PLC I/O map. ✅ Write structured programs using timers, counters, sequential and analog control. 👉 Chapter 10 bridges the gap between knowledge and practice, transforming all the principles learned into practical, industry-ready automation solutions. It’s both a test for students and a toolbox of case studies for professionals. #IndustrialAutomation #AutomationProjects #PLC #ControlSystems #CaseStudy #Engineering #Manufacturing #ProblemSolving