Advanced Manufacturing
Topic on Advanced Manufacturing education and resources.
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Beyond Logic: Common Use Cases for AI and ML in Automation Control Systems
Advanced manufacturing—often defined by interconnected machines and data-rich environments—is rapidly moving past traditional, fixed Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) logic. The next evolution of industrial automation control systems involves incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) directly into the operational… Continue reading
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Machine Safety Controllers vs. Process Safety Controllers
In the world of industrial control, safety is paramount, but the way we achieve it differs drastically depending on the application. A safety system designed for a high-speed assembly line will have different requirements than one designed to manage a… Continue reading
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Decoding Machine Safety: An Overview of Essential Control System Standards
In the world of advanced manufacturing and industrial automation, machine safety is non-negotiable. It protects personnel, prevents equipment damage, and ensures operational compliance. For anyone designing, implementing, or maintaining a control system, understanding the applicable safety standards is the foundation… Continue reading
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PLC vs. Safety PLC: What Separates Standard Control from Critical Safety
In industrial automation, the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is the brain of the operation. It executes the logic, controls the machinery, and ensures production runs smoothly. However, not all PLCs are created equal. When it comes to protecting personnel, equipment,… Continue reading
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Securing the Shop Floor: Understanding Safety Standards for Industrial Robotics
The integration of industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots) has revolutionized manufacturing, but with power and speed comes the critical need for safety. Ensuring a safe working environment when humans and machines interact isn’t just a matter of best practice;… Continue reading
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Robots vs. Cobots: Understanding the Two Pillars of Modern Manufacturing
The shift toward advanced manufacturing has filled factory floors with automated equipment. While the term “industrial robot” is often used broadly, the truth is that today’s facilities rely on two fundamentally different types of mechanical assistants: industrial robots and collaborative… Continue reading
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MFG Day 2025
MFG Day, short for Manufacturing Day, is an annual celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of workers. Held on the first Friday in October—this year, October 3, 2025—it’s an opportunity for manufacturers across the nation to… Continue reading
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Manufacturing’s Next Frontier: The Rise of Distributed Manufacturing
For centuries, manufacturing has been a centralized process. Giant factories, often located in specific regions or countries, churned out products at a massive scale and then shipped them across the globe. This model, while efficient for mass production, has its… Continue reading
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Mission Accomplished: Transitioning from Military Service to Modern Manufacturing
The skills and discipline you gain in the military—leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical proficiency—are in high demand in the civilian world, especially in the modern manufacturing sector. As manufacturing has evolved into a high-tech, data-driven industry, it has created a… Continue reading
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Level Up Your Future: Key Certifications That Will Get You Hired in Modern Manufacturing
Thinking about a career in modern manufacturing? That’s a smart move. The industry is booming, and it’s full of high-tech, high-paying jobs. But getting your foot in the door often requires more than just an interest in the field. Employers… Continue reading
