In this animated object, learners examine the ratio control method used in automation when two or more ingredients are mixed. A brief quiz completes the activity.

Learners examine the basic elements of a machine vision system. A short quiz completes the activity.

In this animated object, learners examine automated manufacturing systems classified as motion control, batch process control, and continuous process control.

Learners study an animated block diagram that describes the function of each element in a closed-loop system used in industrial automation.

In this animated object, learners examine the two types of optical encoders used in automation applications: incremental and absolute. A brief quiz completes the activity.

The operation and characteristics of an absolute optical encoder used in automation applications are presented.

Learners examine the factors that contribute to the delays in the response time throughout a closed-loop system.

Learners examine the operation of a proportional control amplifier and the two ways that it is programmed using proportional gain or proportional band. A brief quiz completes the activity.

In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a closed-loop system that maintains the speed of a conveyer belt as heavy boxes are placed or removed.

Learners examine how a linear displacement transducer is used to measure the linear position of a physical object. Animations show the sequential steps of the entire operation.

In this animated object, learners examine an analog closed-loop feedback system that uses potentiometers to control the position of a gear rack.

In this animated activity, students view the plastic pellets in a profile extrusion machine being melted as the temperature of the heating elements is elevated by a time proportioning control system.

Learners examine the internal components of an optical encoder used in automated manufacturing applications. A brief quiz completes the animated activity.

In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a feed-forward control system and its advantages over a closed-loop system. A brief quiz completes the activity.

In this animated object, learners study the operation of a linear voltage differential transformer. A brief quiz completes the activity.

Learners study how a circuit converts the AC output of a linear voltage differential transformer (LVDT) into variable DC voltage. It is recommended that learners view the learning object IAU7807, “The LVDT: A Linear Voltage Differential Transformer in Action” before going through this object.

Learners examine the operation of the on-off control mode using a home heating example. A short quiz completes the activity.

In this simulation activity, the lubrication fluid in a milling machine is tested, the condition of its 24 drill bits are inspected and identified before replacing those that are defective.

In this animated and interactive object, learners examine a heat exchanger as an example of an automated closed-loop system.

Learners study the method of using more than one track and quadrature modes to improve the resolution of an optical encoder. A brief quiz completes the activity.