Robotic Systems News

If eliminating human contamination is your objective, the M-430iA/2PV is your robot; it operates happily in drug discovery environments. The intelligent pharmaceutical robot not only tolerates decontamination with Vapor Phase Hydrogen Peroxide, it handles a 2 kg payload, and works all of its six axes in a compact area.

Imagine reducing production time by a factor of six! Manitowoc Cranes did just that by implementing a triple robot system for tandem arc welding. Due to the size and weight (up to 1,700 lbs) of the crane pieces, the company chose long-reach robots able to handle heavy payloads. Combined, the three robots deposit 60 to 75 in. of weld bead per min. Weld times for large beams decreased from three hrs to 18 min.

Automation engineers can "set up wireless measurement and monitoring systems with minimal help," maintains the author of this Sensors commentary. Both WiFi and Zigbee are encrypted, which provides good security, and they don't require cable runs to the far reaches of the plant. Wireless can also be combined with Ethernet technology, which is already in widespread use in automation.

Robot algorithms may soon debunk the old saying, "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush." Using "robotic cameras, long-range wireless networking, and distributed sensors," biologists and computer scientists are monitoring birds from afar, hoping to link bird ranges with climate change. In the process, they may even track down the highly-elusive (some say extinct) ivory-billed woodpecker.

High-precision, solar panel positioning requires highly-integrated, smart vision systems. Why? Smart vision systems keep cables to a minimum, hardware costs down, and performance up — all while guiding robots that inspect, identify, track, and assemble the modules for shipping.

As the image indicates, more and more robots are being developed to assist the elderly and disabled. New Scientist describes a human-sized robot that can, thanks to sensors on its palm and fingers, lightly hold a person's forearm and guide that person in the correct direction. If the human resists, the humanoid quickly releases its grip.

Risky jobs like inspecting the exterior of high-rise buildings are good jobs for robots. To that end, engineers at Virginia Tech's Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory are building climbing robots that literally wrap around poles or beams. Equipped with sensors and cameras, they "roll upward via an oscillating joint motion."

Look for interesting changes in the way robots work. New international standards for robot safety, currently under development, will allow a smaller work cell footprint, setting manufacturers up for big savings. Workers will be able to interact directly with robots in automatic operation, eliminating the need for stopping the servos. How will automation equipment aligned to the new standards benefit you when the economy rebounds?

Those interested in automated arc welding should mark May 11-13 on their calendars. That's when The American Welding Society's Conference takes place in Milwaukee, WI. One of the conference highlights: a tour of the Caterpillar plant, with emphasis on the company's welding operations.

"Imagine that your grandmother will see everything you do on nationwide media," Dr. Woodie Flowers tells his students at MIT. He calls the cooperative, yet competitive behavior that results gracious professionalism, and it has become a cornerstone of his FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) project.

Renewable Energy and You

How will growth in the renewable energy sector stimulate the automation industry?