Robotic Systems News

Consumer products are ever-changing, in response to the fickle nature of the buying public. Long a mainstay in heavy industrial manufacturing, robots, and their inherent flexibility, are a perfect solution to constantly changing production requirements. Expert Kenneth McLaughlin states, "If manufacturers get a new requirement…end-users have a system that is re-programmable and re-deployable." In addition to producing, packing, and palletizing goods, robots test everything from electronics to the durability of fabric.

GlobalSpec's Motion Control Event — June 8, 2011
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MICROMO announces the 22 mm innovation that extends the portfolio of the BX4 range of four pole brushless DC servomotors from FAULHABER. The series 2232/2250…BX4 CSD/CCD is the world's most compact drive with an integrated motion controller. Features are, reliability, high torque, no adhesives, and robust construction.

Four channel furnaces, a Roberts Sinto Automatic and Herman Automatic molding machines ensure that TB Wood's castings are the most well-crafted and constructed castings you can purchase for your application.

At the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, six robot cells and 36 cranes accomplish the majority of the baggage handling. Bags are stored until real-time flight information indicates planes are prepared for them. At that time, robots pull the bags and send them on their way. With the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), the location of each and every bag is known at all times. See the system in action.

The total cost of a robot cell includes ongoing costs such as spare parts, yearly service and maintenance, and replacement of wear items. This Control Engineering article gives a breakdown of the costs, along with a range of prices for an actual robot cell. In a nutshell, if you run two or more shifts, with average labor costs of $35,000 per person, you should consider automation.

The Teamcenter Mobility application enables you to review current assembly instructions and process information on an iPad. You can even interact with 3D product models. Using this application, team members in the field can access up-to-the-minute data and provide critical feedback. Additional platform and functionality support is coming.

Before jumping ship and moving to cloud-based computing, review these five important elements for manufacturers to consider. For instance, the cloud can simplify things if you have lots of mobile workers or multiple business locations. If you do make the decision to head to the cloud, be sure to prepare your infrastructure first. Otherwise, you're likely to be disappointed in the performance.

High resolution lens assemblies for machine vision, instrumentation, inspection, and vibration-sensitive applications. Standard and custom hi-res lenses designed for the most demanding applications, feature 6-7 glass elements for great MTF, fixed irises or lock-down screws, wide range of focal lengths in 19 mm barrels, optional chuck type C-mount adapter.

Established in 1930, industrial clutch products has designed and manufactured a complete line of dry and oil-immersed clutches and brakes, ranging in size from 8 to over 42 in. in diameter, with torque capacities exceeding four million pound-inches. We also specialize in hydraulics and controls for use with our clutches and brakes.

Vision systems are a crucial part of quality control and production systems in solar cell manufacturing. These systems aid in positioning the cells properly, checking for defects, and verifying size. A Spanish producer of solar manufacturing equipment selected a vision system that reliably and accurately locates parts (click on Solar Panel Production). Now, elaborate fixturing devices and their expense are no longer necessary.

Robots are known for being powerful, precise, and fast, but not for their ability to handle delicate objects or respond to stimuli. RoboTouch technology changes all that. Watch a gripper gently pick up an apple, and release it to a person. Multiple sensing pads on the fingertips and grippers tell the robot when its grasp of something is sufficient, or when the object is slipping and the grip needs to be tightened.

Join this complimentary webinar on July 19^th to learn about the new (U.S.) National Robot Safety Standard and compliance issues. The standard takes effect later this year, but compliant robots are already in production. If you are a PC user, you will need Windows® 7, Vista, XP, or 2003 Server. Mac users will need Mac OS® X 10.4.11 or newer. Register here.

The openSAFETY standard is being championed by the Ethernet POWERLINK standardization Group (EPSG), who proposes using it as the only Ethernet protocol for automation applications, regardless of protocols used for other systems. The openSAFETY protocol, which is available as open source software, works with a range of networks. It ensures data transfer integrity, and activates proper safety responses, including plant shutdowns, when data integrity is lost.

Plastic vials pre-filled with product held in carriers consisting of multiple arrays are manually loaded onto a conveyor. Screw caps are sorted from bulk in a Farason pocketed disc sorter and presented single file to the dial.

Clear Automation designed and built this robotic system to build stacks of "CowPots — The Pot You Plant". The CowPot plantable flower pot is formed in an injection mold machine and dried in an oven. Racks of dried pots are delivered to this workcell and are queued on a conveyor.

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Managers take note: The best thing you can do for your workers is to be a good coach — provide specific, constructive feedback in regular one-on-ones. That's what Google discovered when they applied data analytics to their analysis of managers and management styles. Oddly, having very strong technical skills rated last on the list. Read about the other six important habits here.

Look carefully at this amazing bird in flight. Do you see the company name on its side? It's a fully-autonomous, biomechatronic bird. SmartBird weighs just over 1 lb (0.5 kg), including the on-board controller, which governs the flying functions.

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