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Ford has a better idea: Open controls for robotic arms

 

 
The automaker sees benefits in standardized platforms for the factory floor. Robot-arm kinematics on the RWT controller are programmed into controller cards from Delta Tau Data Systems Inc. These board-level controllers carry fast digital signal processors for calculating forward and inverse kinematics between world and joint coordinates, as well as real-time dynamic checking of joint limits (position, velocity, and acceleration) for moves programmed in world coordinates. This helps eliminate wrist snap problems that can crop up when passing near singularities. RWT's Universal Robot Controller, here next to a Fanuc arm, employs Win NT and PC technology to permit continual upgrading with standard electronics and software. It is designed as a plug-and-play system able to retrofit onto any robot. The idea of open controllers for robots got a boost recently as Ford Motor Co. made an investment in Robotic Workspace
Products & Services
Robotic end effectors are quick-change mobile robotic systems that can deploy tools. Learn more about Robotic End Effectors
Teach pendants are a specific type of industrial pendant. They are devices equipped with switches and dials used to control a robot's movements to and from desired points within a determined space. Learn more about Teach Pendants
CNC controllers are used to control machines and processes. They provide capabilities ranging from simple point-to-point linear control to highly complex algorithms with multiple axes of control. CNC controllers are used to retrofit many types of machine shop equipment. Search by Specification | Learn more about CNC Controllers
Industrial robots are programmable mechanical devices that contain rotary and/or prismatic joints in order to perform precise, repetitive movements. Types of industrial robots include articulated, Cartesian, cylindrical, gantry, parallel (hexapods), SCARA, and spherical. Search by Specification | Learn more about Industrial Robots
Collision sensors are used to protect robots from colliding with other objects. Noncontact sensors are used to help robots avoid these collisions. Search by Specification | Learn more about Collision Sensors
Product Announcements
Reis Robotics USA, Inc. - Vertical Articulated Arm Robots
The articulated-arm robot series is the most important robot kinematics for industrial use. As 6-axes universal robots with high path speeds and large work envelopes the RV-robots are especially... (read more)
Staubli - New HE Robot Version for Humid & Wet Environments
Stäubli today the introduction of a new and improved anti-corrosive version of its already unrivalled six-axis robot series; TX40, TX60 and TX90. The HE robot models offer a higher level of resistance... (read more)
Reis Robotics USA, Inc. - Handling & Interlinkage of Articulated-Arm Robots
REIS ROBOTICS with its various robot series has a large product range to make the best suitable robot type for any application task available. REIS ROBOTICS is the only... (read more)
ABB Robotics - IRB120 Small Robot, Flexible & Compact Production
ABB has launched its smallest ever multipurpose industrial robot, the compact, agile and lightweight six-axis IRB 120. Available with a new compact version of the popular IRC5 controller, the robot... (read more)
Staubli - New Laser Processing Robot from Stäubli
Stäubli Robotics announces the joint development of a new laser processing robot with JENOPTIK Laser technologies. (read more)
Reis Robotics USA, Inc. - Hybrid Kinematics Robot Series
The RVL robot series is a combination of linear and articulated-arm robot. The six axes hybrid kinematics combines the advantages of the linear concept with those of the articulated arm concept. The... (read more)
Excitron Corporation - 10A-TTL-3SW-42-47M Stepper Motor/Controller
Excellent for robotic actuators and robot operations. Simplest solution for motion control. You only need to connect this assembly to a power supply and a serial port on your PC or master controller. (read more)
Weldon Solutions - Weldon Robotic Metal Chip Impurity Removal System
Weldon Solutions developed an automated robotic system to remove impurities from metal chips. The system uses an in-feed tray, black light box, a software interface to tell the robot where to pick the... (read more)
Topics of Interest
The automaker sees benefits in standardized platforms for the factory floor. Robot-arm kinematics on the RWT controller are programmed into controller cards from Delta Tau Data Systems Inc. These... (Read More)
A sophisticated approach to kinematics is what differentiates robot controllers from more general purpose motion equipment. A typical task for industrial robots today is precision insertion. One... (Read More)
Alignment difficulties between shipping cartons are no problem for a robotic palletizing arm and smart camera. An intelligent camera and companion light source helps a German company straighten out an... (Read More)
From the Safety Files: When Robots Attack A worker on a Sunday shift saw a strange movement out of the corner of his eye. When he went to investigate, he found the mechanic who'd been working on the... (Read More)
Advanced servomotors and software are making entertainment robots smarter and more capable than ever before. Max the anthropomorphic robot mirrors the moves of a human operator fitted with a sensored... (Read More)
See more product announcements for Robotic End Effectors
Care-O-bot – Service Robot Equipped by SCHUNK

Care-O-bot – Service Robot Equipped by SCHUNK
SCHUNK Inc.


Lightweight Arm LWA 3

Lightweight Arm LWA 3
SCHUNK Inc.


Tactile Sensors in Industrial & Consumer Robots

Tactile Sensors in Industrial & Consumer Robots
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