News » Product News 5G router for private industrial networks is ‘the first’
Three companies – Phoenix Contact, Quectel and Ericsson – have worked together to develop and deploy the first 5G router for local industrial applications in private 5G networks. It will allow machines, controls and other equipment to be connected to private 5G networks to manage their behaviour and use of resources.
Direct-drive integrated servomotor has wide speed range
The UK positioning technology manufacturer Overview has announced a direct-drive, integrated servomotor with a wide dynamic speed range (0.05–720 degrees/second), 0.007-degree repeatability and 1Nm of output torque. The Miranda motor fills a torque gap in Overview’s Servotorq series of direct-drive, servomotors, which are designed to deliver high positional accuracy with fast, smooth and silent motion.
Fast, high-payload delta robot targets retail logistics
ABB has announced a flexible, high-payload delta robot to target applications such as customised packaging, vertical packing, and high-speed, high-variation sorting and on-demand order-picking in logistics and e-commerce fulfilment centres.
5 Mpx vision sensors can replace several low-res devices
The German sensor-maker Sensopart has announced a 5 Megapixel vision sensor which it describes as “unique”. The Visor V50 boasts an image resolution that is several times larger than standard vision sensors.
Bolt-on device can link remote assets anywhere in the world
HMS Networks has announced a device that delivers reliable cellular-based Internet connections for remote assets almost anywhere in the world. The Anybus Wireless Bolt IoT uses Low Power Wide Area Network (LP-WAN) technologies with frugal power needs, limited bandwidths (25-300 kbit/s), and low connection costs.
Tool can slash enclosure configuring times by up to 95%
The enclosure manufacturer Rittal has announced a tool for configuring its small enclosures that, it says, can cut the time it takes to choose, configure and purchase a compact enclosure by up to 95%. The Rittal Configuration System (RiCS) allows users to browse through an online catalogue of more than 250 accessories, but only shows them components that are suitable for a chosen cabinet. Once selected, the accessory can be positioned in an online 3D model of the enclosure.
Efficient motors comply with new Ecodesign Directive
The German drives and automation specialist Lenze is launching a new motor platform that complies with the Ecodesign Directive that is due to come into force in Europe in the summer of 2021. The m500 motors are designed to be future-proof and can be used worldwide. They are intended primarily to be combined with Lenze’s g500 gearboxes and i500 inverters.
Intuitive software speeds cobot set-ups and cuts costs
Mitsubishi Electric in Japan has announced a series of collaborative robots (cobots) designed to be deployed quickly using intuitive programming software. It says that the combination will help to achieve more efficient production, and cut the total cost of ownership (TCO) of robotic systems
Pocket-sized thermal camera sends images straight to the cloud
Flir Systems has announced a pocket-sized thermal camera that uploads thermal images and videos directly to the cloud via WiFi, allowing maintenance personnel to store and back up the files, and to share them with other people. The Flir C5 – the first camera in the company’s Cx series to support its Ignite cloud services – is designed to speed up electrical and mechanical testing, energy auditing, and other applications.
Graphical software allows novices to program cobots
ABB has announced a graphical programming aid for its single-arm YuMi cobot (collaborative robot) that allows users with no prior knowledge of robot programming to create programs quickly without needing specialised training.
IIoT platform gathers data to help move to smart factories
Fanuc has announced an open-source IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) platform that can connect a wide range of Fanuc and third-party production technologies – including legacy models dating back to 2000. The aim of the Field (Fanuc Intelligent Edge Link and Drive) system is to provide fast, centralised access to all production data in a plant and to help users to move towards smart factories.
‘First smart camera with deep learning’ tackles complex tasks
Cognex has announced what it describes as the world’s first industrial smart camera to be powered by deep learning. The self-contained In-Sight D900 embedded vision system incorporates the company’s ViDi deep learning software and is aimed at complex in-line inspection applications such as optical character recognition, assembly verification and defect detection.
IE5 synchronous reluctance motors can halve losses
ABB has announced that its SynRM synchronous reluctance motors now comply with the IEC’s new IE5 ultra-premium energy efficiency class, with energy losses that are up to 50% lower than those of IE2 induction machines. ABB introduced the SynRM technology in 2011 and applications have demonstrated energy savings of up to 25%.
Modules cut energy used by any make of drive by up to 40%
A German company, Michael Koch, has developed a series of active energy management devices for VSDs (variable-speed drives) that, it claims, can cut energy use by up to 40% when used with drives of any make. The devices, which are connected to the drive’s DC link, store excess electrical energy, largely independently of the grid.
Three-finger gripper grasps hard-to-handle objects
The Danish manufacturer of robotic end-effectors, OnRobot, has developed a three-finger electric gripper that, it says, will simplify previously difficult-to-automate precision handling of cylindrical parts, and will accept a wide range of object sizes. The compact 3FG15 gripper has a 15kg payload, a maximum stroke length of 150mm, and can handle parts from 20–150mm. It provides a strong grip for both form-fit (internal) or friction-fit (external) applications.
