News » Product News Vision sensors help robots to pick parts from belts or bins
At the recent Automatica exhibition in Germany, the German sensor-maker Sick showcased a series of 2D and 3D vision-guided parts-locating technologies for quick and easy set-up of robots picking items from a belts or bins. Various sensing options are available – including streaming cameras, vision sensors, and smart cameras – offering a choice of measuring ranges, fields of view, and resolutions to suit particular tasks.
Compact cobot ‘can be programmed by anyone’
Kuka has developed a lightweight collaborative robot (cobot) designed to be easy to program, even by non-experts. The LBR iisy cobot, which can handle payloads up to 3kg, adapts to the user’s knowledge of robotics – offering a choice of programming techniques from simple teaching of the arm using manual guidance, through to Java programming of complex activities.
Scara robots are ‘first’ with EtherCat and condition monitoring
Omron has announced a new generation of Scara robots which, it claims, are the first with a built-in condition monitoring and the ability to indicate when they need attention. It also says that they are the first with built-in EtherCat controls and communications, allowing them to synchronise their operation with other automation devices to perform fast, accurate assembly, insertion and mounting operations with high throughputs.
Next-generation cobots save time and improve accuracy
The collaborative robot (cobot) pioneer Universal Robots has announced a new flagship series of cobot arms with built-in torque/force sensors, easier programming, a high-speed system bus and extra safety functions. The new e-Series cobots look similar to the previous UR machines (which will continue to be available), offering a higher-specification alternative for applications that need improved performance.
Sensor skin adds safety to six-axis collaborative robot
Bosch Rexroth has entered the world of collaborative robots (cobots) with a six-axis arm, based on a Kuka design, which uses a capacitive sensor skin to avoid collisions, without needing to make physical contact with an object. Equipped with more than 120 sensors, the skin allows the robot to stop automatically at a safe speed of 0.5m/s with a typical secure switching distance of 50mm.
Conveyor roller-drive is ‘the first to offer digital feedback’
SEW-Eurodrive claims to be offering the first conveyor roller-drive that can be monitored constantly using a digital feedback system. It says that other roller-drives are controlled by analogue signals, providing no feedback on the motor’s temperature or speed, and making it difficult to isolate the cause of any errors.
Modular PLCs combine redundancy and safety
Mitsubishi has announced that its Melsec iQ-R modular PLCs are now available as redundant pairs of controllers for extra reliability. The PLCs also include functions for monitoring and managing safety.
1Gbit I/O modules boost productivity and flexibility
Rockwell Automation has announced a new generation of I/O modules that support real-time, intelligent process control. It says that the Allen-Bradley Flex 5000 I/O platform will lead to smarter, more productive and more flexible industrial control systems.
Welsh IP66 drives make their debut at the Hannover Fair
One of a handful of UK automation companies at the recent Hannover Fair was the Welsh drives-maker Invertek, which launched a range of IP66-protected, outdoor-rated VSDs, as well as a pair of tools for its Optidrive family.
Software helps OEMs to track, monitor and fix machines remotely
Schneider Electric has announced a software platform that lets OEM machine-builders track, monitor and fix their machines remotely, and pass on the benefits to their customers. The EcoStruxure Machine Advisor software is designed to turn data into key insights.
Tool will help OEM machine-builders to sell extended services
Lenze believes it has spotted a gap in the market that will help machine-builders to take advantage of developments such as predictive maintenance and improved productivity, and to market them as services, rather than simply selling hardware. This model requires a secure location where data on machine components can be collected.
Remote monitoring system helps to cut downtime
Eriks has announced an Industry 4.0-compatible condition-monitoring system for remote access to, and predictive maintenance of, critical industrial assets. Called e-Connect, it monitors and gathers data on crucial assets to provide insights into their condition, behaviour and performance. This information can be used to cut the downtime and costs associated with unexpected maintenance and repairs.
Push-in terminals ‘halve wiring times and simplify panels’
Rockwell Automation has announced a family of terminal blocks that, it claims, will improve connections and simplify panel designs. It adds that the Allen-Bradley Bulletin 1492-P push-in terminal blocks will halve wiring times, reduce maintenance and increase the reliability of the connections.
Technology integrates electrical and process data in one view
Rockwell Automation has announced a technology that gives plant operators a single, integrated view of process and electrical system data. Called the IntelliCenter Integration Unit, it combines intelligent electrical distribution devices with a process automation environment. Integrating these elements into a single control and software platform is said to avoid the need for a separate electrical Scada system and to give process and electrical operators a single, unified view of their data.
All-electric actuators ‘out-perform hydraulics’
A US company has developed a maintenance-free electromechnical linear actuator technology that, it claims, offers higher power densities and better reliability than rollerscrew or hydraulic technologies. Massachusetts-based Rise Robotics says that its Rise Cylinder actuators can replace hydraulic systems of all sizes, resulting in quieter, more efficient, all-electric machines.
