Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

bearings

NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’

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nsk ball bearings

NSK has launched low-friction ball bearings which it says increase energy efficiency and reduce operational noise in drive systems. 

Bearings of this type will also reduce heat generation, which in turn helps to extend service life, according to the company.

Based on concepts such as optimised raceway geometry and special sealing concepts, NSK has developed several series of ball bearings that offer significantly lower friction characteristics.  [Read more…] about NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’

Schaeffler and IBM sign Watson IoT partnership

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Schaeffler, one of the world’s leading automotive and industrial suppliers, has signed a multi-year strategic partnership agreement with IBM to accelerate the digital transformation of its entire operations and customer solutions using Watson’s cognitive intelligence and insight from billions of sensors that make up the internet of things (IoT).

Schaeffler manufactures millions of precision-engineered products that help to keep the world’s machines moving – from those that go into automotive clutch systems, to those in hybrid engines and the huge industrial bearings used in wind turbines.

Through the agreement, Schaeffler will tap IBM’s cloud-based Watson IoT technologies to help transform every aspect of its business from product development, through to manufacturing and its supply chain, sales and aftersales service.  [Read more…] about Schaeffler and IBM sign Watson IoT partnership

Additive manufacturing ‘revolutionising’ shipbuilding, says OR Laser

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container-ships

There’s a revolution brewing in the production of sliding bearings, according to OR Lasertechnologie

German industrial technology company OR Lasertechnologie says it’s only necessary to apply a layer of metal a few millimeters thick using the powder nozzle to reliably, cost-effectively, and easily protect the large shaft bearings used in ships from wear and tear. 

This represents something of a revolution in the shipbuilding industry, according to the company.

OR Laser says it develops and builds robot-assisted laser systems for direct metal deposition – which is similar to additive manufacturing – that take the production and repair of sliding bearings to an “innovative new level”.  [Read more…] about Additive manufacturing ‘revolutionising’ shipbuilding, says OR Laser