Archives for June 2, 2017

Spinea launches new servo actuator for precision motion

June 2, 2017 by Sam Francis

Spinea has launched its new DS 095 DriveSpin servo actuator motor for precision control.

Recently announced by Spinea and available in the UK from Heason Technology, the DriveSpin DS 095 series integrates the industry leading TwinSpin high-load capacity trochoidal gear unit and a powerful AC servomotor with servo feedback for a cutting-edge rotary actuator solution for precision motion applications.

The inline (non-hollowshaft) design of the DS 095 fulfils the gap between the DS 70 and DS 100 models to provide a rated torque of up to 85 Nm and maximum lost motion and hysteresis values of less than one arc-min. [Read more…] about Spinea launches new servo actuator for precision motion

Grimme marks 80 years since first automated potato harvesting machine

June 2, 2017 by Sam Francis

In Germany alone, over 10 million tonnes of potatoes are harvested each year. Worldwide, the total even exceeds 341 million tonnes.

More than 80 years ago, Grimme developed the first potato harvesting machine. A great deal has happened since that time, and now Grimme is said to be the world market leader in potato harvesting technology.

Besides the actual harvesting, efficient storage technology is equally important to ensure that potatoes remain available in top quality to meet demand. [Read more…] about Grimme marks 80 years since first automated potato harvesting machine

Epson boss says company’s advanced sensor could change the way industrial robots are used

June 2, 2017 by Sam Francis

Seiko Epson president Minoru Usui says sensor technology the company has developed could change the way robots are used.

In an interview with Reuters, Usui says he wants the company to increase its robot sales worldwide by more than five times what they are now.

And the Micro Piezo force sensor could help to achieve at least some of that growth.

Currently, Epson Robots is one of the top 10 industrial robot makers in the world, according to a list compiled by RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com. The company is placed ninth, with 55,000 industrial robots installed worldwide. [Read more…] about Epson boss says company’s advanced sensor could change the way industrial robots are used

RoboMotion and SoTec demonstrate cloud robotics solution using Kuka Agilus

June 2, 2017 by Sam Francis

Industrial automation integrator RoboMotion and software company SoTec have demonstrated a robotics solution which enables users to control an industrial robot through their smartphones.

The two companies say they have developed an integrated solution which enables “robot control from the cloud”, and used the system to control an industrial robot made by Kuka.

The solution essentially eliminates the need to use a programmable logic controller, or PLC, which is basically a computer attached to robotics and automation hardware systems to program and control their movements. [Read more…] about RoboMotion and SoTec demonstrate cloud robotics solution using Kuka Agilus

Driverless cars set to take to the roads much faster than anticipated as Colorado passes first law regulating the technology

June 2, 2017 by Sam Francis

Volvo_driverless_car — Picture of driverless car with “passenger” in driving seat… courtesy of Volvo

The sheer speed with which driverless cars have gone from a fanciful notion to soon-to-be real-world, mainstream standard technology might be bewildering to some and slightly worrying to others.

But for proponents and supporters of the technology – of which there are many, both inside the industry as well as in society at large – the driverless car was always clearly on the horizon, and it’s imminent arrival is not a moment too soon.

Colorado has become the latest state to pass a law which allows the development of autonomous cars as long as the developers observe existing laws of the road. [Read more…] about Driverless cars set to take to the roads much faster than anticipated as Colorado passes first law regulating the technology

Apple extends Swift programming language to support robotics

June 2, 2017 by Sam Francis

Apple has updated Swift Playgrounds, its educational coding app for iPad, to include what the company describes as “new way to learn to code using robots, drones and musical instruments”.

Swift Playgrounds is aimed at students and beginners learning to code with Swift, Apple’s programming language for building apps.

Apple says it is working with leading device makers to make it easy to connect to Bluetooth-enabled robots within the Swift Playgrounds app, allowing users to program and control popular devices, including Lego Mindstorms Education EV3, the Sphero SPRK+, Parrot drones and more. [Read more…] about Apple extends Swift programming language to support robotics