Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

Archives for June 15, 2017

Collaborative robotic system makes ‘monotonous and physically demanding tasks’ at BMW easier

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bmw dingolfing kuka robot
A worker at BMW Dingolfing, with the Kuka collaborative robot

The employees at BMW Group’s Dingolfing Plant have a new, highly responsive assistant: an LBR iiwa lightweight robot from Kuka, which they say takes over “monotonous and physically demanding tasks”. 

Previously, BMW employees had to lift a differential case which weighed up to 5.5 kg, and had to manoeuvre it with millimeter-precision, in the assembly of the front axle.

Now the robot is taking over this “ergonomically demanding work”.  [Read more…] about Collaborative robotic system makes ‘monotonous and physically demanding tasks’ at BMW easier

Americans split on impact of automation in the workplace

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Automation in the workplace is a polarizing issue for Americans, according to the results of a new American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor survey conducted online by Harris Poll.

About equal percentages of respondents say that automation – for example, robots or artificial intelligence – will be a good or a bad thing for the future world of work.

Specifically, 34 per cent of Americans say automation will be a positive development for the workforce in the next 10 years or more—compared with 31% who say it will be negative. A plurality (35 per cent) are neutral on the matter or just don’t know.  [Read more…] about Americans split on impact of automation in the workplace

Robot cars pose ‘unprecedented risks and costs’, warns Consumer Watchdog

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Robot cars pose unprecedented risks to the American public, Consumer Watchdog warned in a report, Self-Driving Vehicles: The Threat to Consumers.

In a representation to the Senate, Consumer Watchdog says robot cars – also known as driverless, self-driving, autonomous or highly-automated cars – require mandatory safety, security, privacy and ethical standards.

The organisation also warned that getting Madd is not enough.

The Consumer Watchdog report is being issued in conjunction with a day-long program, Driverless Cars: The Legal Landscape, sponsored by George Washington University Law School and a hearing by the Senate Commerce Committee, Paving the Way for Self-Driving Vehicles.  [Read more…] about Robot cars pose ‘unprecedented risks and costs’, warns Consumer Watchdog

Pepperl+Fuchs launches incremental rotary encoders with new BlueBeam technology

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pepperl+fuchs incremental rotary encoders bluebeam
The new ENI58IL with BlueBeam technology

Pepperl+Fuchs has launched blue emitter LEDs which it says ensure increased efficiency.

The new BlueBeam technology for incremental rotary encoders with optical sensing principle increases efficiency when generating signals, says the company.

Specially developed blue emitter LEDs, combined with modern and more finely structured sensing chips, allow a more energetic penetration depth of the blue light in the chip.  [Read more…] about Pepperl+Fuchs launches incremental rotary encoders with new BlueBeam technology

Control Techniques enhances Unidrive M drives

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General Purpose drives - nidec

Control Techniques has enhanced its range of Unidrive M general purpose variable speed drives.

The range, launched earlier this month, now offers much improved setup and installation methods, says the company.

Parameter settings on the drives are more accessible; users will now find information relating to each parameter on the front of the unit, while the keypad has been laid out in a way that makes setup easy.  [Read more…] about Control Techniques enhances Unidrive M drives

Why automated parts inspection is important in manufacturing

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precision ball actuators

Inspection in manufacturing is a process that involves the testing, gauging, measuring, and examination of a material or specimen, with the express purpose of determining whether or not it is in proper condition.

Typically, specified standards are set, against which the results of the inspection are compared to establish if the material being inspected is able to pass this stage of quality control.

In the past, inspection used to be performed solely by human agents, a special workforce that was commonly equipped with the necessary paraphernalia, and sometimes, simply by their bare senses.  [Read more…] about Why automated parts inspection is important in manufacturing