Archives for July 5, 2017

Genesis Robotics accelerates development of prototypes based on its ‘revolutionary’ LiveDrive actuator

Well-funded startup Genesis Robotics has accelerated the development of a range of products based on its “ground-breaking” technology, which the company claims will transform the entire industry.

All of the new products Genesis has developed are based on something it calls LiveDrive, an actuator system which uses a gear with no teeth, invented by the company itself.

Making a gear work without teeth sounds impossible – how does it move connected parts without teeth? Imagine a gear on a bicycle without teeth and you’ll get the picture. [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics accelerates development of prototypes based on its ‘revolutionary’ LiveDrive actuator

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

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’

Leuze launches new capacitive sensors for ‘reliable detection’ of objects and fill levels

leuze electronic capacitive sensors — The new capacitive sensors from Leuze

Leuze Electronic is expanding its portfolio of optoelectronic and inductive sensors with capacitive proximity switches, making it possible for users to obtain complete solutions for all detection requirements from a single source.

With its new range of capacitive products, Leuze electronic is introducing contactless, wear-free switches which are resistant to electromagnetic influences, interference and contaminants in the air such as dust.

The capacitive switches are available in cylindrical or cubic designs with flush and non-flush mounting options to suit the widest range of applications. [Read more…] about Leuze launches new capacitive sensors for ‘reliable detection’ of objects and fill levels

Growing market for advanced driver assistance systems brings big bucks for Bosch

dirk hoheisel — Dirk Hoheisel, Bosch board member responsible for mobility solutions, making his presentation

The demand for advanced driver assistance systems is surging, according to Bosch, which says it pocketed almost $4 billion last year from supplying the technology.

The company is developing a range of hardware and software solutions for what it calls automated driving, and one of them is an onboard artificial intelligence-driven computer, which will go into production within the next few years.

ADAS is often seen as autonomous – or driverless – car technology, except it’s integrated into cars already being purchased in large numbers today. [Read more…] about Growing market for advanced driver assistance systems brings big bucks for Bosch

Big industrial robot manufacturers looking to move into China

yaskawa china — Picture courtesy of Dr Miha Pipan

The huge and growing demand for industrial robots in China is prompting the world’s largest industrial robot makers to look into setting up operations in the country.

In particular, Japanese companies are said to be profiting from China’s huge increase in demand for industrial robots.

Statistics collated by the Japan Robot Association show that the country exported around $4.4 billion worth of industrial robots to China in 2016. [Read more…] about Big industrial robot manufacturers looking to move into China