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Herga adds 2.4 GHz transmitter-receiver system for industrial control applications

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Herga Technology, a switching and sensing component manufacturer, has added a new range of 2.4 GHz wireless remote controls for industrial machinery and equipment switching.

With a standard range of 30 to 40 metres, the new 6313 and 6314 series transmitter and receiver modules are available with a choice ergonomic handsets with up to 10 buttons and receivers with 5 or 11 relays at 12/24 VDC at 1 A.

The range features robust 16-channel radio frequency technology with simple pairing set-up.  [Read more…] about Herga adds 2.4 GHz transmitter-receiver system for industrial control applications

ABB boss talks up musical talents of company’s YuMi collaborative robot

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ABB boss Ulrich Spiesshofer has been praising the musical talents of the company’s YuMi collaborative robot. 

The chief executive of the industrial giant is said to have musical talents of his own and can play the clarinet, saxophone and accordion.

Robotics and Automation News has been trying to get an interview with Spiesshofer but he gave an exclusive interview to Forbes instead.  [Read more…] about ABB boss talks up musical talents of company’s YuMi collaborative robot

Market insight: Injection moulding plastics market set to double in size in 10 years

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Injection moulding is one of the most common manufacturing processes and generally involves creating a mould and injecting a molten material into it. That material then cools down and takes the form of the cavity inside the mould. 

The materials used in injection moulding can vary from plastics to metals, and even newer, modern composites. But mostly injection moulding used to make plastic parts and components.

Among the advantages of injection moulding is that it can be used for mass manufacturing and low-volume manufacturing, and for rapid prototyping.

Also, a crucial advantage is the quality of finish – you don’t get the roughness that you might get with 3D printing, where the depositing of successive layers creates a ripple or uneven effect.  [Read more…] about Market insight: Injection moulding plastics market set to double in size in 10 years

Midea launches deep learning artificial intelligence initiative

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Midea, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of household appliances, has launched an ambitious artificial intelligence project through which the company is looking to transform its business.

The company says the “Midea Brain” project will accelerate Midea’s speed of innovation and product and application development in the AI field.

In the last two years, artificial intelligence especially deep learning, has emerged as a major technology trend.  [Read more…] about Midea launches deep learning artificial intelligence initiative

Kuka expects to double its business to more than $1 billion through Midea’s China connections

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Industrial robot maker Kuka is forecasting sales of more than $1.24 billion in China by 2020, which would be more than double the volume of business it currently does in the country. 

This is according to a report on the South China Morning Post website, which adds that Kuka is looking to make the most of parent company Midea’s China connections.

Kuka reported global sales of $4.3 billion worldwide for 2017, and currently does approximately $558 million worth of business in mainland China now.  [Read more…] about Kuka expects to double its business to more than $1 billion through Midea’s China connections

A closer look at the German microelectronics sector

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Microelectronics, as the name suggests, is all about tiny electronics systems, whether we’re talking about a self-contained device or a component. 

But mostly it’s about silicon-based components and devices, typified by microchips, which are known collectively semiconductors.

Obviously, microelectronics is a subfield of the larger electronics sector so the two intersect at the basic level.  [Read more…] about A closer look at the German microelectronics sector

Yaskawa to adopt ‘Intel Inside’ strategy and supply core parts to other industrial robot makers

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Yaskawa, one of the largest industrial robot manufacturers in the world, is preparing to supply core robot parts to smaller Chinese competitors, according to a report in Nikkei. 

This is a new strategy for the company, which is part of the giant Japanese Yaskawa Electric company and produces robots under the global brand names of Yaskawa and Motoman.

Nikkei reports that Yaskawa has decided to take an approach similar to the “Intel Inside” campaign in which chipmaker Intel chose to supply processors to computer manufacturers rather than launch its own computer brand.  [Read more…] about Yaskawa to adopt ‘Intel Inside’ strategy and supply core parts to other industrial robot makers

Rockwell releases new version of Studio 5000 software

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Rockwell Automation has released the latest version of its Studio 5000 software, claiming it optimizes productivity and reduces design time.

Rockwell says the latest release includes a modern user interface and productivity-enhancing features across all applications.

The company says engineers can now more quickly design, build and commission automation systems using the newly enhanced Rockwell Software Studio 5000 integrated development environment.  [Read more…] about Rockwell releases new version of Studio 5000 software

Toshiba launches new robot in Chinese market

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Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.  has launched sales of its new THE400, a THL series SCARA robot, for the Chinese market.

The THE400 model is a high-rigidity SCARA robot which is said to feature the high responsiveness and high tracking accuracy needed in 3C (Computers, Consumer Electronics, and Communication) industries.

The THE400 model uses an all-new mechanical system design and control functions to provide accurate movement tracking combined with high-speed operation and high payload capacity, says the company. The cycle time reaches 0.3 sec (for 2 kg payload) for enabling operations, which is 19% faster than the previous model.

[Read more…] about Toshiba launches new robot in Chinese market

Opinion: Robots help close the gap between designing and making

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Andrew Watts, CEO Newtecnic, discusses the construction industry’s move towards robotics and mass-customization that brings designers and makers together for positive disruption within and beyond the industry

Digitalization, robotics and automation, have produced significant quality and productivity benefits in manufacturing over several decades.

In construction, however, while digitalization has very successfully automated design, the disconnect between designing and making is ripe for an industrial revolution.

And while innovative product manufacturers use technology to move from mass-production to mass-customization, the construction industry is only just picking up on DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) for repetitive mass production of standardized components.

This use of what can be considered an outmoded idea seems to be a retrograde step because the opportunity now exists for construction to deploy the very latest technology and thereby take the lead in manufacturing.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Robots help close the gap between designing and making