Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Industry

Plex Systems achieves record sales of cloud manufacturing solution

by

Plex Systems, a provider of cloud enterprise resource planning software for manufacturing, says it achieved “another record year” in 2017.

The company says nearly 600 manufacturers now run Plex in approximately 2,000 facilities around the world.

Plex also introduced new analytics applications, integration capabilities, and an expanded suite of supply chain products in 2017, helping manufacturers improve their planning and decision-making on the shop floor and across enterprises.  [Read more…] about Plex Systems achieves record sales of cloud manufacturing solution

New Scara robot from IAI

by

IAI has released a new Scara robot, the IXA Series Scara, which the company says has much faster cycle times than previous models.

The robot is claimed to be low price, giving low vibration accurate positioning. It is equipped with a battery-less absolute encoder as standard.

The robot is suitable for applications such as high-speed transport to touch panel inspection boxes, high-speed parts assembly, and pick up and place of radiators and chips.

Baumüller to present intelligent automation solutions at Hannover

by

Baumüller, the automation and innovative electric drive company, will present its wide range of Industry 4.0 solutions at the Hannover Messe from April 23-27, 2018.

Visitors to the stand (hall 14, stand H12) can find out about the design of new drive systems and the optimization of existing drive systems as well as current service concepts from the field of Industry 4.0.

The automation specialist equips entire machine modules, from the motor to the software, which can then be linked to each other via suitable interfaces or that can be integrated into existing systems.

[Read more…] about Baumüller to present intelligent automation solutions at Hannover

Siemens Mentor releases FloMaster thermo-fluid solution with CAD connectivity and new physics

by

Mentor, a Siemens software business, has launched the latest release of its FloMaster 1D thermo-fluid system modeling product.

Combining integration with 3D mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) with new physics and an improved user experience, the latest release of the FloMaster tool is the result of extensive years of research and development, and accuracy validated by running more than 13 million unit test runs.

The new FloMaster release offers significant advancements in productivity through automated connectivity to 3D CAD design tools.  [Read more…] about Siemens Mentor releases FloMaster thermo-fluid solution with CAD connectivity and new physics

HMS delivers 5 millionth Anybus module to Parker Hannifin

by

HMS Industrial Networks has shipped its five-millionth Anybus product to Parker Hannifin – a Fortune 250 company in motion and control technologies.

The five-millionth Anybus is an Anybus CompactCom B40 which is to be used in one of Parker´s new valve control unit.

Anybus CompactCom will enable these valve controls to communicate on any fieldbus or industrial Ethernet network and consequently be used in any type of application, anywhere.  [Read more…] about HMS delivers 5 millionth Anybus module to Parker Hannifin

FireFly Automatix’s new self-propelled, hybrid mower ‘cuts costs’, says maker

by

FireFly Automatix has launched a revolutionary self-propelled, hybrid turf mower that enables the fastest precision cut possible while decreasing the average cost per acre.

The automated, high-performance M220 mower was showcased at the recent Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) event in Tucson, Arizona.

Steve Aposhian, the company’s founder and CTO, says: “The M220 represents a paradigm shift in turf farm mowing.  [Read more…] about FireFly Automatix’s new self-propelled, hybrid mower ‘cuts costs’, says maker

WinSystems launches Intel E3900-based single board computer with flexible edge computing for industrial IoT

by

WinSystems, a provider of embedded computer solutions used in industrial and other rugged high-performance applications, has introduced its small-footprint SBC35-C427 single board computer.

The company says the “innovative design” is based on the latest Intel Atom E3900 series processor.

WinSystems says the new computer is “unique” in coupling edge computing with multiple configurations and expansion options for adding functionality, along with an extended operating temperature range.  [Read more…] about WinSystems launches Intel E3900-based single board computer with flexible edge computing for industrial IoT

5G cloud robotics solution shown at MWC 2018

by

Ericsson, TIM and Comau, have displayed their cloud robotics solution, as a first implementation result of ‘5G for Italy’ collaboration agreement, signed last year, to explore the potential of 5G for Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing.

At MWC 2018 in Barcelona at the end of February, Ericsson, TIM and Comau demonstrated the benefits of 5G-based industrial virtualization through a pioneering proof of concept implemented in Italy – which showcases the factory of the future, that will be realized through the digitization of the manufacturing process and plants enabled by 5G networks and all their building blocks.

Through the combination of TIM and Ericsson’s leadership in 5G networks and technologies and Comau’s leadership in automated manufacturing solutions, this collaboration aims to prove the benefits of advanced solutions adoption for industrial automation.

[Read more…] about 5G cloud robotics solution shown at MWC 2018

Schunk introduces programmable magnetic switches for gripping systems

by

Schunk is now offering a freely programmable and universally applicable magnetic switch with ATEX certification for device group II, category 2 for monitoring gripping systems in potentially explosive areas.

The MMS 22-PI1-EX has a freely programmable switching point and detects a magnet inside of the actuator. It can be placed directly in the C-slot of the gripping or rotary modules with no interfering contours.

Instead of time-consuming mechanical adjustment of the switching point, the magnetic sensor can be programmed in just a few steps. The required magnetic teaching tool is included in the scope of delivery.

An optional plug-in teaching tool is also available. The corresponding switching condition is indicated on an LED display. Thanks to the standard plug connector, the sensor can be easily connected with standardized connection cables.

New ABB motor-starting solution introduces tool-free, push-in wiring

by

ABB is launching the industry’s first range of motor-starting solutions with a push-in spring technology that makes fault-free wiring easier. The innovative tool-free connection concept speeds up wiring work and provides a vibration-resistant connection that makes continuous operation more reliable.

ABB’s intuitive 2-in-1 design combines the advantages of both Push-in and Spring technology in a single terminal.

In Push-in mode, rigid cables or cables with ferrules can be connected tool-free. The operator just pushes them into the cable holes, cutting wiring time by up to 50 percent in comparison to a conventional spring solution and making installation easier.

[Read more…] about New ABB motor-starting solution introduces tool-free, push-in wiring