Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

actuators

Specifying a Linear Actuator: 3 Key Factors

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By Japh Humphries, UK Sales & Commercial Manager, Matara UK

Linear motion systems are business critical across an extensive range of industries, from food processing plants, to semiconductor manufacturers and packaging producers to name but a few.

In fact, virtually anywhere that requires loads to be cost-effectively moved in a straight line, safely, securely and precisely.

These systems have improved automation whilst simultaneously lowering production costs, making them invaluable. [Read more…] about Specifying a Linear Actuator: 3 Key Factors

Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

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Genesis Robotics has finally released its long-awaited and “revolutionary” LiveDrive direct drive actuators. (See video below.)

The relatively new startup company – now renamed as Genesis Robotics & Motion Technologies – says the new LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series Direct Drive Actuators are available in an extensive range of configurations and performance options.

Genesis says the LiveDrive direct-drive actuators “eliminate the need for gearing and are redefining the next generation of parallel robots and precision machinery”, unlocking capabilities beyond the reach of conventional drivetrains, across many applications. [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics releases long-awaited LiveDrive direct drive actuators

IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

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A new online application configuration tool, which allows engineers to specify their required actuator easily and quickly, has been launched by IMI Precision Engineering. 

The traditional manual specification of electric actuators often prove a “time consuming and complex task” for engineers, says IMI.

The new configurator, which compliments the IMI Norgren Elion Electrical Actuation Rodstyle and Rodless range, has become an “essential tool”, simplifying the process and allowing users to benefit from a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure they select the most efficient and accurate actuator, says the company. [Read more…] about IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

Subsea valve actuator ‘reduces energy consumption by up to 75 per cent’, says Rexroth

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Launched less than a year ago, Bosch Rexroth’s innovative Subsea Valve Actuator (SVA) – an entirely new concept for underwater actuators which offers SIL3 safety levels and up to 75 per cent lower energy consumption – has been granted a Mechanical Engineering Design Award.

The SVA was developed to help address some of the challenges and shortcomings associated with either purely electromechanical or electrohydraulic actuator technology used on the sea floor for oil and gas exploration and production systems.

Until now, underwater actuators required large, central hydraulic power units above water. Designed to supply the actuators with fluid, the fluid-lines themselves can be miles long. [Read more…] about Subsea valve actuator ‘reduces energy consumption by up to 75 per cent’, says Rexroth

How sensors and actuators are being used to create self-driven vehicles

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Autonomous vehicles aren’t science fiction any more. Top automobile firms and technology giants are working towards making self-driven cars commercially available by 2021.

In the same way how IoT is revolutionizing the industrial organization, self-driven vehicles are revolutionizing the transportation industry, allowing people to travel safely and comfortably.

These connected vehicles have the ability to mitigate pollution owing to their real-time traffic information and smart routing.  [Read more…] about How sensors and actuators are being used to create self-driven vehicles

Record-breaking revenues projected for the linear motion products market

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By Syed Mohsin Ali, research analyst, industrial automation, IHS Markit

According to the 2017 edition of the Linear Motion Products Report from IHS Markit, total global revenue from linear motion products is projected to hit a record high of $7.3 billion in 2017.

Demand for linear motion products in the electronics and electronics-assembly industries — particularly for battery manufacturing facilities and improved global economic conditions — have facilitated growth.

This new revenue record was preceded by a substantial growth rate of 6.1 percent in 2016, primarily a result of high demand from China and a 10.1 percent stronger exchange rate for the Japanese yen against the US dollar.  [Read more…] about Record-breaking revenues projected for the linear motion products market

Columbia University develops soft actuator three times stronger than human muscle to make robots more lifelike

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Columbia University says it has developed a self-contained soft actuator that is three times stronger than natural muscle, without the need of externals.

The researchers say the development means robotic motion will be more lifelike, and that it signals a breakthrough in soft robotics.

The creation of untethered soft robots whose actions and movements can help mimic natural biological systems have been a long-standing issue, and the scientists at Columbia Engineering say they have solved it.  [Read more…] about Columbia University develops soft actuator three times stronger than human muscle to make robots more lifelike

Asian demand for actuators for industrial robots set to increase in next few years

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The market for motors and actuators for industrial robots is forecast to increase dramatically over the next few years, according to a new report. 

The market is also set to see “intense competition”, says Technavio, which adds that key vendors are “constantly trying to provide innovative motors and actuators for industrial robot manufacturers”.

In their bid to outdo each other, vendors are said to be providing full-fledged customer services and support, as well as assisting in training the employees to operate the industrial robots.  [Read more…] about Asian demand for actuators for industrial robots set to increase in next few years

Reassuringly expensive gear: Overcoming the challenges of the packaging industry

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Graham Mackrell, managing director of precision gearing specialist Harmonic Drive UK, explains actuators, boots and socioeconomic unfairness 

As a famous fictional policeman once said, “The reason that the rich were so rich… was because they managed to spend less money”. 

What he meant was that although the rich may buy more expensive things, they buy products that will last longer and are therefore a better investment.

Although the policeman in question was referring to boots at the time, the same is true of cars, phones, and even servo actuators used in packaging machines.  [Read more…] about Reassuringly expensive gear: Overcoming the challenges of the packaging industry