Where Innovation Meets Imagination
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Purchase a copy and support this website so we can bring you all the news and information that matters to your business and work, as well as reflect your interests. [Read more…] about Buy our book, Robotics and Automation Industry Thought Leaders
Martyn Williams, managing director of Copa-Data UK, explains the changing responsibilities of IT and OT
The convergence of industrial automation and communication is an integral part of the growing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In the modern industrial realm, automation should provide a consistent way of executing tasks and processes – including those usually associated with information technology (IT).
As a result, the operational technology (OT) used to support manufacturing processes is experiencing significant changes.
IT and OT convergence describes the integration of IT systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications, with OT systems, such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
Traditionally, IT and OT have remained two separate silos, maintaining independent protocols, standards and governance models. However, for companies pursuing operational effectiveness, increased profits and growth, the convergence of these two systems is a no brainer. [Read more…] about Rewriting the rules: The benefits and challenges of IT/OT convergence
“Additive manufacturing” is increasingly used interchangeably with “3D printing”, so they essentially mean the same thing. The only difference seems to be that “3D printing” is used more by maker communities – hobbyists and inventors – and still retains some sort of novelty value, whereas “additive manufacturing” – despite being the newer term – is more likely to be preferred in industry circles, perhaps because it has the sound of an established technology.
But it’s not really an “established” technology in the sense that it’s only been around for a relatively short time.
According to 3DPrintingIndustry.com, it was only in 2007 that a 3D printer was available for less than $10,000 – from a company called 3D Systems, which is today one of the most well-known providers of the technology.
The most advanced 3D printers still cost quite a lot of money, especially those used by high-end manufacturers, but there are good-quality, entry-level machines available today for as little as a few hundred dollars. [Read more…] about Additive manufacturing or 3D printing? What’s the difference?
In this part of our series of articles about investing in robotics and automation, Brian Gahsman, managing partner and chief investment officer at GBSfunds, gives his view of how new inventors can change the market and what his company, Gahsman Branton, is interested in investing in
Robotics and Automation News: More “maker” and startup companies seem able to produce robotics and automation technology. How will this affect the market?
Brian Gahsman: We are barely on the cusp of seeing the flood of startups that will enter this space. Now that the technology is at a point of cost effectiveness many who for decades were only hobbyists now have the ability to bring their creations to the market.
As that trend increases so will the rate of M&A activity which we are already seeing with companies like Kuka as well as the recent acquisition of SLM Solutions and Arcam by GE in attempt to corner the market in metal based additive 3D printing. [Read more…] about Investing in robotics: Will ‘makers’ make a difference in the established industry?
Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of industrial equipment supplier EU Automation discusses how new developments help bring legacy systems forward
In the last few years, fitness tracking technology has been increasingly popular, with a range of devices available to help you become healthier, improve your fitness performance and ultimately live longer.
These devices use non-invasive, easy to use sensors that connect directly to your smartphone or computer, giving you instant results to track your progress. At this year’s Hanover Messe, a new ABB demonstrated a new fitness tracker. Only this time, it’s a fitness tracker for industrial motors.
At this year’s Hanover fair, ABB revealed that it has developed a smart sensor that can monitor the condition of a Low Voltage (LV) motor. This development consists of two parts; the sensor and the software. [Read more…] about Industrial internet: Connecting motors to the Internet of Things
Aurora demonstrates advanced robot system on a Diamond DA-42, Cessna Caravan and Bell UH-1 helicopter as part of Darpa autonomous aircraft program
Aurora Flight Sciences is reaching new technological heights in the world of automated flight through its work on the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (Alias) program.
On October 17 Aurora demonstrated automated flight capabilities with Alias flying a Cessna Caravan through basic maneuvers under the supervision of a pilot.
Aurora’s Alias technology has now been successfully demonstrated on three separate aircraft, from three original equipment manufacturers, in less than twelve months. [Read more…] about Darpa-backed company demonstrates semi-autonomous plane co-piloted by a robot
Yamaha Motor says its internet of things automation system enables integrated control of multiple robot products with one controller
Yamaha has developed a new Advanced Robotics Automation platform – essentially an internet of things system for connecting machines together.
This integrated control robot system enables building advanced automated production lines at low cost, in short time frames, and provides a “remarkable increase in compatibility with IoT”, says Yamaha.
The company adds that the newly-developed integrated controller delivers comprehensive coordination and synchronous control of an entire automated system, including transport of pieces, handling, image recognition, and control of peripheral devices. [Read more…] about Yamaha develops its own ‘Advanced Robotics Automation’ internet of things platform to connect its new industrial robots
Company claims its robot has the industry’s fastest motion performance of a 0.28 seconds standard cycle time, and it targets unit sales of 2,800 at an open price
Yamaha has introduced a “new full model change” SCARA Robot YKX Series, which is compatible with its own “Advanced Robotics Automation Platform” – essentially an internet of things platform for its machines.
Yamaha will formally launch the new YKX series of SCARA robots and its the newly-developed Advanced Robotics Automation Platform integrated control robot system on December 1, 2016.
With this “full model change”, as Yamaha calls it, the YKX series has achieved even higher rigidity and high-speed motion through drive system upgrades and Yamaha Motor’s “unique” motor-reduction gear direct connection structure – a completely beltless structure, says the company. [Read more…] about Yamaha launches new SCARA robot and ‘advanced’ robotics automation platform
Richard Hurst, product manager at Harmonic Drive looks at the latest technological advancements, such as high precision gears, that are allowing these trends to move from the periphery of the industry into the mainstream
The biggest trends in the robotics industry include collaborative robots (CoBots), a move towards high precision applications and the rise of the Internet of Robot Things (IoRT).
Between 2010 and 2014, robot sales reached 171,000 units globally, a rise of 48 per cent on the previous four years and representing a compound annual growth rate of 17 per cent.
This is according to research by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), which also identified China as the world’s biggest buyer of industrial robots with a 25 per cent share of the worldwide market. [Read more…] about Collaborative robot: Human-machine harmony
The pristine island of Sri Lanka with its serene Buddhist culture will make way for a technology pit-stop for one of the world leaders in the concept of collaborative robotics.
Universal Robots, which claims to have pioneered collaborative robots or “cobots” as they are sometimes called, has launched its machines into the Sri Lankan market and talked about the availability of this technology to various industries.
The event was attended by the key stakeholders that define this technology, including the general manager of the company in the India and Sri Lanka region, and a host of other dignitaries representing the government and customers. [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches in Sri Lanka
