Robotics & Automation News

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Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America

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North American distributors of Universal Robots are now opening Authorized Training Centers (ATCs), offering classes spanning basic to advanced programming of UR cobots. The first four ATCs have been launched, with another nine to follow by end of 2019.

Universal Robots says it is committed to making collaborative robots (cobots) in the workplace accessible to all. The company is now building on the popular online modules offered through the UR Academy by enabling its sales channel to open ATCs.

Through hands-on classes hosted by UR trained teachers, the ATCs will broaden users’ understanding of the UR cobots’ range of use cases, while providing opportunities for hands-on practice in real-life applications.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America

Second SpaceDataHighway satellite to launch in July

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The EDRS-C satellite, the second node of the SpaceDataHighway network (also known as EDRS), will be launched into geostationary orbit at 31° East on 24 July 2019 by an Ariane 5 launcher.

Once positioned above Europe, it will provide redundant back-up for the SpaceDataHighway system, double transmission capacity and be able to relay the data from two observation satellites simultaneously.

This second satellite will be joining EDRS-A which transmits the images of Earth acquired by the Copernicus programme’s four Sentinel observation satellites on a daily basis.

[Read more…] about Second SpaceDataHighway satellite to launch in July

HMS Industrial launches new EtherNet/IP to Profibus DP linking device

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hms profibus-to-ethernet-ip-linking-device

Communication specialist HMS Industrial Networks now releases the third product in their EtherNet/IP Linking Devices family.

The new EtherNet/IP to Profibus DP Linking Device allows users to connect devices on Profibus to a Rockwell ControlLogix or CompactLogix PLC.

Users will benefit from the unique integration into Studio5000 Logix Designer from Rockwell Automation, as all configuration is made from inside Studio 5000.The EtherNet/IP to Profibus DP Linking Device from HMS Industrial Networks.  [Read more…] about HMS Industrial launches new EtherNet/IP to Profibus DP linking device

Emerson launches new control module for industrial machines

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emerson IO-Link valve

Company says new component provides Industry 4.0 diagnostics for pneumatics through direct digital control 

Emerson have expanded the ASCO Numatics 580 Series fieldbus electronics platform with the introduction of an IO-Link communication option.

The company says the new IO-Link module is for use with the ASCO Numatics 500 Series valve islands, and will allow machine automation designers a convenient, cost effective and reliable solution for solenoid valve control through direct digital data communication with the machine controller plus the ability for event-based and I/O mapped diagnostics – both important predictive maintenance requirements for Industry 4.0.

The 580 Series IO-Link is compatible with the full range of 501, 502 and 503 Series valve islands which offer from 400 to 1400 l/min flow rates in valve sizes of 11, 18 and 26 mm.  [Read more…] about Emerson launches new control module for industrial machines

Controller area network: No need for a computer

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audi r8

In this exclusive guest article, Kent Lennartsson, research manager at Kvaser, highlights a crucial technology – reliable, hassle-free controller communication 

A “controller area network” – or CAN, also known as a CAN bus or vehicle bus – is most well known for its use in automotive design.

In this system, a vehicle bus allows microcontrollers and other devices to communicate with one another without the need for a central computer.

This concept is akin to our use of the Internet of Things in everyday life.

This means when you’re driving down the highway in your Audi R8, your cruise control system can quickly communicate with your anti-lock brakes, disengaging the gas pedal and activating emergency brake assist, helping to make a fast stop if debris drops from a truck into your lane.  [Read more…] about Controller area network: No need for a computer

Connected world: The death of proprietary networks

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smart kettle

Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation, takes a look at one of the casualties of fluid communication in the factory – that is, the death of proprietary networks and communication protocols in favour of the uninhibited free flow of data 

Like it or not, we live in modern world of fluidity and interconnectedness in which the once ordinary now transcends all previous boundaries.

Take the humble kettle for instance. It’s a sign of the times that you can now purchase a kettle you can control from your phone via the internet. It will even send you notifications when it needs filling or if it’s at optimum temperature. Because it was hard to tell before.

Joking aside, one place where interconnectivity really is making a difference is on the factory floor.  [Read more…] about Connected world: The death of proprietary networks

Audi to test new autonomous driving technology

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Audi A7 piloted driving concept

German automaker calls its autonomous technology “piloted driving”

Twelve months after the launch of the “Digital Motorway Test Bed”, Audi has presented new technologies for what it calls “piloted driving” and connected cars at the German Federal Ministry of Transport. 

The connected car aspect of the presentation will deal with car-to-x technology, with the “x” denoting anything – other vehicles and infrastructure, for example.

Audi says it will concentrate on “online variable message” road signs and infrastructure measures. One of the more difficult problems for autonomous car developers is teaching machines how to tell the difference between traffic lights and other lights, for example.  [Read more…] about Audi to test new autonomous driving technology

Industrial internet: 42Q launches new protocol capability for factory automation

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42Q, a provider of cloud manufacturing execution systems (MES), has introduced Semiconductor Equipment Communications Standard, Generic Equipment Model (SECS/GEM) protocol capability.

SECS/GEM is an industry standard factory equipment interface protocol for equipment-to-host data communications.

In securing SECS/GEM capability, 42Q says it greatly simplifies the implementation of factory automation, machine to machine (M2M) communication, real time in process data collection and data analytics, all key elements of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Several factories using 42Q have already deployed this new protocol in their operations, sasy the company.  [Read more…] about Industrial internet: 42Q launches new protocol capability for factory automation

HMS Industrial Networks acquires Intesis Software

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intesis business_houseinhand

HMS Industrial Networks has acquired all shares of the Spain-based company Intesis Software – a provider of gateway solutions for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system integration within building automation. 

Intesis was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Igualada, Spain, close to Barcelona. Intesis offers advanced communication gateway solutions and interfaces within the building automation field. 

The major part of Intesis’ sales comes from the successful “IntesisBox” building automation communication solution. Intesis works closely with many major manufacturers of air conditioning and building automation systems globally. At present, the company has 30 employees.  [Read more…] about HMS Industrial Networks acquires Intesis Software

Copa-Data to showcase software for smarter grids at Cigre

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Copa-Data has launched its new zenon software and will be presenting it at Hannover Messe

Copa-Data, the international developer of the zenon software, is presenting its newest solutions for substation automation and substation HMI at the Cigre Session in Paris, from August 21-26, 2016.

JS automation and Copa-Data will jointly demonstrate the numerous possibilities of the software system for developing individual and ergonomic solutions within modern Smart Grids.

The Cigre Session 2016 is bringing experts from the energy industry together in Paris, with participants coming in from over 90 countries. Copa-Data has been offering its HMI/SCADA software in this environment for many years and continues to bring new innovative concepts for improved overview, safety and ergonomics in power plant and substation monitoring.  [Read more…] about Copa-Data to showcase software for smarter grids at Cigre