Robotics & Automation News

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configuration

Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

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Festo has unveiled an extended version of its robotic systems design software, saying it enables the design of Cartesian robots “in minutes”.

Festo’s Handling Guide Online (HGO) now includes 3D cantilever systems in addition to linear, planar surface and 3D handling systems.

The company says these improvements mean that design engineers can now plan “extremely compact or extremely dynamic Cartesian robots in a matter of minutes” using the HGO’s intuitive configuration and ordering software. [Read more…] about Festo unveils extended version of robotic systems design software

Trusted Application and Data Security Verification in the Age of Hacking

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By Yoav Kutner, Founder and CEO of Oro, Inc

To achieve trusted application and data security, B2B eCommerce solutions must examine and identify potentially vulnerable areas of the operation.

Few B2B eCommerce applications are built from the ground up to support sizeable B2B enterprises and complex, multi-level organizational hierarchies with thousands of employees and millions of website customers.

Incorporating multiple levels of enhanced security measures, ensure applications and data are protected, and maintain compliance with privacy regulations. [Read more…] about Trusted Application and Data Security Verification in the Age of Hacking

Automating the Costly RFQ Process

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By Scott Heide, Founder and CEO, Engineering Intent

ETO automation success starts with clear communication of a customer’s requirements. Proposed solutions must meet those requirements. Automating engineering and design steps means simplified management of modifications and nuances to documents.

The automation must similarly extend to the customer. Disputes and disagreements arise when prospects fail to understand fully what is being proposed.

After a configuration is fully (and automatically) configured based on customer inputs, a realistically rendered 3D model, ready for inclusion in detailed proposal documents, eliminates costly mistakes attributable to poor communication. [Read more…] about Automating the Costly RFQ Process

BMG unveils robotic paper cup manufacturing system

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Brown Machine Group (BMG) has designed a robotic paper cup manufacturing system for use in paper cup manufacturing applications.

BMG says its aXatronics C-Rush System is the first of its kind to automatically remove sidewalls, or Blanks, from high-speed, vertical die-cutters and robotically place them into work-in-progress containers, the C-Rush System significantly reduces manual labor and improves die-cutter productivity.

C-Rush is equipped with Smart-Dola – a new patent pending die-cutter output lane assembly (Dola) fixture that dramatically improves overall system throughput. [Read more…] about BMG unveils robotic paper cup manufacturing system

SICK unveils ‘world’s smallest’ safety laser scanner for robots

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SICK has launched what it says is “the world’s smallest safety laser scanner”, the nanoScan3.

The company says the new component is designed for “easy and economical integration into the smallest of machine designs”, particularly for automated guided vehicles, carts, mobile platforms and service robots.

The ultra-compact SICK nanoScan3 is just eight centimetres tall, so it can fit snugly into the spaces in machines where safety laser scanners could not previously have been located. [Read more…] about SICK unveils ‘world’s smallest’ safety laser scanner for robots

CP Technologies claims to be ‘first’ rugged computer manufacturer to expand into full rack integration

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CP Technologies, a provider of ruggedized computers, is claiming to have become the “first” rugged computer manufacturer to expand into full rack integration. 

The company’s president and CEO, Mike McCormack, gave Robotics and Automation News an interview some time before the latest development in which he explained that the company’s background in the military is useful for the industrial and commercial markets. (See video below.)

For over 20 years, CP Technologies – formerly Chassis Plans – has been designing and manufacturing computers, servers, LCD displays, storage arrays, and human interface devices to defense and industrial customers. [Read more…] about CP Technologies claims to be ‘first’ rugged computer manufacturer to expand into full rack integration

Mass customization platform KBMax named ‘visual configuration leader’

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KBMax, a company which provides mass customization services to the manufacturing sector, says it has been named “visual configuration leader” by G2 Crowd, a website which collates and presents reviews from users of software.

KBMax mainly offers its services through its website, and primarily categorizes itself as a “CPQ” platform, a well-known term in sales and marketing which stands for configure, price, quote.

Traditionally, CPQ platforms have not included visual configurators, which enable the customization of a product using online 3D computer-aided design software.

[Read more…] about Mass customization platform KBMax named ‘visual configuration leader’

B&R software better utilises the potential of robots

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B&R Automation has added new functions to its mapp Motion software package. It is now possible to represent the structure of a complex machine intuitively in the configuration.

The various subsystems of a machine can be linked together. The movements of robots can be easily synchronised with gantry systems or workpiece tables with no additional programming.

The “Frame hierarchy” function can be used to represent the actual structure of a machine. Coordinate systems can be positioned at key points, such as the tool mounting flange.

[Read more…] about B&R software better utilises the potential of robots