Robotics & Automation News

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Robot-assisted assembly of high-voltage connectors for electric vehicles

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Assembling high-voltage connectors for electric and hybrid vehicles at a rate of 5 million per year calls for sophisticated automation solutions. Especially when regular retooling for new models and variants is the norm. Against this background, a pioneering system with six Stäubli robots, 13 image processing systems and inline quality control at every stage is now ensuring highly flexible production.

Electro-mobility is the buzzword of our times, and the market for vehicles with electric drives is steadily gaining momentum worldwide. For some time now, this trend has also been spurring demand for the type of assembly solutions for electric components offered by specialized machine builders such as Eberhard. The company, based in Schlierbach near Stuttgart, Germany, was recently asked by a multinational automotive supplier to implement a complex project.

Specifically, it involved the planning and realization of an assembly line for high-voltage connectors. The system would have to not only perform the actual assembly work, but also the visual inspection at each stage, the testing of every single connector for leak-proofing, and finally the packing of the finished high-voltage connectors in trays. [Read more…] about Robot-assisted assembly of high-voltage connectors for electric vehicles

IDS unveils new camera models for special requirements in factory automation

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IDS Imaging Development Systems has unveiled new industrial camera models for special requirements in factory automation. The uEye FA camera series integrates new sensors – the 12 and 20 MP Sony Starvis and 5 MP polarisation sensor.

uEye FA industrial cameras are particularly robust and therefore ideally suited for demanding environmental conditions, for example in factory automation. Starting in August, IDS will offer three new sensors in the family.

The 12 MP (IMX226) and 20.44 MP (IMX183) Sony sensors are true high-performers with high resolution and low noise. For special requirements, the company will also integrate the 5 MP polarisation sensor IMX250MZR. [Read more…] about IDS unveils new camera models for special requirements in factory automation

SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

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SVT Robotics, a developer of software for industrial robotics, has designed a new SoftBot Platform connector for RightHand Robotics, a specialist in autonomous robotic picking solutions.

SVT Robotics worked with RightHand Robotics to develop the pre-built connector between SVT’s SoftBot Platform and the RightPick 3 item-handling robot system, the company’s newest generation of the RightPick product suite and the world’s first autonomous piece-picking solution designed to be integrator-friendly.

T.J. Fanning, VP of sales for SVT, says: “By connecting to the pre-built standard integrations of our SoftBot Platform, RightHand Robotics customers who adopt the RightPick 3 system can now deploy without the need for custom integration code. [Read more…] about SVT Robotics’ develops SoftBot connector for RightHand Robotics

I-PEX Torque Sensor and Gripper Help Eliminate Errors in Factories

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PRESS RELEASE: Austin, Texas, June 26, 2020

I-PEX has integrated the technologies of our ESTORQ® Torque Sensor and the ES-Gripper to help eliminate human errors on the factory floor by using automatic insertion of connectors. This helps reduce rework, saving both time and money.

The ESTORQ Sensor was designed to detect and control torque being generated by the revolving motion of different kinds of robots and automated assembly machines.

Its main feature is to detect external force and automatically stop when the robot senses interference. This helps robots and humans to work side-by-side without fear of being harmed by a moving robotic arm. [Read more…] about I-PEX Torque Sensor and Gripper Help Eliminate Errors in Factories

Stäubli charging system installed for electric vehicles at Long Beach port

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Stäubli’s Quick Charging Connector (QCC), a rapid charging system for the automatic charging of electric vehicles, have been incorporated in high powers chargers installed by Tritium at the Port of Long Beach, California, USA.

SSA Marine, which manages the terminal at the Port of Long Beach, is transforming 33 diesel-powered tractors by retrofitting them with all-electric drivetrain systems.

Tritium, an Australian company that designs and manufactures fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles, will install its Veefil High Power Chargers (HPCs), type PK 175kW DC to power SSA Marine’s fleet of terminal tractors.

[Read more…] about Stäubli charging system installed for electric vehicles at Long Beach port

New Scale Robotics launches ‘first multi-tool mount system’ for smallest collaborative robots

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New Scale Robotics has launched what it says is “the first multi-tool mounting system for the smallest collaborative robots”.

The new NSR-MTM-3-URe Multi-Tool Mount (NSR-MTM) System allows users to mount and control up to three grippers or other tools on one Universal Robots (UR) e-Series cobot. [Read more…] about New Scale Robotics launches ‘first multi-tool mount system’ for smallest collaborative robots

Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

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Sick has launched a new compact image-based code reader, Lector621, for reliable detection of 1D, 2D, stacked codes, and plain text.

The high-performance DPM – direct part marking – decoder can read laser or dot-peened codes perfectly, even in the case of low contrast levels, contamination, or poor code quality.

This fills a gap in Sick’s existing portfolio of code readers, by providing a compact solution with increased reading distance, resolution, field of vision, and scanning frequency. [Read more…] about Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

New RF connector system for small cells to debut at Electronica 2016

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Library photo of Huber+Suhner connectors

Huber+Suhner, in partnership with Radiall and Rosenberger, is developing a new RF connector system for small cell applications, which will make its debut at Electronica 2016. 

As the telecommunications industry moves towards smaller equipment and small cell approach, the radios and antennas also become more compact demanding high-performing coaxial RF connectors in a small size.

By joining the expertise of three leading RF connector manufacturers in the telecommunications industry, the target has been to develop a small coaxial connector system which will meet existing and future demands of small cell networks for 4G and upcoming 5G networks.  [Read more…] about New RF connector system for small cells to debut at Electronica 2016

Harting to further expand US activities after Hannover Messe success

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The Harting family greeting the two heads of state, (from left to right): Margrit Harting, Maresa Harting-Hertz, Dietmar Harting, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Philip Harting. (PRNewsFoto/HARTING KGaA)

Company makes announcement after receiving visit from Obama and Merkel  

German components manufacturer Harting is to further expand its activities in the US.

The company says it will supply intelligent connectors in collaboration with US automotive manufacturer.

Digitalisation offers tremendous growth potential, says Harting, which received a visit from US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Hannover Messe.  [Read more…] about Harting to further expand US activities after Hannover Messe success