Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

control

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

North American Electric establishes new subsidiary NAE Automation

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North American Electric has established a new, wholly-owned subsidiary – NAE Automation.

The company says the new business will provide “complete automation solutions and engineering services”.

NAE Automation’s primary focus will be material handling equipment such as conveyors, automatic palletizers and strapping machines. [Read more…] about North American Electric establishes new subsidiary NAE Automation

Nidec to buy Omron’s automotive business for $890 million

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Industrial components giant Nidec has agreed to acquire Omron’s automotive business, formally called “Omron Automotive Electronics”.

The two companies do not appear to have released the financial details of the agreement, but Nikkei is reporting that Nidec will pay $890 million for the company.

The share transfer will be executed after obtaining necessary approval and satisfying other conditions. It is projected to occur by the end of October.  [Read more…] about Nidec to buy Omron’s automotive business for $890 million

ABB and Heliospectra partner in the Middle East and Africa

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Technology collaboration to explore “innovative and sustainable control solutions” to increase horticultural and commercial food production

ABB and Heliospectra are joining forces to explore solutions that they say will boost the productivity and the sustainability of greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture produce industry in the Middle East and Africa.

ABB is an industrial giant with a big controls business, and Heliospectra is said to be a world leader in intelligent lighting technology for greenhouse and controlled plant growth environments.

The collaboration propels exploration of new food production technologies and commercial infrastructure to address increasing demand for sustainably grown agricultural products.  [Read more…] about ABB and Heliospectra partner in the Middle East and Africa

Manufacturing and construction driving growth in Vietnamese automation and control systems market, says report

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Despite slowdowns in certain industries, Vietnam’s automation and control systems market is witnessing stable growth, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan.

Robust expansion in the manufacturing and construction sectors plus increased foreign direct investment, growing end-user need to optimize processes and improve efficiency, and development of special economic zones are factors fuelling growth.

Nonetheless, barriers to market entry are high. To succeed in a fiercely competitive ecosystem, automation vendors must embrace new technologies, such as Internet of Things, collaborate with developers of machine-to-machine technologies, and become one-stop integrated solution providers.  [Read more…] about Manufacturing and construction driving growth in Vietnamese automation and control systems market, says report

Government incentives driving growth of Malaysian automation and control systems market, says report

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Government incentives and adoption of new technologies are driving the growth of the Malaysian automation and control systems market, according to a new report.

The Malaysian automation and control systems market, one of the biggest for suppliers, is stable and growing, says the study by Frost & Sullivan, which projects the market to be worth more than $409 million in the next four years.

Government incentives to aid manufacturing and infrastructure spend, as well as an established end-user base of sophisticated automation systems, are driving growth in the region.  [Read more…] about Government incentives driving growth of Malaysian automation and control systems market, says report

PLC vs PAC: Similar but not the same

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By Zach Arnold, founder, Arnold Machine

Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, and programmable automation controllers, or PACs, are similar as they both perform the same essential functions. But with modern technology, their differences are becoming more blurred. 

The most notable difference between PLCs and PACs is their programming interface. PACs are more intricate, using C or C++. PLCs on the other hand, are programmed using ladder logic.

These programming differences create distinctions in the architecture and capability between the two computers.  [Read more…] about PLC vs PAC: Similar but not the same

Continental demonstrates ‘Cruising Chauffeur’, its vision of autonomous driving

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continental cruising chauffeur 2
Continental’s Cruising Chauffeur autonomous vehicle

Continental has showcased its “Cruising Chauffeur”, an self-driving car platform which provides an insight into the company’s vision of the future of what it calls “highly automated driving” on highways.

Highly automated driving on highways is no longer just a dream, says the company, but now a reality.

Continental started testing systems for automated driving on public roads back in 2012 in Nevada, and was the first automotive supplier to receive the state’s license to test automated vehicles.  [Read more…] about Continental demonstrates ‘Cruising Chauffeur’, its vision of autonomous driving

Neousys launches ARM-based IoT gateway

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neousys igt-20

Neousys Technology has launched an industrial grade ARM-based gateway, which it calls IGT-20.

The company says unlike System on Module (SoM) that’s commonly provided as a barebone component, IGT-20 is based on AM3352 from Texas Instrument’s Sitara AM335x family and will be shipped as a ready system pre-installed with Debian.

The industrial nature of IGT-20 means it is in compliance with common industrial certifications such as CE/FCC, shock and vibration.  [Read more…] about Neousys launches ARM-based IoT gateway

Kollmorgen and VH Vertical Packaging realise new potential with a separate labeler

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The art of reduction: the packaging machines from VH Vertical Packaging have a simple structure

By Jens Depping

A Dutch packaging machinery manufacturer has now developed a labeller as part of a retrofit with servo-drive technology based on 48 volts.

This is designed as an optional module for the company’s own vertical packaging machines on the one hand and as a functional enhancement for retrofitting older machines of well-known producers on the other.

The combination of the new 48 volt DC Servo Motor low voltage from Kollmorgen and a motion control solution from SigmaTek makes it possible for the labeling module to be integrated easily into new machines or for existing machinery to be retrofitted.  [Read more…] about Kollmorgen and VH Vertical Packaging realise new potential with a separate labeler