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Looking after your programmable logic controller: A PLC maintenance checklist

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Tom Cash, director at Foxmere, explains how engineers can ensure PLCs last for their expected duration

Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, can survive for more than 20 years, and it’s something we see regularly here at Foxmere.

Although the component parts of a PLC, such as central processing units (CPUs) and power supply units (PSUs), boast long lifespans, components such as input/output (I/O) modules and communication modules are not so robust.

In fact, about 80 per cent of PLC failures result from field devices, I/O module failure or power supply issues.

[Read more…] about Looking after your programmable logic controller: A PLC maintenance checklist

Harnessing Precision: The Essential Guide to Servo Drives

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In the dynamic world of automation and control systems, servo drives emerge as pivotal components that revolutionize how machines operate with precision and efficiency.

This comprehensive guide delves into the essence of servo drives, unraveling their functionality, types, and significant roles in enhancing the performance of automated systems.

At the heart of modern automation, servo drives stand as the unsung heroes, orchestrating the precise movements of machinery with unparalleled accuracy. [Read more…] about Harnessing Precision: The Essential Guide to Servo Drives

Mecalux launches an AI-driven robotic order picking system with Siemens technology

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Large storage systems supplier Mecalux has unveiled what it describes as “a state-of-the-art technological solution” to optimise order picking: an innovative collaborative robotic picking system based on the latest artificial intelligence technology.

Mecalux’s new automated solution incorporates Siemens’ SIMATIC Robot Pick AI technology, a groundbreaking vision software that employs deep learning algorithms to significantly streamline picking in warehouses.

With artificial intelligence integrated into the programmable logic controller (SIMATIC S7-1500, the collaborative robot (cobot) performs order picking with total autonomy and maximum accuracy. [Read more…] about Mecalux launches an AI-driven robotic order picking system with Siemens technology

ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

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A new competitive ranking by technology research firm ABI Research provides “an in-depth and unbiased examination” of the autonomous forklift solutions offered by 16 autonomous forklift suppliers, according to the company.

A total of eight criteria were chosen for the analysis and segmented across innovation and implementation clusters. These include the vehicle solutions across three major categories of autonomous forklifts, namely reach truck, counterbalance stacker, and pallet truck, the level of maturity in navigation solutions, fleet management and orchestration, as well as the vendors’ integration and optimization capability.

The report further evaluates the vendors’ revenue and funding, customer reference, regional presence, the company’s distribution networks, and technology partners. [Read more…] about ABI Research gives 16 autonomous forklift system vendors competitive rankings

Best MPPT or PWM solar controller for the camper

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PWM and MPPT charge controllers are both devices widely used to charge batteries using energy produced by solar panels on campers and boats and, of course, in fixed installations.

The PWM controller is a switch connecting the solar panels to your service battery. This device can substantially reduce the voltage of the meetings until it reaches that of the battery bank.

The MPPT controller, on the other hand, is more sophisticated (and more expensive): it regulates its input voltage to harvest the maximum possible power from the solar panels. [Read more…] about Best MPPT or PWM solar controller for the camper

ABB launches its smallest industrial robot

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ABB has launched its smallest ever industrial robot, offering new possibilities for faster, more flexible and high-quality production of wearable smart devices.

With its compact size, class-leading payload and unrivaled accuracy, the new IRB 1010 offers electronics manufacturers the opportunity to increase their production of devices including smart watches, earphones, sensors, and health trackers through automation.

Rui Liang, managing director of ABB Robotics’ electronics business line, says: “The market for wearable smart devices is accelerating rapidly, with projections estimating double digit growth between 2022 and 2028. [Read more…] about ABB launches its smallest industrial robot

ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

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ABB has launched a new five-axis Delta robot which it claims is “the fastest for lightweight product picking, packing and reorientation”.

The new machine is part of the FlexPicker Delta robot portfolio and is called the IRB 365. With five axis and 1.5 kg payload, the IRB 365 is both flexible and the fastest in its class for reorienting packaged lightweight products such as cookies, chocolates, peppers, candies, small bottles, and parcels.

Responding to the rise in e-commerce and growing demand for shelf ready packaged goods, the IRB 365 has been developed for applications including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, where production line speed and adaptability are essential. [Read more…] about ABB launches new, ‘fastest’ five-axis Delta robot

New large ABB robots ‘increase speed and flexibility’ in electric vehicle battery production

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ABB is adding two new robot product lines to its portfolio of large robots for complex manufacturing applications.

ABB says the new robots deliver “enhanced speed, accuracy, flexibility, and a more robust design”, including integrated process cabling, adding that the ABB IRB 5710 and 5720 robots deliver “increased productivity and enhanced performance with higher uptime for applications” including electric vehicle manufacture, foundry, forging, rubber, plastics, and metal fabrication.

Available in eight variants, the IRB 5710 and IRB 5720 present a choice of options for payloads from 70 kg to 180 kg and reaches from 2.3 m to 3 m. [Read more…] about New large ABB robots ‘increase speed and flexibility’ in electric vehicle battery production

Kinova unveils ‘first’ Canadian collaborative robot

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Kinova has launched Link 6, a new generation industrial robot designed for all businesses looking to benefit from automation.

Kinova says that, in a booming market, this innovation created from start to finish in North America stands out for its ease of use and unparalleled user experience.

Kinova says Link 6 is “Canada’s first industrial collaborative robot”, featuring automation solutions that enable greater daily efficiency while improving the quality and consistency of production results. [Read more…] about Kinova unveils ‘first’ Canadian collaborative robot

ABB unveils new large robots for material handling in EV battery production

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ABB is adding two new robot ranges to its portfolio of large robots for complex manufacturing applications.

Delivering “enhanced speed, accuracy, flexibility, and a more robust design including integrated process cabling”, ABB’s IRB 5710 and 5720 robots deliver increased productivity and enhanced performance with higher uptime for applications including electric vehicle (EV) manufacture, foundry, forging, rubber, plastics, and metal fabrication.

Available in eight variants, the IRB 5710 and IRB 5720 present a choice of options for payloads from 70 kg to 180 kg and reaches from 2.3 m to 3 m. [Read more…] about ABB unveils new large robots for material handling in EV battery production