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Omron launches simulation software for automated factories

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Omron is making available its Sysmac Studio 3D simulation software available to industrial companies. (See video below.)

The company says it will be the first in the industry to provide such a system, which “can integrate and verify the movements of robots and peripheral devices that make up facilities”.

Omron says its “extensive knowledge and technology of control equipment”, including robots, helped in its development of the software. [Read more…] about Omron launches simulation software for automated factories

Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

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A collaboration between Fanuc and SICK has pioneered new safety integration for robot machine tending that points the way towards simpler, more cost-effective and adaptable solutions in future.

ROBOTS excel in heavy, repetitive and high-speed tasks, far surpassing humans in their repeatable, reliable performance.

For this reason, the manual operation of machine tending – ubiquitous throughout manufacturing industry – has become a prime candidate for robotic automation. [Read more…] about Fanuc and SICK develop new safety integration for robot machine tending

ABB launches new robot and controller

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ABB is introducing a new harsh environment version of its IRB 1100 robot and OmniCore controller, designed with enhanced protection against water and dust.

The entire body of the new IRB 1100 model has an IP67 rating, with all electrical components sealed against contaminants.

This makes it resistant to water and provides the robot with “complete protection from dust ingress”, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches new robot and controller

Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

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Mitsubishi Electric has released the company’s smallest and most powerful compact programmable logic controller to date – the FX5UC series Premium Micro PLC.

The company says the new PLC’s diminutive size is set to help machine builders and manufacturers pack “ever more functionality into a smaller space”, while also providing the web access and network connectivity demanded by the latest smart factory applications.

Mitsubishi Electric launched its first range of micro controllers, the FX family of PLCs, over 35 years ago as part of the MELSEC-F series. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi launches ‘smallest, most compact’ programmable logic controller

Smart factories driving industrial robot controller market

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The growth of the global industrial robot controller market is being sustained and driven by the accelerating activity in factory automation, according to a report by FMI.

FMI’s research shows that the industrial robot controller market valued at approximately $632.6 million in 2018 and is projected to increase at a growth of 9.1 percent between the projected period of 2019 and 2029.

As per the findings of the report, the global industrial robot controller market is anticipated to see substantial growth over the forecast period.

This is set in motion by increase in the adoption of human machine interaction, data and cloud capabilities boosting hardware control, and optimization of industrial robot cost. [Read more…] about Smart factories driving industrial robot controller market

ProCom to launch new controller at EMO event

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ProCom is planning to officially launch its new CNC machine controller at the forthcoming EMO event, scheduled to be held from September 16th to 21st, 2019, in Hannover, Germany.

ProCom says the CNC300PRO is its most powerful controller in the CNC300 product range, an is designed for maximum speed and precise laser cutting.

The new, ultra-modern IPC can be scaled as needed in terms of memory and processor performance, offering the best possible configuration for any application. [Read more…] about ProCom to launch new controller at EMO event

Parker Hannifin introduces new servo drive range

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Parker Hannifin, a leader in motion and control technologies, has introduced its PSD series of servo drives designed for use in central control applications.

All components utilise an Ethernet-based fieldbus system for communications with the controller via popular fieldbuses, currently in use in industry, such as EtherCAT, Ethernet IP and PROFINET.

Due to its flexibility, the new system can be used in a wide range of applications including highly dynamic packing and production machinery.

[Read more…] about Parker Hannifin introduces new servo drive range

B&R launches controller and multi-touch HMI in one device

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B&R says its Power Panel C50 provides the combined advantages of a powerful controller and a modern projected capacitive touch screen in a single HMI device.

The Power Panel is equipped with a dedicated processor for the HMI application, and is therefore an optimal solution for mapp View HMI applications. It can be used at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C and does not require a fan.

The modern multi-touch HMI is available with clear or anti-reflective glass, and is ideally suited for premium machine designs.

[Read more…] about B&R launches controller and multi-touch HMI in one device

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

Emerson introduces controller for renewable power and microgrid markets

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Emerson, a global technology and engineering company, has introduced automation technology for utilities and independent power producers that rely more and more on diverse renewable energy sources and that serve the fast-growing microgrid market.

Its new, modular Ovation OCC100 controller manages the flow of energy from various sources to ensure continuous, reliable generation for these emerging industries. This small footprint, scalable technology is also well-suited to critical water and wastewater applications.

With renewable electricity capacity expected to expand by over 920 gigawatts – an increase of 43 percent – to 2022, according to a 2017 International Energy Agency report, the OCC100 controller is particularly attractive to power generators with growing and diverse renewable generation portfolios (including hydro, solar and wind) and microgrids that rely on a variety of distributed energy resources.

[Read more…] about Emerson introduces controller for renewable power and microgrid markets