Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

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International work puts robot avatars on the move 

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The term “avatar” might be most familiar as a picture used on social media, but in the technology world, it can mean much more. 

When James Cameron’s hit movie “Avatar” came to theaters in 2009, it introduced a concept already cooking in the technology community: for a connected operator to be able to fully remotely opperate the movements of a robot.

In the movie, the robots were biological, but the technology in the real world is connected to more traditional robots with circuits and computers. These also are called avatars.  [Read more…] about International work puts robot avatars on the move 

20 robotics companies to showcase technologies at Dallas Cowboys stadium

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More than 20 robotics and automation vendors will showcase hands-on demonstrations at large free-to-attend Waves of Innovation event at AT&T stadium, the home of the football team the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington on November 15

Despite the Dallas metro adding more than 10,000 manufacturing jobs over the past 10 months, the region still has more job vacancies than applicants.

“Historically low labor participation rates in our area means manufacturers are often unable to staff their shifts,” says Nick Armenta, regional manager of Olympus Controls, an engineering services company that specializes in the integration of motion control, machine vision, and robotic technologies.

In Texas, there is currently 0.8 unemployed persons per job opening, a gap that is especially pronounced in manufacturing. [Read more…] about 20 robotics companies to showcase technologies at Dallas Cowboys stadium

Honeywell to provide flight control technology for unmanned cargo plane

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Pipistrel has selected Honeywell’s Compact Fly-By-Wire system for the Nuuva V300 cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), choosing a modern, lightweight, highly capable system with a proven architecture ideally suited for their autonomous cargo UAV.

Fly-by-wire computers act as the “brains” of an aircraft’s flight controls by operating them electronically and can be found inside nearly all large fixed-wing aircraft today.

The compact version from Honeywell has features derived from decades of expertise in fly-by-wire systems for airliners, but it’s much smaller – roughly the size of a paperback book. [Read more…] about Honeywell to provide flight control technology for unmanned cargo plane

Epson Robots signs Olympus Controls as distributor

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Epson Robots has signed Olympus Controls, an engineering services provider specializing in the integration of motion control, machine vision, and robotic technologies, as an official distributor of Epson Robots automation products.

As factory automation projects become increasingly complex, strong collaboration between distributors and robot vendors is essential.

Olympus Controls’ decades of engineering expertise and deep industry knowledge, combined with Epson Robots’ reputation for easy-to-use, proven, innovative technology, will help manufacturers reach today’s challenging factory automation objectives. [Read more…] about Epson Robots signs Olympus Controls as distributor

Fanuc offers free trial of CNC virtualization platform

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Fanuc America, a leading automation solutions provider, is offering a free trial version of CNC Guide – Fanuc’s PC-based virtualization platform for control design, training and part programming.

To assist machine tool operators and builders through the rough economic times created in 2020, Fanuc is offering this simulation tool at no cost.

CNC Guide offers an immersive and safe way to learn how to operate CNCs, even for novice operators. Because the software creates digital twins of machine controls, programmers can test G-code programs with no risk of damaging actual machines. [Read more…] about Fanuc offers free trial of CNC virtualization platform

Parrot launches new SDK for its thermal drones

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Parrot has launched a new SDK Partner program to help both enterprise and start-ups create new applications, software and hardware to seamlessly integrate with Parrot ANAFI and ANAFI Thermal drones.

Parrot’s SDK program currently allows developers to create their own iOS and Android applications and service programs for ANAFI and ANAFI Thermal drones.

Now, industry partners will gain access to both hardware and software support, along with go-to-market strategy support to business partners across the globe. [Read more…] about Parrot launches new SDK for its thermal drones

JMP Solutions acquires Hi-Def Controls

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JMP Solutions has acquired Calgary-based Hi-Def Controls, enhancing their presence in Western Canada while benefitting from additional competencies specifically in the oil and gas, water and wastewater, and power systems industry segments.

The two organizations say they are “a natural fit” not only due to their focused industry alignment, but most notably, their common customer-centric philosophy, which revolves around supporting their clients throughout the lifetime of their systems, not just for the length of the project; a culture which truly sets them apart from the bulk of the System Integrator market.

Scott Shawyer, JMP president and CEO, says: “We are very happy that the Hi-Def team has decided to join us at JMP. Their capabilities are world class and allow us to ensure our customers have effective strategies in place for managing and optimizing their systems, information and technologies. [Read more…] about JMP Solutions acquires Hi-Def Controls

Lufthansa Technik shows off ‘world’s first’ plane cockpit-testing robot

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Lufthansa Technik has been showing off what it claims is the world’s first airplane cockpit panel testing robot, which it calls “RoCCET”.

RoCCET checks the functionality of LED lights and switches, says Lufthansa Technik, which is part of the Lufthansa Group.

The Robot-based procedure is currently in the integration phase.

[Read more…] about Lufthansa Technik shows off ‘world’s first’ plane cockpit-testing robot

Spinea launches new servo actuator for precision motion

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Spinea has launched its new DS 095 DriveSpin servo actuator motor for precision control.

Recently announced by Spinea and available in the UK from Heason Technology, the DriveSpin DS 095 series integrates the industry leading TwinSpin high-load capacity trochoidal gear unit and a powerful AC servomotor with servo feedback for a cutting-edge rotary actuator solution for precision motion applications.

The inline (non-hollowshaft) design of the DS 095 fulfils the gap between the DS 70 and DS 100 models to provide a rated torque of up to 85 Nm and maximum lost motion and hysteresis values of less than one arc-min.  [Read more…] about Spinea launches new servo actuator for precision motion

Distec and Red Lion Controls host event to demonstrate smart factory technology

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Industrial computing specialist Distec is partnering with industrial automation and networking expert Red Lion Controls to host a smart factory day on March 28, 2017.

The event, which will be held at the De Vere Cranage Estate in Cheshire, UK is designed to give plant managers an overview of the benefits of smart factory technology.

The day will feature speakers discussing their experiences using the latest automation technology to build smart factory environments.

Plant managers and engineers can also view live demo kits to get a hands-on experience of the automation technology that’s helping to build the current and next generation of smart factory. Technical staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the technology and its use in factories.  [Read more…] about Distec and Red Lion Controls host event to demonstrate smart factory technology