Robotics & Automation News

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Nidec develops AC servo motor equipped with Zignear

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Nidec and its subsidiary Nidec Sankyo have jointly developed an AC servo motor (resolution: 17bit) equipped with Zignear, the position detection technology that can be applied to industrial robots and replace encoders.

The motor is intended for application in industrial robots and automated guided vehicles.

An encoder, which is a sensor used to detect the rotation of a brushless DC motor mainly, is essential in adjusting a motor to an intended location, and keeping its rotation consistent. [Read more…] about Nidec develops AC servo motor equipped with Zignear

How automation is helping businesses fight hackers

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As long as there is a growing demand for tech, hackers will always find more effective ways to steal data and wreak digital havoc.

Fortunately, we can rest easy as the cybersecurity industry harnesses new technology to prevent all forms of cybercrime. Automation will play a critical role in protecting data centers and keeping sensitive information safe.

The industry is evolving as new threats emerge. [Read more…] about How automation is helping businesses fight hackers

SICK launches new miniature photoelectric sensor

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SICK drives innovation with the new W4F miniature photoelectric sensor for intelligent object detection in tight installation spaces for proximity applications

SICK is launching the latest generation of its miniature photoelectric sensors, the W4F. A new ASIC platform delivers numerous performance advantages to this product family.

For example, these sensors can detect jet black, highly reflective, flat, or transparent objects with the utmost reliability. The W4F can also provide distance information, such as the height of objects and, as a result, identify process errors.

Initial users have confirmed that the photoelectric sensors have the best ambient light and sunlight suppression on the market as well as maximum immunity to all known sources of optical interference.  [Read more…] about SICK launches new miniature photoelectric sensor

Denso develops advanced driver assistance system for new Lexus LS and Toyota Mirai

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Denso has developed products for Advanced Drive, an advanced driver assistance technology featured on the new Lexus LS and the new Toyota Mirai, which were both recently released in Japan. 

Denso’s newly developed products used in Advanced Drive include: [Read more…] about Denso develops advanced driver assistance system for new Lexus LS and Toyota Mirai

Robots sense human touch using camera and shadows

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Soft robots may not be in touch with human feelings, but they are getting better at feeling human touch.

Cornell University researchers have created a low-cost method for soft, deformable robots to detect a range of physical interactions, from pats to punches to hugs, without relying on touch at all. Instead, a USB camera located inside the robot captures the shadow movements of hand gestures on the robot’s skin and classifies them with machine-learning software.

The group’s paper, ShadowSense: Detecting Human Touch in a Social Robot Using Shadow Image Classification, published in the Proceedings of the Association for Computing Machinery on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies. The paper’s lead author is doctoral student, Yuhan Hu. [Read more…] about Robots sense human touch using camera and shadows

Denso partners with Aeva to bring new ‘groundbreaking’ LiDAR to market

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Denso is partnering with US LiDAR and perception systems company Aeva to develop “next-generation” sensing and perception systems.

Together, the companies will advance Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR, which they describe as “a groundbreaking solution” that measures velocity, in addition to depth and reflectivity, and bring it to the mass vehicle market.

LiDAR plays a key role in automated driving and advanced driver-assistance systems. At present, most LiDAR systems use the Time of Flight method to operate. [Read more…] about Denso partners with Aeva to bring new ‘groundbreaking’ LiDAR to market

Automating image-based inspection with artificial intelligence

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High demands on products as well as high time and cost pressure are decisive competitive factors across all industries and sectors.

Whether in the food or automotive industry quality, safety and speed are today more than ever before factors that determine the success of a company.

Zero-defect production is the goal. But how can it be guaranteed that only flawless products leave the production line? [Read more…] about Automating image-based inspection with artificial intelligence

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

UN sends five robots to Rwanda to detect coronavirus

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A new type of robot has been sent to Rwanda by the United Nations in an effort to help detect coronavirus infections.

The hardware for the robot was built by Chinese company UBTech Robotics, and the software was developed by Belgian company ZoraBots.

ZoraBots says the new kind of robot help healthcare professionals, governments and international organizations to limit the spread of the coronavirus. [Read more…] about UN sends five robots to Rwanda to detect coronavirus

Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

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Omron has launched an updated ranges of optical sensors that the company says can better detect black, mirrored and transparent surfaces.

Omron Electronic Components Europe says the new series of optical sensors, also feature a longer detection distance.

Omron B5W sensors are particularly effective at identifying black, transparent, reflective and other hard to detect services, and the new range also features enhanced performance in this area. [Read more…] about Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces