easy

Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

July 3, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Automation plays a major role in Industry 4.0. Cost reduction, increased productivity and zero-defect quality are factors that are increasingly prompting companies to digitise their processes.

But often full automation also means high investments. At the same time, the focus will continue to be on the human being in the interaction between man and machine.

Given the prevailing shortage of skilled workers and high standards of industrial safety, this is no easy task for companies. [Read more…] about Intelligent image processing supports production workers in Industry 4.0 applications

OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

June 18, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

OnRobot, the maker of tools for collaborative robots, has released a screwdriver end-effector for collaborative robots. (See video below.)

OnRobot says its “smart, complete-out-of-the-box” Screwdriver allows manufacturers to automate a wide range of assembly processes quickly, easily, and flexibly.

The company says this provides welcome relief for manufacturers who are eager to automate repetitive, unergonomic, and often inconsistent manual screwdriving processes, but who struggle to integrate and program typical piecemeal screwdriving systems. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

May 26, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric has launched what is believed to be its first series of collaborative robots, which the company has named “Melfa Assista” (main picture).

The “RV-5AS-D” model of the cobot has a 5 kg load capacity and 6-axis movement.

The company says the robots can work collaboratively with humans based on safety features such as collision detection and strict compliance with the international safety and robotic standards ISO 10218-1 and ISO/TS15066.

The series also will introduce an intuitive engineering software, RT VisualBox, for “quick, easy system deployment”, says Mitsubishi. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric launches ‘Melfa Assista’ series of collaborative robots

New Universal Robots interface enables ‘fast’ implementation of injection molding applications

April 23, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Universal Robots has launched a new interface which it says enables faster implementation of injection molding applications.

With the Injection Molding Machine Interface (IMMI), Universal Robots says it has launched a “user-friendly and quick solution” for plastics manufacturers to integrate Universal Robots with injection molding machines.

Plastics manufacturers are increasingly turning to collaborative robots to tend injection molding machines. [Read more…] about New Universal Robots interface enables ‘fast’ implementation of injection molding applications

ifm electronic launches new RFID system ‘ideally suited to production line’

April 20, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

ifm electronic has launched a new RFID system which the company says has long user-adjustable operating range, robust construction and choice of fieldbus interfaces.

ifm adds that the HF RFID systems in the new DTE60x range “are ideally suited to production line applications”.

The new units provide RFID antenna, evaluation electronics and fieldbus interface in a single compact module, which makes them easy to install, even when space is limited. [Read more…] about ifm electronic launches new RFID system ‘ideally suited to production line’

ABB launches ‘Wizard’ to make robot programming ‘more intuitive’

April 8, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

ABB has launched what it calls “Wizard Easy Programming” to make robot programming “more intuitive”. (See video below.)

The company says Easy Programming makes robots easier to install, program and operate without specialized training, reducing barriers for first-time robot-users to implement automation

Wizard easy programming is a graphical programming method designed to enable users to quickly create robot application programs for ABB’s single-arm YuMi collaborative robot, without the need for specialized training. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘Wizard’ to make robot programming ‘more intuitive’

OnRobot unveils compact Gecko gripper for smaller jobs

February 22, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

OnRobot, a global leader in robotic end-of-arm tooling, has launched a compact, single-pad version of its innovative Gecko no-mark adhesive gripper.

The new Gecko Single Pad (SP) gripper brings the previous model’s revolutionary adaptability to more varied applications with smaller payloads.

It is available in three sizes, SP1, SP3 and SP5, indicating the different grippers’ lifting capacities in kilos. [Read more…] about OnRobot unveils compact Gecko gripper for smaller jobs

5 Examples How to Improve the Usability of an E-Commerce Store

February 11, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Beautiful design of the online store does not guarantee its high conversion rates. Your visitors may like beautiful pictures. But they came to buy something.

And if the process of selecting, comparing and ordering products will be inconvenient, none of designer tricks will hold them.

Moreover, visitors make up their opinion instantly. According to Microsoft research, on average, it takes 10.5 seconds. [Read more…] about 5 Examples How to Improve the Usability of an E-Commerce Store

MWES develops robotic system to increase case packing speed

February 7, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

With good labor getting harder to find and retain, Midwest Engineered Systems has found that automating the more redundant production processes has become a necessity.

Automating these tasks allows the transfer of valuable labor resources to more important tasks.

MWES’s robotic case packing solution does just that for bagged products that have previously proven difficult to automate. [Read more…] about MWES develops robotic system to increase case packing speed

SICK unveils ‘world’s smallest’ safety laser scanner for robots

January 15, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

SICK has launched what it says is “the world’s smallest safety laser scanner”, the nanoScan3.

The company says the new component is designed for “easy and economical integration into the smallest of machine designs”, particularly for automated guided vehicles, carts, mobile platforms and service robots.

The ultra-compact SICK nanoScan3 is just eight centimetres tall, so it can fit snugly into the spaces in machines where safety laser scanners could not previously have been located. [Read more…] about SICK unveils ‘world’s smallest’ safety laser scanner for robots