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6 Engineering Tips When Designing Machinery

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One of the commonly asked questions from machine designers or integrators is how they can effectively build a machine design or integrate the conversion of a machine with servomechanism advancement to meet the expected performance and needs.

Although this may be a challenging endeavor, technological advancement has made it easier to create engineering variations and unique operating processes.

When designing machinery, it would be helpful to employ several effective engineering tips even during the planning stage. It’s crucial to analyze all the possible scenarios to decrease the chances of failing and working through a demanding set of combinations and situations. [Read more…] about 6 Engineering Tips When Designing Machinery

OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

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OnRobot has launched the MG10, which it describes as “a versatile, high-performance, easy to use magnetic gripper” for material handling, assembly and machine tending applications in manufacturing, automotive and aerospace environments.

Fully compatible with all major robot brands through OnRobot’s One System Solution, the MG10 offers unique adjustable force and grip detection features that provide users with unprecedented levels of control.

Standard magnetic grippers only provide simple on/off functionality. To adjust the force applied, users have to add rubber ‘feet’ to create space between the magnet and the part. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches advanced new magnetic gripper for robots

Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

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Hanwha has launched what it describes as “new advanced solutions”, including Hanwha Collaborative Robot Advanced (HCR Advanced) and a collaborative-robot-solutions package to continue building its momentum in the collaborative robot market that is expected to grow rapidly.

The global market for cobots was worth $1.2 billion last year, and it is expected to grow on average by 42 percent annually as more smart factories are built and the increasing demand for contactless services due to Covid-19 are expected to reach $7 billion by 2026.

In response, Hanwha is aggressively developing advanced cobots that combine Hanwha’s AI technology with its mobility capabilities. The company is integrating its robotics technology with existing logistics automation systems, secondary batteries, and display-related facilities to create synergy and satisfy the diverse needs of customers worldwide. [Read more…] about Hanwha launches new collaborative robot solutions

ATI launches end effector kits for Fanuc collaborative robots

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ATI Industrial Automation has developed CRX-Ready End-Effector Kits, providing Fanuc CRX cobot users a simple and effective way to increase the flexibility of collaborative robotic automation. (See video below.)

These all-in-one packages include robust options for automatic tool changing, force sensing, and material removal, and enable tasks such as assembly, machine tending, part inspection, surface preparation and others to be implemented and executed easily.

CRX-Ready End-Effector Kits include everything needed to get Fanuc CRX cobot applications up and running. In addition to the end-effector, the kit features all the hardware and software required for system connection. [Read more…] about ATI launches end effector kits for Fanuc collaborative robots

Piab introduces soft gripper range for industrial robots

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Piab has introduced a soft gripper – or end effector – for industrial robots. The company says its piSoftGrip range is developed for the automation of the food and chocolate industry.

Piab once again extends the pi-SoftGrip family with a new pinch gripper developed for the automation of the food/chocolate industry. The vacuum-based soft gripper can grip sensitive and lightweight oblong objects with odd geometries and/or objects with an unusual surface.

piSoftGrip has two gripping fingers and a sealed vacuum cavity, all made in one piece, resulting in a simple and robust product. [Read more…] about Piab introduces soft gripper range for industrial robots

Flexiv Launches 100th Adaptive Robot

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The company also released its new product, Rizon 4s

Flexiv, the world-leading robotics company that created the first adaptive robot Rizon, has announced it has completed production of its 100th robot, marking significant progress in the mass production of adaptive robots, at the Force-Controlled Robotics Forum 2020 in Foshan, China.

At the forum, Flexiv showcased its newest version of the adaptive robot, Rizon 4s, featuring stronger force control performance, better disturbance-rejection abilities and multi-contact force control. [Read more…] about Flexiv Launches 100th Adaptive Robot

ABB Dynamic Assembly Pack provides ‘missing last piece’ in automating final trim assembly applications

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ABB says its Dynamic Assembly Pack provides the “missing last piece” in automating final trim assembly applications. (See video below.)

New force control sensors enable robots to accurately perform assembly tasks during final trim assembly, improving productivity, ergonomics and quality.

Designed to offer a fast, accurate and safe automated solution for installing anything from seats, dashboards and carpets inside vehicle bodies, to doors, bumpers and wheels outside the vehicle, ABB’s new Dynamic Assembly Pack for Final Trim and Assembly (FTA) combines real time vision cameras on the robot gripper and arms with integrated force control sensors to allow the robot to precisely track the position of the car body as it enters the workstation. [Read more…] about ABB Dynamic Assembly Pack provides ‘missing last piece’ in automating final trim assembly applications

NASA about to launch Mars Rover robot

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NASA is today launching the latest version of its mobile robot for Mars.

ATI Industrial Automation worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL) to develop a custom force/torque sensor for Perseverance, the latest Mars 2020 Rover project.

JPL is the leading US research entity for robotic exploration of our solar system and manages NASA’s Deep Space Network, the hardest-working telecommunications system on the planet. [Read more…] about NASA about to launch Mars Rover robot

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

Kingetics makes ‘big innovations’ in footwear-exoskeleton-robotic ambulation science

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By Dakota Grossman, writer, and Dr Steven King, managing member, Kingetics

Kingetics, a small veteran owned startup company has developed and tested new technology that has shown significant improvements in protecting our soldiers as well as improving the gait of mechanical walking systems.

Load carriage and high impact forces on the lower limbs are often cited as leading causes of musculoskeletal injuries. Injury rates during military training range from 1 per cent to 16 per cent, and up to 30 per cent in elite  infantry  units.

Data from Podiatry Arena shows that there are about 32,000 broken bones per year during military combat, costing the US Department of Defense an estimated $240,000,000 in medical expenses.
 [Read more…] about Kingetics makes ‘big innovations’ in footwear-exoskeleton-robotic ambulation science