Robotics & Automation News

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Renault facility with 648 robots celebrates manufacturing ‘100 million engines and gear boxes’

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Automaker Renault’s Cléon factory, which specialises in manufacturing engines and components for both electric and internal combustion vehicles, could never be mistaken for a mere production plant.

It is first and foremost a “symbol of human ingenuity and technological innovation”, says the company. Since the iconic factory founded in 1958, it has shaped the landscape of the automotive industry, recently hitting the impressive milestone of 100 million engines and gear boxes manufactured.

Dive into this fascinating industrial arena, where the past meets the future. Welcome to the Cléon Megafactory. [Read more…] about Renault facility with 648 robots celebrates manufacturing ‘100 million engines and gear boxes’

igus unveils ‘first’ industrial robot made of plastic

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igus has unveiled what it says is “the first robot made of high-performance plastic”. At just 8 kg, ReBeL is the lightest in its class: a real lightweight robot.

The compact, space-saving design with an integrated control system in the base opens up completely new fields of application for service robotics.

In collaboration with people, the ReBeL takes on tasks in the event and gastronomy sector, for example as a reliable coffee enricher or as a machine loader in production.

The robot is available as a plug-and-play version with integrated control system and robot software or as an open source version. In addition, users can choose between four or six degrees of freedom and thus adapt the ReBeL to their individual application scenario. [Read more…] about igus unveils ‘first’ industrial robot made of plastic

Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion 

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Schaeffler, a billion-dollar German company which supplies bearings and other components to the automotive and aerospace industries, has signed an agreement to acquire all of the shares of Melior Motion.

The acquisition of this supplier of precision gearboxes for robotics and other applications in automation expands the robotics portfolio of the Schaeffler Group’s industrial division.

As automation of simple, repetitive tasks as well as complex mounting and manufacturing processes is progressing rapidly, Schaeffler’s industrial division is expanding its position as a supplier for robotics components and systems. [Read more…] about Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion 

This component could profoundly change robots and other machines in the future

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Pictured above, in exploded view, is a machinery component called the “LiveDrive”. It’s covered by a variety of patents and has been described as “revolutionary” because it could – believe it or not – change the world. 

First unveiled about three years ago, the LiveDrive is a completely new type of direct-drive motor which can provide robots with more power without using as much electricity, lubrication or space – significant savings in each of those areas and perhaps others. Direct-drive motors do not use gearboxes, but to date, their limited torque means that they have only been suitable for a limited range of applications.

In overly simplistic terms, the LiveDrive is to robots what engines are to cars – it enables machines to move. And critically, it has far greater torque, according to its makers; and can generate this without the need for traditional gears, which have teeth that require lubrication, make a lot of noise, and wear out eventually. LiveDrive uses a patented combination and composition of magnets to achieve what traditional drives and motors achieve by using gears and other mechanisms. [Read more…] about This component could profoundly change robots and other machines in the future

Harmonic Drive launches new gearbox to ‘usher in a new age of robotics’

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harmonic-drive-gears

New gearbox range from Harmonic Drive aimed at “growing demand for compactness” and collaborative robotics 

High precision gearing specialist, Harmonic Drive UK, has launched CSF-2UP, a new gearbox range designed for medical technology, robotics and measuring-instrument applications.

Expected to be worth $7.85 billion by 2020, according to MarketsandMarkets, the smart and collaborative robotics sector is particularly dependent on compact and ultra lightweight gears.

The CSF-2UP gearboxes form part of the CSF Series, a range characterised by its very short length and low weight. The new gearbox range is available in three sizes, with gear ratios of 30, 50 and 100 at a repeatable peak torque from 1.8 to 28 Nm.  [Read more…] about Harmonic Drive launches new gearbox to ‘usher in a new age of robotics’