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Microscan demonstrates industrial robot using MicroHawk smart cameras

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microscan

Microscan, a provider of barcode, machine vision, verification, and lighting technology, has demonstrated flexible in-line inspection using the Universal Robots collaborative UR5 robotic arm and Microscan’s latest machine vision smart camera platform.

The robotic demo, at Automate 2017, featured what the company claims is “the world’s smallest Ethernet smart camera”, was given in partnership with Olympus Controls, an engineering services company specializing in machine automation.

The lightweight, flexible, and collaborative industrial robot – UR5 – automates repetitive and dangerous tasks with payloads of up to 5 kg.  [Read more…] about Microscan demonstrates industrial robot using MicroHawk smart cameras

HIT Robot Group to showcase products at Automate 2017 for the first time

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HIT Robot Group, which claims to be China’s leading robotics manufacturer, will make its debut appearance at Automate 2017, the largest show of robots and automation technology in North America.

The company will bring its latest smart factory model of robot and hopes Automate will provide a platform for seeking global partners.

Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) every other year, Automate is one of the top 10 manufacturing shows in the US.

This year the event will take place at McCormick Place in Chicago from April 3rd to April 6th, and will attract big names in the automation industry like ABB, Denso and Kawasaki.  [Read more…] about HIT Robot Group to showcase products at Automate 2017 for the first time

Nebbiolo Technologies launches ‘fog computing’ for industrial automation

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nebbiola

Nebbiolo Technologies has launched its first product line, embracing fog computing – often referred to as edge computing – as a keystone for the Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0.

In this context, fog computing will provide a powerful new functionality layer in the industrial automation pyramid, enabling the convergence between information technologies and operational technologies. [Read more…] about Nebbiolo Technologies launches ‘fog computing’ for industrial automation

Universal Robots launches free online training in industrial robot programming

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universal robots training
The UR Academy modules takes the student through basic tasks such as
programming the UR robot arm to place parts in a box arriving on a conveyor

“It’s unprecedented to make inter-active teaching material of this caliber free of charge – we’re basically the first in the industry to take this approach,” says Universal Robots spokesperson

Universal Robots has developed online training modules to enable users of its industrial robots learn more about their machines’ operations and applications.

The hands-on modules are offered free of charge, open to all, and built to deliver hands-on learning via interactive simulations to maximize user engagement, says the company.

Learning how to set up and program a collaborative robot – or cobot – no longer depends on real life access to a robot or a training class, says Universal.

Now everybody with a desire to learn the concepts of cobots can log in to the Universal Robots Academy and get the introduction necessary to master basic programming skills.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches free online training in industrial robot programming

ZF opens European service center for industrial gearboxes in Witten, Germany

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zf witten plant
ZF’s plant in Witten, Germany

All European service activities of ZF for industrial and large gearboxes will now be concentrated in one place

ZF, one of the world’s leading technology providers to the automotive trade, has been busy expanding its operations lately. 

The company has opened its first consolidated European service centre in Germany, as well as a new technology centre in India.

The opening of the ZF European Service Center in Witten, Germany proves ZF’s focus on service and customer orientation in the industrial drives business, according to the company.  [Read more…] about ZF opens European service center for industrial gearboxes in Witten, Germany

GE, Nokia and Qualcomm unveil ‘first’ private LTE-based trial network customized for industrial IoT

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ge predix windmill

GE Digital, Nokia Networks and Qualcomm Technologies say they have successfully demonstrated a private LTE network for the industrial internet of things market.

LTE stands for “long term evolution” and refers to an advanced version of the 4G network.

The new GE-Nokia-Qualcomm network meshes together each party’s platforms and technologies.

The companies plan to further research and conduct live field trials throughout 2017 based on this demonstration, which they says is “designed to advance the digitization of industrial processes”.  [Read more…] about GE, Nokia and Qualcomm unveil ‘first’ private LTE-based trial network customized for industrial IoT

Stäubli launches new collaborative industrial robot

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staubli tx cobot TX2-60

Stäubli has unveiled a new collaborative robot which it says represents the company’s “next generation of fast and precise 6-axis robots”. 

Stäubli is releasing two models of the TX2 – the TX2-60 and the TX2-60L. The specifications are listed below.

staubli teach pendant

Gerald Vogt, Stäubli Robotics general manager, Germany, says: “The new machines are lighter in weight and therefore more dynamic and more energy efficient.

“Safety was a main criterion for the development team.

“In this regard, it has been possible to integrate pioneering safety features that present new scope for human-machine co-operation.

“The TX2 generation is opening up new areas in which man and machine will be able to work hand in hand in the future.”

ModelTX2-60TX2-60L
Degrees of freedom66
Nominal load capacity3.5 kg2 kg
Maximum load capacity*9 kg5 kg
Reach at wrist670 mm 920 mm
Repeatability ±0.02 mm±0.03 mm
Protection class (*wrist)IP65 (*IP67)IP65 (*IP67)
Attachment methodsFloor, wall or ceillingFloor, wall or ceilling
Stäubli CS9 series controllerCS9CS9
* with specific configurations

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

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distec red lion

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

Fanuc leads rising tide of industrial automation in the US

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The ongoing global trend towards greater industrial automation is being reflected in an increase in the number of industrial robots into the US. 

According to a report by Panjiva, a global trade platform, the upswing is likely to continue.

Chris Rogers, Panjiva research analyst, says industrial robot manufacturer has been one of the leading beneficiaries.  [Read more…] about Fanuc leads rising tide of industrial automation in the US

NarrativeWave claims first of its kind IIoT platform

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industrial-internet-plm

Today, large industrial assets, such as airplane engines and gas turbines, generate data through sensors.

In fact, there are around 6 billion connected sensors in the world today and by 2020, more than 20 billion sensors will be connected worldwide, according to Gartner.

During a commercial airline flight, data such as the engine’s health and status is sent to diagnostic engineers to be closely analyzed.

Approximately 1,000 gigabytes of data are generated per flight and with over 100,000 flights per day, this equates to over 100,000,000 gigabytes of commercial flight data every day.

That is what you call BIG data.

While big data can be a curse to manage, it is becoming the most critical asset. [Read more…] about NarrativeWave claims first of its kind IIoT platform