Robotics & Automation News

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io-link

Festo introduces two-finger pneumatic gripper for cobot applications

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Collaborative robots operate within strict payload and mounting constraints. Pneumatic gripper installations that rely on external valves, sensors, and wiring add weight, increase footprint, and complicate routing along compact cobot arms.

To address these constraints, Festo has introduced the HPPH two-finger pneumatic parallel gripper, a compact, lightweight design that integrates control, sensing, and collaborative safety functions directly into the gripper body.

By reducing external components, the HPPH preserves payload capacity and simplifies mounting and wiring on collaborative robot platforms. The HPPH is available through Festo and the Universal Robotics Marketplace. [Read more…] about Festo introduces two-finger pneumatic gripper for cobot applications

SICK’s launches ‘advanced IO-Link encoders’ to streamline machine controls

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SICK has released “advanced variants” of its AHS36 and AHM36 IO-Link absolute encoders that can harness valuable diagnostic insights for better machine control and availability.

With versatile programming options, they make it easy to integrate data from encoders into localised and ‘edge computing’ configurations to improve the efficiency of automated plant.

All SICK’s AHS36 14-bit (singleturn) and AHM36 26-bit (multiturn) IO-Link absolute encoders achieve quick, easy and economical higher-level fieldbus integration via an IO-Link Master. [Read more…] about SICK’s launches ‘advanced IO-Link encoders’ to streamline machine controls

SICK’s Industry 4.0 training gets you started with IO-Link on the PLC

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SICK is holding a series of hands-on training days to help machine builders and end-users progress on their Industry 4.0 journey by unlocking valuable data from IO-Link sensors via a PLC.

During the one-day course, delegates will learn, step-by-step, how to set up an IO-Link Master to enable sensors to communicate data with a PLC.

By the end of the course, “Getting Started with IO-Link on Your PLC”, delegates will be able to control and monitor sensors from the PLC and collect data which can be used to increase plant efficiency and productivity. [Read more…] about SICK’s Industry 4.0 training gets you started with IO-Link on the PLC

SICK launches SIG200 ProfiNet sensor integration gateway

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SICK has unveiled its SIG200 ProfiNet Sensor Integration Gateway, the first in a family of intelligent Industry 4.0 gateways designed to work as both IO-Link Masters and small, distributed control systems in one.

The sensor specialist says it makes light work of configuring localised sensor applications and, at the same time, opens up high-speed transfer of sensor status, parameter and diagnostics data with enterprise-level or cloud-based systems.

SICK’s SIG200 Sensor Integration Gateway is an IO-Link Master with an on-board web server that collects, combines, evaluates and transmits signals from IO-Link devices from any manufacturer. [Read more…] about SICK launches SIG200 ProfiNet sensor integration gateway

Pepperl+Fuchs launches new Ethernet IO modules

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pepperl+fuchs io module
EtherNet IO modules offer IO-Link sensor/actuator connections, function across multiple protocols, and are supplied with 16 A via the M12 power plug

Pepperl+Fuchs has launches new Ethernet IO modules with multiprotocol functionality and M12 power plugs which are now also with integrated eight-way IO-link master.

The new Ethernet IO modules support all common Ethernet protocols, such as Profinet, EtherNet/IP, and EtherCAT, in a single device.

The integrated IO-Link master function allows comprehensive diagnosis and parameterization. 

The L-coded M12 power plug provides a current of up to 16 A and reduces installation costs.

Modules with an integrated logic function can tackle autonomous applications, completely replace control panels, or deal only with status messages. [Read more…] about Pepperl+Fuchs launches new Ethernet IO modules

Emerson launches new control module for industrial machines

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emerson IO-Link valve

Company says new component provides Industry 4.0 diagnostics for pneumatics through direct digital control 

Emerson have expanded the ASCO Numatics 580 Series fieldbus electronics platform with the introduction of an IO-Link communication option.

The company says the new IO-Link module is for use with the ASCO Numatics 500 Series valve islands, and will allow machine automation designers a convenient, cost effective and reliable solution for solenoid valve control through direct digital data communication with the machine controller plus the ability for event-based and I/O mapped diagnostics – both important predictive maintenance requirements for Industry 4.0.

The 580 Series IO-Link is compatible with the full range of 501, 502 and 503 Series valve islands which offer from 400 to 1400 l/min flow rates in valve sizes of 11, 18 and 26 mm.  [Read more…] about Emerson launches new control module for industrial machines