Robotics & Automation News

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Small-batch medical shop triples production with robotics

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Figuring out how to meet rising production demand can be deceptive. On the surface, it’s a simple math problem. If you have one machine on the floor and it makes eight parts per day, and you need to produce 16 parts per day, just add another machine, right?

Meeting demand in a consistent, cost-effective manner is a bit more complicated. Sometimes, it takes a little more due diligence to uncover the best way to increase throughput or meet rising demand.

The operations group at Ultradent Products, a leading developer and manufacturer of high- tech dental materials and devices, faced such a problem. In 2017, the company sought to increase production of its industry-leading Valo curing light, used by dental clinicians to cure dental composites, sealants, and various other chemistries. [Read more…] about Small-batch medical shop triples production with robotics

Tips for Your Car Maintenance

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Taking care of your vehicle is a duty that comes with being self-employed. Yes, it’s time-consuming and costly, but the money you spend now will save you money in the long run.

One of the encouraging aspects of today’s vehicles is that they need fewer service visits to maintain them in peak operating conditions.

Maintaining your vehicle isn’t a one-time event. You don’t have to wait for your parents to recap you to get your tires rotated or renewed oil. [Read more…] about Tips for Your Car Maintenance

Engineers at Columbia University invent robotic lasers that cook food

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Engineers at Columbia University have invented software-controlled robotic lasers that cook food with “unparalleled precision”, retaining more moisture, and creating an entirely new, customized way to cook a tasty meal. (See videos below.)

Imagine having your own digital personal chef; ready to cook up whatever you want; able to tailor the shape, texture, and flavor just for you; and it’s all at the push of a button. Columbia engineers have been working on doing just that, using lasers for cooking and 3D printing technology for assembling foods.

Under the guidance of Mechanical Engineering Professor Hod Lipson, the “Digital Food” team of his Creative Machines Lab has been building a fully autonomous digital personal chef. Lipson’s group has been developing 3D-printed foods since 2007. Since then, food printing has progressed to multi-ingredient prints and has been explored by researchers and a few commercial companies. [Read more…] about Engineers at Columbia University invent robotic lasers that cook food

IDS cameras central to automatic photo portal for the documentation of intralogistics processes

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Due to digitalisation in Industry 4.0, internal logistics is subject to constant change. Internal traceability, that is the tracking of goods in the warehouse or production facility, is increasingly playing a key role.

Manufacturers and consumers are placing more and more emphasis on the safety and quality of products. Costly and image-damaging complaints must therefore be avoided.

Automation systems can help to optimise goods control here and at the same time facilitate and accelerate the work of the operators – saving time and costs. [Read more…] about IDS cameras central to automatic photo portal for the documentation of intralogistics processes

IDS unveils new camera models for special requirements in factory automation

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IDS Imaging Development Systems has unveiled new industrial camera models for special requirements in factory automation. The uEye FA camera series integrates new sensors – the 12 and 20 MP Sony Starvis and 5 MP polarisation sensor.

uEye FA industrial cameras are particularly robust and therefore ideally suited for demanding environmental conditions, for example in factory automation. Starting in August, IDS will offer three new sensors in the family.

The 12 MP (IMX226) and 20.44 MP (IMX183) Sony sensors are true high-performers with high resolution and low noise. For special requirements, the company will also integrate the 5 MP polarisation sensor IMX250MZR. [Read more…] about IDS unveils new camera models for special requirements in factory automation

SICK’s new space-saving light grid provides maximum flexibility and functionality with minimal space requirements

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SICK says its new SLG-2 is “one of the most compact automation light grids of its kind of the market and offers high performance detection and measurement”.

SICK is currently introducing the new SLG-2 automation light grid. This is the second generation of the “Slim Light Grid” from SICK and offers enhanced flexibility and functionality.

Space-saving dimensions, low-profile construction, detection heights adjustable in practical increments, and a blind zone-free design ensure an easy integration in machines where space is limited. [Read more…] about SICK’s new space-saving light grid provides maximum flexibility and functionality with minimal space requirements

Advanced Intelligent Systems launches UV light disinfection robot

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Advanced Intelligent Systems (AIS), a Canadian custom robotics engineering firm, has launched an ultraviolet light robot to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses in healthcare facilities and combat the spread of infectious diseases in public spaces.

The development was made possible by a grant from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen).

Jayson Myers, CEO, NGen, says: “At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NGen rallied industry leaders from across the country to help build a domestic supply of critical equipment. Support for organizations like AIS enabled the rapid development of viable disinfecting solutions and demonstrates the diverse manufacturing and technology capabilities that exist here in Canada.” [Read more…] about Advanced Intelligent Systems launches UV light disinfection robot

SICK’s new 3D streaming camera provides ‘unmatched speed and measurement precision’

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The Ruler3000 provides distinct advantages for OEMs, system integrators, and accomplished 3D vision end users

SICK has unveiled the first in a new generation of Ruler3000 3D streaming cameras, designed to offer a fast track for integrators to harness the unmatched speed and measurement precision of SICK’s high-definition 3D imaging technology.

The SICK Ruler3000 sets a new standard for high-speed 3D image quality in an easy-to-integrate, pre-calibrated device.

The Ruler3000 combines SICK’s groundbreaking Ranger3 streaming camera with a Class 2 eye-safe laser, pre-selected optics and fixed geometries to enable much simpler configuration and commissioning. [Read more…] about SICK’s new 3D streaming camera provides ‘unmatched speed and measurement precision’

IDS to host free online event ‘Capture the Light’ presented by its image processing experts

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For the successful implementation of image processing applications, it is not only important to choose the right camera and a suitable image sensor.

In order to capture light without interference and convert it into usable information, suitable optics and high-quality filter glasses also play a decisive role.

The focus event “Capture the Light” on June 24th at 2 pm BST addresses this topic in three exciting sessions. [Read more…] about IDS to host free online event ‘Capture the Light’ presented by its image processing experts

SICK launches new miniature photoelectric sensor

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SICK drives innovation with the new W4F miniature photoelectric sensor for intelligent object detection in tight installation spaces for proximity applications

SICK is launching the latest generation of its miniature photoelectric sensors, the W4F. A new ASIC platform delivers numerous performance advantages to this product family.

For example, these sensors can detect jet black, highly reflective, flat, or transparent objects with the utmost reliability. The W4F can also provide distance information, such as the height of objects and, as a result, identify process errors.

Initial users have confirmed that the photoelectric sensors have the best ambient light and sunlight suppression on the market as well as maximum immunity to all known sources of optical interference.  [Read more…] about SICK launches new miniature photoelectric sensor