Robotics & Automation News

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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

Safety for Workers, Here is What You Should Know

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Safety within the construction industry and beyond this is vital for the reputation of your business and the welfare of your workers.

It may begin with ensuring that they have the correct training for the job, as well as ensuring that you check drivers license status on all new workers.

However, safety now goes beyond the initial security checks. [Read more…] about Safety for Workers, Here is What You Should Know

Omron releases new 3D vision sensor for robot arms

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Omron has released its new FH-SMD Series 3D Vision Sensor, which can be mounted on a robot to recognize randomly placed bulk automotive parts in three dimensions, enabling space-saving assembly, inspection, and pick and place, which are difficult with conventional robots, and improving productivity.

Production workers are hard to come by these days, and labor costs have risen sharply, says Omron. Manufacturers are now facing intense pressure to automate processes that rely on the senses of experienced human workers.

Moreover, production workers now need to work harmoniously with machines to raise productivity amid the Covid-19 crisis. In particular, the automotive industry requires vision sensors as the eyes of robots that are indispensable for automation because it is difficult for machines to recognize positions and postures of various complex shaped parts. [Read more…] about Omron releases new 3D vision sensor for robot arms

OnRobot releases ‘world’s most powerful’ electric vacuum gripper for robot arms

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OnRobot has released what it describes as the “world’s most powerful” electric vacuum gripper for robot arms. 

OnRobot says its new VGP20 electric vacuum gripper provides a powerful and versatile solution for challenging palletising scenarios including heavy, bulky and porous surfaces.

Large, unwieldy bags of dog food, non-airtight clothing or consumer goods packages, and bulky, porous cardboard boxes. These are just some examples of demanding packaging and palletising applications that OnRobot’s new VGP20 gripper can address. [Read more…] about OnRobot releases ‘world’s most powerful’ electric vacuum gripper for robot arms

Cost reduction in aerospace through additive manufacturing

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Spacecraft are developed on Earth, tested, fully assembled and transported in one piece by a launch vehicle to their respective places of operation. Each component must be designed to withstand the high loads of the launch phase.

In most cases, in addition to complex test procedures, this leads to an oversized structure of the spacecraft components, because in orbit they experience only a fraction of the stresses they must endure during rocket launch.

The maximum take-off mass required for transport with the launch vehicle and the volume of satellites, for example, thus cause high space transport costs. [Read more…] about Cost reduction in aerospace through additive manufacturing

LG unveils autonomous robot with disinfecting ultraviolet light

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LG has unveiled an autonomous robot with disinfecting ultraviolet light. The company says the newest addition to its CLOi range of robots are aimed at hotels, schools, offices, restaurants and retailers.

LG says it has combined its core competencies in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles with a “deep understanding of customer needs”.

The electronics giant says it is developing an autonomous robot that will use ultraviolet (UV-C) light to disinfect high-touch, high-traffic areas. [Read more…] about LG unveils autonomous robot with disinfecting ultraviolet light

What You Need to Know About Fixing an Engine Misfire

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When one of the cylinders in an engine doesn’t function properly, that’s referred to as an engine misfire. The amount of power that your engine is able to produce will significantly drop.

Identifying the cause of a misfire can be challenging, but once you’ve figured out the problem, in some cases, there are simple solutions that will solve it. In other cases, in-depth repairs might be required. Here’s what you need to know about fixing an engine misfire. [Read more…] about What You Need to Know About Fixing an Engine Misfire

Michigan university scientists’ new solar panels could eventually lead to self-powering skyscrapers

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Imagine if all the glass we see on the sides of skyscrapers and other buildings were actually solar cells in disguise, collecting energy from the sun and helping to power the building and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. 

That is the dream of many scientists who are working on the technology. Essentially, they want to replace the silicon material that glass is made out of with material that is more suitable for capturing solar energy.

While green energy has made great strides in recent years – with Germans as a nation recently using more electricity from alternative sources than traditional gas- and oil-based power – there’s still a long way to go. [Read more…] about Michigan university scientists’ new solar panels could eventually lead to self-powering skyscrapers

Omron partners with Techmetics Robotics to launch UVC disinfection robot

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The Asia-Pacific division of industrial automation giant Omron has forayed into UVC disinfection with the launch of its robot – LD UVC.

The robot is a co-creation with Techmetics Robotics, a provider of autonomous service robots, to “enable organisations fight the spread of infectious diseases effectively and conveniently”, says Omron.

The UVC light has been proven to be effective in breaking down the pathogens’ DNA and RNA beyond recovery, stopping them from replicating. [Read more…] about Omron partners with Techmetics Robotics to launch UVC disinfection robot