Robotics & Automation News

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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

Origami-inspired miniature robot could open new era of surgical robotics

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By Lindsay Brownell, Wyss Institute, Harvard University

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, in which a surgeon uses tools and a tiny camera inserted into small incisions to perform operations, has made surgical procedures safer for both patients and doctors over the last half-century.

Recently, surgical robots have started to appear in operating rooms to further assist surgeons by allowing them to manipulate multiple tools at once with greater precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with traditional techniques.

However, these robotic systems are extremely large, often taking up an entire room, and their tools can be much larger than the delicate tissues and structures on which they operate. [Read more…] about Origami-inspired miniature robot could open new era of surgical robotics

Hyundai Motor showcases miniature model of smart mobility ecosystem

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Hyundai Motor Company is showing its smart mobility ecosystem model in the lobby of its headquarters and at other key global events afterward in order to further communicate its future mobility vision.

The 1:8-scale model on display is a miniature of the exhibit shown at CES 2020 and includes integration of its Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV) and Hub (Mobility Transit Base) smart mobility solutions as part of a dynamic human-centered future cityscape.

The exhibition aims to inspire Hyundai employees and other audiences by showing the company’s vision for future mobility as it aims to become a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. After the current exhibition ends on June 12, the model will be showcased at major events around the globe. [Read more…] about Hyundai Motor showcases miniature model of smart mobility ecosystem

Zymergen installs ‘dozens’ of miniature industrial robots from Mecademic

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Zymergen, a science and materials innovation company based in California, has integrated “dozens” of Meca500 robots to automate experiments in their life sciences facility. (See video below.)

The Meca500 is a miniature industrial robot manufactured by startup company Mecademic. It has found a great number of applications in labs and industries such as watchmaking and medical technology.

Some predict that Mecademic has huge potential with its robot, especially in wtachmaking and medtech, especially as there is currently no other robot like it. [Read more…] about Zymergen installs ‘dozens’ of miniature industrial robots from Mecademic

Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

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Omron has launched an updated ranges of optical sensors that the company says can better detect black, mirrored and transparent surfaces.

Omron Electronic Components Europe says the new series of optical sensors, also feature a longer detection distance.

Omron B5W sensors are particularly effective at identifying black, transparent, reflective and other hard to detect services, and the new range also features enhanced performance in this area. [Read more…] about Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

NSK miniature linear guides bring ‘higher dynamics’ to pick-and-place machines

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NSK says its linear guides bring “higher dynamics” to pick-and-place machines.

As machines for the semiconductor industry operate with cycle times of one second or less, pick-and-place units must offer very high dynamic performance.

A case in point can be seen at a manufacturer of chip-mounting systems, where NSK recommended a combination of its ball screw and miniature linear guide technologies to replace the existing linear motor and significantly increase dynamic capability.  [Read more…] about NSK miniature linear guides bring ‘higher dynamics’ to pick-and-place machines