Robotics & Automation News

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SICK launches new linear encoder for industrial applications

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SICK has launched a new linear encoder product family for high-precision detection of piston positions in hydraulic cylinders and the monitoring of linear movements in machines. The DAX linear encoder product family provides flexibility for countless industrial applications.

The product family offers three designs to suit these applications, all with industry-appropriate measuring ranges. An Online Configurator provides step-by-step assistance to users in selecting a suitable DAX.

For applications with special requirements, the smart and flexible system architecture of the product family allows for tailored and efficient customization. [Read more…] about SICK launches new linear encoder for industrial applications

Nidec launches two new robot cameras for hobbing and broaching machines

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Nidec Machine Tool has launched two new robot cameras for hobbing and broaching machines to help automate visual inspections of cutting tools.

Robot Camera “Speed”, visual inspection equipment for cutting tools (hobbing machines) to process gears and other components, and Robot Camera “Max”, visual inspection equipment for broaching machines.

The company says the two robot cameras can reduce tooling inspection time to “less than 1/10 of its current length”. [Read more…] about Nidec launches two new robot cameras for hobbing and broaching machines

Tormach launches new industrial robotic arm for under $20,000

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Tormach, a supplier of “affordable and compact” CNC machines, has launched its latest product, the ZA6 robot.

The company says the ZA6 robot is built to industrial standards, utilizing EtherCAT servo motors, harmonic gear drives, and aluminum castings. It can carry a 6 kg payload through a reach of 975 mm with impressive speed and repeatability.

Requiring only 20 A of single-phase 220 VAC, it can be installed almost anywhere. At less than $20,000, it represents “one of the best-value robots on the market”, according to Tormach. [Read more…] about Tormach launches new industrial robotic arm for under $20,000

SICK launches new photoelectric sensor

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SICK has unveiled its new Roller Sensor Bar (RSB) as an addition to its extensive portfolio of photoelectric sensors. This sensor provides the logistics and production markets a reliable solution to accommodate the ever-increasing variety of packaging shapes and sizes, and that provides a quick and easy installation experience.

Traditional sensors are mounted above the side frame and require installers to align and teach the sensor to a reflector at the end consumer, leading to high costs.

SICK offers the RSB as a solution to high installation costs and packaging variations to help logistics and production processes run more smoothly and efficiently. [Read more…] about SICK launches new photoelectric sensor

ABB launches its smallest industrial robot

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ABB has launched its smallest ever industrial robot, offering new possibilities for faster, more flexible and high-quality production of wearable smart devices.

With its compact size, class-leading payload and unrivaled accuracy, the new IRB 1010 offers electronics manufacturers the opportunity to increase their production of devices including smart watches, earphones, sensors, and health trackers through automation.

Rui Liang, managing director of ABB Robotics’ electronics business line, says: “The market for wearable smart devices is accelerating rapidly, with projections estimating double digit growth between 2022 and 2028. [Read more…] about ABB launches its smallest industrial robot

Wolfspeed to build ‘world’s largest’ silicon carbide materials facility in North Carolina

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Wolfspeed, a developer of silicon carbide technology, says it will build a new, state-of-the-art, multi-billion-dollar materials manufacturing facility in Chatham County, North Carolina.

The investment is targeted to generate a more than 10 fold increase from Wolfspeed’s current Silicon Carbide production capacity on its Durham campus, supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy, accelerating the adoption of Silicon Carbide semiconductors across a wide array of end-markets and unlocking a new era of energy efficiency.

Gregg Lowe, president and CEO of Wolfspeed, says: “Wolfspeed is the industry leader in supplying the materials required to meet the accelerating demand for next generation semiconductors and creating a more sustainable future for all. [Read more…] about Wolfspeed to build ‘world’s largest’ silicon carbide materials facility in North Carolina

Dobot introduces expanded lineup of non-contact cobots

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Dobot and its US-based master distributor DB Cobots have unveiled the addition of its 3 kg and 10 kg collaborative robots to the existing 5 kg version of the Safe Skin model previously available.

This expanded lineup will enable more industries and companies to use cobots with the safest technology available in their automation, says the company.

Dobot’s standard line of Industrial Cobots are inherently safe by stopping when the arm makes contact with an object. [Read more…] about Dobot introduces expanded lineup of non-contact cobots

Comau introduces new robot for ‘sensitive’ environments

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Comau has introduced its new Racer-5 Sensitive Environments (Racer-5 SE), a high-speed industrial robot designed for the special and sensitive settings that characterize the pharmaceutical, health and beauty, food and beverage and electronics industries.

Featuring a protective water, heat and grease-resistant coating, the ruggedized 6-axis articulated robot fully responds to the demand for IP67 certification, high-grade ISO 5 Cleanroom classification (ISO 14644-1), protection from chemical agents and the need to reduce the risk of contamination. It also has NSF H1 food grade lubrication.

Further benefits of the dedicated robot include reduced operator risk when working with potentially harmful chemicals and substances, as well as increased productivity, traceability, and quality. [Read more…] about Comau introduces new robot for ‘sensitive’ environments

New large ABB robots ‘increase speed and flexibility’ in electric vehicle battery production

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ABB is adding two new robot product lines to its portfolio of large robots for complex manufacturing applications.

ABB says the new robots deliver “enhanced speed, accuracy, flexibility, and a more robust design”, including integrated process cabling, adding that the ABB IRB 5710 and 5720 robots deliver “increased productivity and enhanced performance with higher uptime for applications” including electric vehicle manufacture, foundry, forging, rubber, plastics, and metal fabrication.

Available in eight variants, the IRB 5710 and IRB 5720 present a choice of options for payloads from 70 kg to 180 kg and reaches from 2.3 m to 3 m. [Read more…] about New large ABB robots ‘increase speed and flexibility’ in electric vehicle battery production

Dobot agrees partnership to distribute its collaborative robots in the US

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Collaborative robot manufacturer Dobot has unveiled a new US distribution partnership with Philadelphia-based DB Cobots.

DB Cobots will be working directly with systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers, manufacturers across various industries and through its expansive re-seller network.

DB Cobots will also provide service and support for users and re-sellers of the robot line. [Read more…] about Dobot agrees partnership to distribute its collaborative robots in the US