SICK’s newly-developed MQCS (Modular Quality Control System) is an “off the shelf”, multifunctional machine vision system, and is sold as a ready-to-use package of hardware and pre-written software. Suitable for code reading, 2D or 3D inspection duties, the MQCS reduces cost and development time needed to set up automated quality inspection and logistics applications.
Originally, developed as a solution for non-contact 3D inspection of chocolate moulds in the confectionery industry, the MQCS soon demonstrated its versatility to be adapted for other applications such as “right product/right packaging” code matching, counting and aggregation of varied packages, monitoring the cycle life of materials handling equipment, and other 3D inspection and measurement tasks. [Read more…] about SICK launches ‘ready-made, very versatile’ quality control system
modules
ROEQ launches cart and other components for MiR250 mobile robot
Denmark-based robotics company ROEQ has launched three new products simultaneously with the reveal of Mobile Industrial Robots’ new MiR250 mobile robot at one of the world’s largest logistics expos, MODEX 2020.
ROEQ’s new cart, adapter and top module work seamlessly with the MiR250, providing a fully automated workplace flow.
ROEQ says that when MiR launches a new robot, it’s “imperative” that accessories for the robot are immediately available as well. [Read more…] about ROEQ launches cart and other components for MiR250 mobile robot
Apacer launches ‘first’ memory module to meet specific aviation standard
Apacer, a manufacturer of industrial-grade memory, has released the XR-DIMM.
The company says the new rugged memory module is the first on the market to meet the standards of the US RTCA DO-160G test, an aviation equipment certification that marks the XR-DIMM as resistant to high levels of vibration and therefore “ideal for defense and aeronautical applications”.
Since 2018, Apacer has been manufacturing DDR4 XR-DIMM modules with rugged stability in mind. [Read more…] about Apacer launches ‘first’ memory module to meet specific aviation standard
Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America
North American distributors of Universal Robots are now opening Authorized Training Centers (ATCs), offering classes spanning basic to advanced programming of UR cobots. The first four ATCs have been launched, with another nine to follow by end of 2019.
Universal Robots says it is committed to making collaborative robots (cobots) in the workplace accessible to all. The company is now building on the popular online modules offered through the UR Academy by enabling its sales channel to open ATCs.
Through hands-on classes hosted by UR trained teachers, the ATCs will broaden users’ understanding of the UR cobots’ range of use cases, while providing opportunities for hands-on practice in real-life applications.
[Read more…] about Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America
Automation Direct launches new CPU for its programmable logic controllers

Automation Direct has added two new “feature-enhanced” CPUs to its DirectLogic DL405 programmable logic controller product line.
The D4-454 and D4-454DC-1 provide all the capabilities of the D4-430, D4-440 and D4-450 CPUs, using updated microprocessor technology allowing the D4-454 to be the CPU of choice for the DL405 family.
Both D4-454 CPUs include a built-in power supply and four communication ports. [Read more…] about Automation Direct launches new CPU for its programmable logic controllers
Pepperl+Fuchs launches new Ethernet IO modules

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
Pepperl+Fuchs launches high-end surge protection system
Diagnostics and modularity with an installation width of just 6.2 mm: These features are combined in the new M-LB-5000 surge protection system from Pepperl+Fuchs.
By offering these features, the single-channel modules support increased plant availability and optimize total operating costs.M-LB-5000 surge protection system: protection modules with diagnostics and traffic-light display as well as a separate control interface
The patented diagnostics of the M-LB-5000 with its intuitive and easy-to-read traffic-light display minimizes testing costs in accordance with EN 62305-3 and allows condition monitoring. [Read more…] about Pepperl+Fuchs launches high-end surge protection system
Silicon Designs adds new features to its 2210 accelerometer
Silicon Designs has upgraded its Model 2210 series of accelerometer chips to include measurement capabilities on one, two, or three orthogonal axes.
Silicon Designs is veteran-owned small business and industry expert in the design, development and manufacture of highly rugged industrial-grade MEMS capacitive accelerometer chips and modules.
Accelerometers is an electromechanical device used to measure acceleration forces, while MEMS stands for micro-electro-mechanical systems.
Silicon Designs says its low-noise single axis Model 2210 accelerometer modules integrate a MEMS VC accelerometer chip with high-drive, low-impedance buffering for reliable, repeatable measurements. [Read more…] about Silicon Designs adds new features to its 2210 accelerometer
Akasol launches ‘pioneering’ new customisable battery technology for large vehicles
Engineering company Akasol says it has developed a pioneering lithium-ion battery systems for series production commercial vehicles
High-performance, customisable batteries for demanding applications in commercial vehicles have traditionally been very costly, but Akasol is presenting the world premiere of a promising new solution at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles (Hanover 22–29 September 2016): the AkaSystem OEM.
The compact, modular lithium-ion battery system is particularly well-suited for use in commercial vehicles such as buses, lorries, construction vehicles or other specialised vehicles.
Experts at the German “pioneer of e-mobility battery storage solutions” claim they have succeeded in integrating standardised PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) modules from large battery manufacturers like those used in passenger car production to enable them to meet the demanding requirements of commercial vehicle drives. [Read more…] about Akasol launches ‘pioneering’ new customisable battery technology for large vehicles
Water-based reconfigurable robot could offer new solutions to underground pipe network inspection
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have created an aquatic robot which could be used to inspect otherwise inaccessible pipe networks to deal with blockages.
The researchers revealed their findings later this week at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2016) – the world’s largest gathering in robotics, held this year in Stockholm, Sweden.
The study looks at a set of robotic modules that, similar to Lego, can be assembled into robots of arbitrary shape. This allows robots to be customised to meet the changing demands of their task. [Read more…] about Water-based reconfigurable robot could offer new solutions to underground pipe network inspection