objects

Festo launches lab automation ‘superconductor’ system that moves objects without contact

June 18, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Festo has launched a lab automation “superconductor” system that moves objects without contact.

The company says its “SupraModule” concept enables wireless control of functions on a magnetic, floating carrier with an autonomous energy supply.

In future-oriented fields such as laboratory automation or biotechnology, the requirements placed on the cleaning of production facilities and their purity are very high. [Read more…] about Festo launches lab automation ‘superconductor’ system that moves objects without contact

OnRobot launches new 2.5D vision system

April 20, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

OnRobot has launched “Eyes”, its new 2.5D vision system. The company says it brings together “unrivaled ease-of-use to vision-guided robotic applications”. (See video below.)

Eyes’ advanced, affordable 2.5D vision adds depth perception and parts recognition for all leading robotic arms, offering seamless integration, one-picture calibration, intuitive programming, and none of the complexity of existing vision systems.

Eyes can be flexibly mounted both on the robot wrist or externally, making it ideal for almost any unstructured application in need of vision guidance. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches new 2.5D vision system

All About Developing a Computer Vision System

April 17, 2020 by Polly Leave a Comment

This is an enthralling type of artificial intelligence that is practiced in numerous ways of labeling and detecting objects in images.

Primarily, the precise field that deals with how computers can gain a high level of understanding from digital images and videos in computer vision.

This scientific field seeks to comprehend and systematize tasks that involve visual systems through handling, analyzing and understanding of videos as well as digital images. [Read more…] about All About Developing a Computer Vision System

Mimaki expands portfolio with large-scale 3D printer

April 11, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Mimaki Europe, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, has launched its new Mimaki 3DGD-1800 3D printer, facilitating large-scale production up to three times faster than with conventional Fused Filament Fabrication type 3D printers.

The Mimaki 3DGD-1800 3D printer connects the company’s 2D printing expertise and 3D technology innovations, providing customers with a cost-effective, total solution for 3D sign and display applications.

Capable of producing objects up to 1.8 metres tall in just seven hours – with its assembly-based design allowing for the creation of even larger designs – the innovative 3D printing system boasts a number of clever time- and cost-saving features, including dual-head configuration to enable the simultaneous output of two structures. [Read more…] about Mimaki expands portfolio with large-scale 3D printer

Swiss scientist developing robot that ‘grips without touching’

January 24, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

A scientist at the Swiss university ETH Zurich is developing a robot that “grips without touching”.

The technology is based on sound waves, or “ultrasound waves”, to be more precise.

ETH pioneer fellow Marcel Schuck is responsible for the invention, and has a small version of the robot on his desk. [Read more…] about Swiss scientist developing robot that ‘grips without touching’

Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

September 17, 2019 by Mai Tao

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

Researchers develop robot fingertips for grasping and releasing objects in dry and wet conditions

September 4, 2019 by Mai Tao

A team of researchers at Kanazawa University has developed a robot control system – or fingertips – for grasping and releasing objects in dry and wet conditions.

The researchers say that the study was able to verify that “object grasping by soft surface fluid fingertips with high friction was controllable by applying a suitable lubricant”.

However, they added that it was necessary to do more experiments under various conditions in order to apply the current controlling technology to manufacturing environments. [Read more…] about Researchers develop robot fingertips for grasping and releasing objects in dry and wet conditions

Cambridge Consultants unveils ‘dexterous robot with the human touch’

May 16, 2019 by David Edwards

Technology research and development company Cambridge Consultants has unveiled what it describes as a “dexterous robot with the human touch”. (See video below.)

Breakthrough innovation specialist Cambridge Consultants has developed Hank, a robot with flexible robotic fingers inspired by the human hand.

Hank uses a pioneering sensory system embedded in its pneumatic fingers, providing a sophisticated sense of touch and slip, meaning it can emulate the human ability to hold and grip delicate objects using just the right amount of pressure.

[Read more…]

Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

April 18, 2019 by Sam Francis

Sensors supplier Sick showcased a new “smart logistics” system at the recent ProMAT Show, one of the world’s largest material handling exhibitions.

Sick says its system demonstrates how to obtain greater efficiency throughout supply chain operations.

Sick presented its new innovations under the banner of “Logistics Gets Smart”, and says they are designed to provide “highly efficient solutions for intralogistics applications”. [Read more…] about Sick demonstrates ‘smart logistics’ system for warehouse automation

Xerox launches new 3D printer featuring a nozzle ‘half the width of a human hair’

September 21, 2016 by David Edwards

New Xerox 3D printers sport a nozzle which is almost too tiny to see with human eyes

Xerox says it has developed innovative architecture featuring tiny, stainless steel nozzles inside its new Direct to Object Inkjet Printer.

The company says this means it has created a new, label-less, on-demand method of personalising three-dimensional objects.

The nozzles are contained in print heads – about the size of a deck of cards – that accurately spray ink on objects as small as bottle caps and as large as football helmets. The printer can print on plastic, metals, ceramics and glass, eliminating the need for costly labels. [Read more…] about Xerox launches new 3D printer featuring a nozzle ‘half the width of a human hair’