Robotics & Automation News

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Siemens and Audi partner to implement ‘next level’ software-defined automation

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Engineering giant Siemens and automotive company Audi say they are “revolutionizing manufacturing processes” with “next level” software-defined automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

The long-standing partnership is accelerating innovation for the automotive industry by focusing on integrating virtual and hardware controllers, enhancing safety functions, and streamlining production processes.

Audi has also implemented AI-driven automation for optical inspection based on the Siemens portfolio. The goal is to automate detection and removal of weld spatter on vehicle bodies using a customer-trained AI algorithm and high-resolution images. [Read more…] about Siemens and Audi partner to implement ‘next level’ software-defined automation

Looking after your programmable logic controller: A PLC maintenance checklist

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Tom Cash, director at Foxmere, explains how engineers can ensure PLCs last for their expected duration

Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, can survive for more than 20 years, and it’s something we see regularly here at Foxmere.

Although the component parts of a PLC, such as central processing units (CPUs) and power supply units (PSUs), boast long lifespans, components such as input/output (I/O) modules and communication modules are not so robust.

In fact, about 80 per cent of PLC failures result from field devices, I/O module failure or power supply issues.

[Read more…] about Looking after your programmable logic controller: A PLC maintenance checklist

Siemens unveils its first virtual PLC and new automation products

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Siemens has unveiled several new automation focused products, including its first virtual programmable logic controller, based on the functions and operation of the Simatic S7-1500 PLC and independent of its hardware.

The virtual PLC can be downloaded similar to an app and integrated directly into the IT environment, helping customers unlock the potential of digitalization.

Siemens also announced its first Sinamics drive to join the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the new Sinamics G220 high-performance multi-purpose, adjustable speed drive. [Read more…] about Siemens unveils its first virtual PLC and new automation products

Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

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Stäubli has launched uniVAL pi, a software solution that will enable robot programming to be implemented in the future via the PLC, using Plug & Play in Siemens TIA Portal.

A PLC, or programmable logic controller, is a type of small computer or device used to control machines in factories.

Stäubli’s new software is optionally an available communication interface, with which users can program Stäubli robots without manufacturer-specific, high-level language knowledge in their familiar environment – safely, quickly and efficiently, says the company. [Read more…] about Stäubli launches new software to enable robot programming through PLCs

Door locking systems manufacturer turns to Delta for machine vision robotic solution

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Metal LS, a Bulgarian manufacturer of door locking systems, door and window handles and building hardware, started planning the new automated assembly of door locks in 2019.

The robotic systems that the company already used for other applications were too large for the planned production site, so the new solutions needed to be as compact and precise as possible, in addition to being state of the art.

Door and security locks are precision parts with standard dimensions and components stipulated in DIN standards. Therefore, quality and precision were especially important deciding factors for Metal LS. [Read more…] about Door locking systems manufacturer turns to Delta for machine vision robotic solution

Symbio Robotics unveils software update to ‘further modernize manufacturing assembly’

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Symbio Robotics, the provider of a platform that enables AI-powered automation solutions, launched SymbioDCS 2.0, which the company describes as “a major update” to the company’s flagship middleware and python programming framework.

With a streamlined automation solution development and deployment process, the updated platform contains a series of breakthrough features to support accelerated electric vehicle timelines and emissions-reduction goals by automakers through real-time robot-controlled apps such as insertion, fastening, and moving lines.

Max Reynolds, Symbio CEO and co-founder, says: “The demand for Symbio’s technology continues to increase as mounting pressure on automotive companies to change their factory footprint and increase production of EVs grows. The recent Ford and GM announcements to put billions into EV-focused factories is hard evidence of this. [Read more…] about Symbio Robotics unveils software update to ‘further modernize manufacturing assembly’

Software-based PLCs pose challenge to traditional hardware infrastructure

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By Sharmila Annaswamy, IoT Analytics

Software is increasingly replacing hardware in industrial environments. Software-based programmable logic controllers (Soft PLCs) today are reliable, powerful and flexible.

Soft PLC adoption is expected to double between 2019 and 2025, posing an “innovator’s dilemma” for incumbent industrial automation vendors.

Actions taken by incumbents will prevent significant disruption in the near-term, but the long-term threat of soft PLCs will remain. [Read more…] about Software-based PLCs pose challenge to traditional hardware infrastructure

Top 20 programmable logic controller manufacturers

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Sometimes described as “the workhorse of industrial automation”, a programmable logic controller, or PLC, is a computing device that is specially designed for use in an industrial operation.

A PLC can take many shapes and sizes, but in most instances it does not look like a conventional desktop computer like the ones you find in offices or in homes – a PLC has no display screen, no hard drive, and no keyboard.

PLCs started out in the automotive manufacturing trade, although they can now be found in almost all sectors, where they tend to replace relays.

Relays are devices that essentially turn machines on and off, and are said to be time-consuming and complex to use compared to PLCs. Relays also require more operational downtime when they need to be reconfigured. PLCs are estimated by one research company to reduce downtime from 20 percent to about 4 percent. [Read more…] about Top 20 programmable logic controller manufacturers

How to simplify the control architecture of cartesian coordinate robots

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By Barry Weller, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric

In order to remain competitive, it is generally accepted that industries should adopt lean manufacturing strategies to improve process efficiency.

A key action can be to reduce part count, that is to say the number of components in an assembly or system. This is particularly challenging when it comes to highly accurate cartesian coordinate (linear) motion applications.

In these cases, machine builders would often need to use both PLCs and computer numerical controllers (CNCs) in order to fully manage movement within the machine – until now. [Read more…] about How to simplify the control architecture of cartesian coordinate robots

SICK’s Industry 4.0 training gets you started with IO-Link on the PLC

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SICK is holding a series of hands-on training days to help machine builders and end-users progress on their Industry 4.0 journey by unlocking valuable data from IO-Link sensors via a PLC.

During the one-day course, delegates will learn, step-by-step, how to set up an IO-Link Master to enable sensors to communicate data with a PLC.

By the end of the course, “Getting Started with IO-Link on Your PLC”, delegates will be able to control and monitor sensors from the PLC and collect data which can be used to increase plant efficiency and productivity. [Read more…] about SICK’s Industry 4.0 training gets you started with IO-Link on the PLC