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precision

Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion 

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Schaeffler, a billion-dollar German company which supplies bearings and other components to the automotive and aerospace industries, has signed an agreement to acquire all of the shares of Melior Motion.

The acquisition of this supplier of precision gearboxes for robotics and other applications in automation expands the robotics portfolio of the Schaeffler Group’s industrial division.

As automation of simple, repetitive tasks as well as complex mounting and manufacturing processes is progressing rapidly, Schaeffler’s industrial division is expanding its position as a supplier for robotics components and systems. [Read more…] about Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion 

Opinion: Predictions about the surgical robots market

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By Anthony Fernando, CEO and president of Asensus Surgical

Surgery has evolved from open surgery to robotic surgery. Surgical robots can perform complex procedures with geometrical precision, even in anatomical areas that are difficult to reach by human surgeons.

This is resulting in increased demand and adoption of minimally invasive surgeries and is one of the key drivers for the growth of the surgical robotics market.

So here are some predictions that foresee changes in the coming year within the surgical robotics market, telehealth and telesurgery, and augmented intelligence. [Read more…] about Opinion: Predictions about the surgical robots market

EPHJ trade show returns to bring together industrial high precision in Geneva

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After a somewhat “sterile” year in 2020 due to the Covid-related restrictions, the EPHJ Trade Show has done everything to ensure that this 2021 edition, initially postponed for some months, can now be held in the best possible conditions, given the wider public-health backdrop.

This year, the Trade Show will host more than 500 exhibitors at Palexpo. Large numbers of Swiss and international visitors, mainly from neighbouring countries, have already signed up. From small SMEs to sizeable multinationals, no one wants to miss this “return to normal”.

“The convivial and friendly spirit at the EPHJ Trade Show is one of the main factors behind its success”, explains Alexandre Catton, Director of the Trade Show. “Everyone really wants to meet up, reconnect with each other, smile at one other without a screen, have a drink with their clients and do some face to face business.” [Read more…] about EPHJ trade show returns to bring together industrial high precision in Geneva

Hardinge to acquire J.G. Weisser

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Hardinge and J.G. Weisser have entered into a definitive agreement under which Hardinge will acquire Weisser, enhancing Hardinge’s Turning and Milling platform with an attractive portfolio of products and technologies.

Weisser is a German manufacturer and solution provider of high precision, multifunctional turning machines and turning centers as well as automation solutions.

Weisser is based in Germany with sales of approximately $90 million. [Read more…] about Hardinge to acquire J.G. Weisser

Lyro goes global through collaboration with IMI Precision Engineering

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Brisbane, Australia-based Lyro Robotics has been contracted to license their Lyro Machine Intelligence software to US based IMI Precision Engineering.

This technology partnership will deliver smart robots that will replicate the “hands”, “eyes” and “brain” of human capabilities in automation and logistics applications.

The partnership means the two companies will work to deliver a full-stack robotic solution to satisfy the rising global demand for automated bin picking in various industries, such as agriculture, logistics and e-commerce. [Read more…] about Lyro goes global through collaboration with IMI Precision Engineering

SICK’s new 3D streaming camera provides ‘unmatched speed and measurement precision’

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The Ruler3000 provides distinct advantages for OEMs, system integrators, and accomplished 3D vision end users

SICK has unveiled the first in a new generation of Ruler3000 3D streaming cameras, designed to offer a fast track for integrators to harness the unmatched speed and measurement precision of SICK’s high-definition 3D imaging technology.

The SICK Ruler3000 sets a new standard for high-speed 3D image quality in an easy-to-integrate, pre-calibrated device.

The Ruler3000 combines SICK’s groundbreaking Ranger3 streaming camera with a Class 2 eye-safe laser, pre-selected optics and fixed geometries to enable much simpler configuration and commissioning. [Read more…] about SICK’s new 3D streaming camera provides ‘unmatched speed and measurement precision’

Stäubli SCARA robots win Red Dot design award

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Stäubli’s SCARA robots have won one of the industry’s most coveted design awards, the Red Dot Design Award 2021, in the “Product Design” category.

The new TS2 SCARA series Stäubli has been well received in the market and sets benchmarks in terms of dynamics, precision and cleanroom, says Stäubli.

Christophe Coulongeat, group division manager Stäubli Robotics, says: “We are very proud to receive this prestigious prize. [Read more…] about Stäubli SCARA robots win Red Dot design award

Comau launches new high-speed collaborative robot

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Comau has launched its Racer-5-0.80 collaborative robot – or Racer-5 Cobot – which it describes as “a new paradigm in collaborative robotics” that meets the growing demand for fast, cost-effective cobots that can be used in restricted spaces and in different application areas.

Countering the belief that collaborative robots are slow, Racer-5 Cobot is a 6-axis articulated robot that can work at industrial speed up to 6 m/s. With a 5 kg payload and 809 mm reach, it ensures optimal industrial efficiency while granting the added benefit of safe, barrier-free operations.

Furthermore, the cobot can instantly switch from a collaborative mode to full speed when operators are not around, letting its 0.03 mm repeatability and advanced movement fluidity deliver unmatched production rates. [Read more…] about Comau launches new high-speed collaborative robot

Kuka unveils robotics for modern treatment of tumors

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A Munich therapy center uses a medical product with an integrated Kuka robot as a high-precision instrument in tumor treatment.

The CyberKnife system of Accuray, a kind of virtual knife, is an alternative to conventional radiotherapy.

Thanks to high-precision robot- and image-guided irradiation, the CyberKnife Center in Munich is able to treat tumors anywhere in the body – from the brain to the spinal column to various organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys or prostate. [Read more…] about Kuka unveils robotics for modern treatment of tumors

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