Robotics & Automation News

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Precision and Convenience: How Robots Are Sustaining Maintenance Beyond Working Lines

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When we think of robotics and automation, the first sight that comes to our mind is that of an industrial production line, where giant robots carry out the high-precision task of assembling products, one step at a time without compromising on efficiency and accuracy.

But as the technology of robotics and automation is becoming much more sophisticated, the uses of robots are expanding from the factory floor to new territories.

One of these new domains is that of maintenance in every industry. Robotics have made concrete inroads in the maintenance department of every aspiring industry and this reach is not unwarranted. [Read more…] about Precision and Convenience: How Robots Are Sustaining Maintenance Beyond Working Lines

Alio says its Hybrid Hexapod addresses ‘critical weaknesses’ of traditional motion systems

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Alio Industries says its patented Hybrid Hexapod was developed by Alio to address the critical weaknesses of conventional legacy hexapod designs, as well as the weaknesses of stacked serial stages, and to achieve nanometer-level accuracy, repeatability, and high-integrity flatness and straightness during motion.

It utilizes a tripod parallel kinematics structure to deliver Z plane and tip/tilt motion, integrated with a monolithic serial kinematic structure for XY motion.

A rotary stage integrated into the top of the tripod (or underneath it, depending on application needs) provides 360-degree continuous Theta Z rotation. [Read more…] about Alio says its Hybrid Hexapod addresses ‘critical weaknesses’ of traditional motion systems

Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

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Agriculture in the future will see increasing use of scientifically precise farming techniques, where automated “agro-bots” monitor, treat and work the land, using advanced technology designed to help maximise yields and minimise disease. 

With its extensive experience in automation and agricultural mechanisation, agritech specialist Yanmar is now showing the way in advanced field robotics research.

Time for change in our changing times?

It’s hard to think of a more important economic sector than agriculture. This is an industry that directly affects the lives of everyone the world over, despite being beset by challenges from all sides.

Changes in temperature and precipitation are influencing crop yields; farmers and agricultural workers are directly exposed to the effects of weather extremes, while millions more in food-related jobs are already feeling the impact of our changing climate. [Read more…] about Yanmar leads agricultural robotics project to develop ‘SMASH’ system

Alio Industries launches new nano-positioning device

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Alio Industries has unveiled the latest version of its Hybrid Hexapod nano-positioning.

The “all new” HH-30D Hybrid Hexapod – the industry’s only 6-Degree-Of-Freedom (6-DOF) nano positioning device with +/-30 degrees tip and tilt travel.

The Hybrid Hexapod was developed by Alio Industries to address the inherent performance limitations of conventional hexapods. [Read more…] about Alio Industries launches new nano-positioning device

IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

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A new online application configuration tool, which allows engineers to specify their required actuator easily and quickly, has been launched by IMI Precision Engineering. 

The traditional manual specification of electric actuators often prove a “time consuming and complex task” for engineers, says IMI.

The new configurator, which compliments the IMI Norgren Elion Electrical Actuation Rodstyle and Rodless range, has become an “essential tool”, simplifying the process and allowing users to benefit from a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure they select the most efficient and accurate actuator, says the company. [Read more…] about IMI Norgren launches online configurator for choosing actuators

American Manufacturers ‘ready to help’ cope with disruption caused by coronavirus

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American Manufacturers say they are “ready to help” cope with the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

CEOs of companies facing global supply chain challenges can find local solutions with US suppliers, declared five American manufacturing trade associations in an open letter to CEOs.

US trade associations representing more than 3,500 companies in industries that employ more than 475,000 Americans have made the pledge to support the industry. [Read more…] about American Manufacturers ‘ready to help’ cope with disruption caused by coronavirus

OptiPro uses New Scale Robotics system to inspect small parts

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OptiPro Metrology Lab is using a system supplied by New Scale Robotics to inspect small parts. (See video below.)

The optics manufacturer is using New Scale’s Q-Span technology, based on its “precision gripper / caliper”, to automate measurement and machine tending.

The optics measuring solution involves a collaborative robot from Universal Robots and end effectors developed by New Scale. [Read more…] about OptiPro uses New Scale Robotics system to inspect small parts

Hanwha opens collaborative robotics centre in Europe

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Hanwha Robotics has opened a collaborative robotics centre near Frankfurt, Germany. The company’s new Technical Centre will also highlight its other precision machinery offerings.

Hanwha Precision Machinery’s president, Ki-Nam Lee, officially launched the facility an a grand opening ceremony recently. The Technical Centre is part of Hanwha’s efforts to accelerate the company’s growth in the European market.

Hanwha is aiming to increase sales in Europe by “at least €30 million” and make Europe account for more than 15 per cent of its total sales. [Read more…] about Hanwha opens collaborative robotics centre in Europe

Finger Lakes college partners with New Scale Robotics to develop collaborative robot tools

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Finger Lakes Community College has been awarded a $50,000 manufacturing grant from the FuzeHub Innovation Fund to support its work with New Scale Robotics, accelerating development of New Scale’s precision measurement and gripping tools for a wide range of collaborative robots.

New Scale has a line of precision grippers, calipers and other tools that install in minutes on cobots from Universal Robots.

New Scale will collaborate with Dr Sam Samanta, head of the Instrumentation and Controls program at FLCC, and his students to develop a Smart Platform that expands plug-and-play compatibility of New Scale Robotics tools to multiple additional cobot brands. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes college partners with New Scale Robotics to develop collaborative robot tools

ROEQ launches ‘world’s most precise’ docking station for Mobile Industrial Robots

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ROEQ claims to have launched the “world’s most precise docking station for Mobile Industrial Robots”. 

The new docking station’s ± 1mm repeatability ensures precise delivery of products and pallets carried by the autonomous mobile robots from Mobile Industrial Robots equipped with ROEQ’s cart solution.

The company unveiled its new product at Pack Expo, which is also the first chance to see ROEQ’s new TR1000 Top Roller live – a unique new conveyor top module for MiR1000, the largest model from Mobile Industrial Robots with up to 1,000 kilo payloads. [Read more…] about ROEQ launches ‘world’s most precise’ docking station for Mobile Industrial Robots