Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

programming

Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

by

With a growth of 23 percent in annual installations of collaborative robots from 2017 to 2018, the new World Robotics Report, published by International Federation of Robotics, shows a huge demand for end-of-arm-tooling, (EoAT).

In 2018 almost 14,000 new cobot arms were installed, and if this trend continues, that number will double in approximately three years, prompting an unprecedented EoAT market opportunity that OnRobot is ready to address.

For the first time ever, the annual World Robotics Report includes a specific analysis on the market for cobots, documenting a robust 23 percent growth worldwide. [Read more…] about Record sales of collaborative robots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

Fanuc to demonstrate cobots and automation technology at Westec 2019

by

Fanuc America, supplier of robotics, CNCs and robomachines will demonstrate robotic and automation solutions for the aerospace, medical, industrial machinery and consumer goods industries at Westec 2019, 24-26 September in Long Beach, California, USA.

It will show the Fanuc CR-15iA collaborative robot, which uses iRVision to locate a part and then loads it into a chuck to simulate machining. The robot unloads the part and the cycle repeats.

Fanuc’s CR-7iA collaborative robot will demonstrate a variety of pre-programmed movements. Visitors will be able to use the hand-guidance mode, which allows them to instruct the robot to perform different movements and record paths.

[Read more…] about Fanuc to demonstrate cobots and automation technology at Westec 2019

Industrial measurement and testing: Faster commissioning results in quicker time to market

by

Bosch Rexroth provides insight into measurement and testing processes

To ensure consistency, repeatability, quality and compliance with regulations, many companies employ rigorous testing and measurement processes.

Kraus automation technology (KAT), specialises in providing tailored testing systems for life-span, fatigue and material tests.

To offer testing systems which meet the needs of their diverse customer base, KAT use National Instruments’ LabView software to create custom user interfaces for engineers. [Read more…] about Industrial measurement and testing: Faster commissioning results in quicker time to market

Ket-Met reduces machine costs by more than 40 percent, says Universal Robots

by

Ket-Met has been able to reduce machine costs by more than 40 percent through the application of collaborative robots, according to a case study by Universal Robots

Ket-Met is a Finnish subcontract machine tooling shop.

Until recently, the company had progressively lost its cost competitiveness – the main reason for this was that its traditional way of using CNC machines required too much manpower.

Machine hour costs were reduced by over 40 percent due to Universal Robots’ cobots.

This helped the company win new orders. [Read more…] about Ket-Met reduces machine costs by more than 40 percent, says Universal Robots

DJI unveils the RoboMaster S1 educational robot 

by

DJI, a leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, has taken a step into educational technology by launching the RoboMaster S1, the company’s first ground-based robot.

The S1 was built to introduce new users to the fun and possibilities of robotic technology, with brushless motors, a chassis that can move in all directions, a high-precision gimbal, and interactive modes for programming, play, and competition.

S1 users can assemble designated and custom hardware, learning to manoeuvre the rover, programming with Python or Scratch and competing with friends in multiple modes.

[Read more…] about DJI unveils the RoboMaster S1 educational robot 

B&R software better utilises the potential of robots

by

B&R Automation has added new functions to its mapp Motion software package. It is now possible to represent the structure of a complex machine intuitively in the configuration.

The various subsystems of a machine can be linked together. The movements of robots can be easily synchronised with gantry systems or workpiece tables with no additional programming.

The “Frame hierarchy” function can be used to represent the actual structure of a machine. Coordinate systems can be positioned at key points, such as the tool mounting flange.

[Read more…] about B&R software better utilises the potential of robots

Toshiba launches three new industrial robots aimed at automated picking applications

by

Toshiba Machine has launched three new industrial robots.

The three new models are part of the company’s TVM series of vertically articulated robots, and all have “high cost performance and reliability”, says Toshiba.

The TVM series is designed primarily for use in transfer and assembly processes in the automobile components industry and enables high productivity in assembly and transfer by combining with a wide array of system installation support tools.  [Read more…] about Toshiba launches three new industrial robots aimed at automated picking applications

Octopuz releases new version of industrial robot programming software

by

Octopuz has released the latest version of its industrial robot programming and simulation software. 

The company says Octopuz 1.7 is packed with new features and enhancements, including robot code importing, NC code importing, an all-new tool manager, and URP program generation for UR robots.

Octopuz has also added something called SmartPath, which provides automated methods of orientating the robot and making changes to solve conflicts.  [Read more…] about Octopuz releases new version of industrial robot programming software

PLC vs PAC: Similar but not the same

by

By Zach Arnold, founder, Arnold Machine

Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, and programmable automation controllers, or PACs, are similar as they both perform the same essential functions. But with modern technology, their differences are becoming more blurred. 

The most notable difference between PLCs and PACs is their programming interface. PACs are more intricate, using C or C++. PLCs on the other hand, are programmed using ladder logic.

These programming differences create distinctions in the architecture and capability between the two computers.  [Read more…] about PLC vs PAC: Similar but not the same