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IDS introduces AI-complete industrial vision solution: ‘Even more functions thanks to free upgrade’

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The recently released software update for the IDS NXT platform provides users of the all-in-one AI solution IDS NXT ocean with many new features.

It extends the system’s AI capabilities to include object detection, offers turnkey solutions with vision apps and, with a new development environment, ensures that users can program their own image processing tasks and execute them as vision apps on their cameras.

Using OPC UA, AI-based image processing can also be integrated directly into factory automation without writing a single line of code. The update is free and can be used with all IDS NXT cameras. [Read more…] about IDS introduces AI-complete industrial vision solution: ‘Even more functions thanks to free upgrade’

Kuka releases new version of its robot simulation software

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Automation specialist Kuka has released the new version of its smart simulation software, Kuka.Sim 4.0. (See video below.)

Kuka.Sim 4.0 enables details and sequences of robot applications to be “realistically simulated” even before start-up and then transferred 100 percent to the real controller.

The Kuka.Sim simulation software brings robot applications to life – even before the real system is put into operation. [Read more…] about Kuka releases new version of its robot simulation software

Acieta unveils ‘versatile robot’ for repetitive and dangerous work on press brakes

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Acieta, an industrial automation specialist and a Fanuc integrator, has unveiled a “versatile robot” for repetitive and dangerous work on press brakes.

Operating press brakes is a potentially dangerous part of metal part fabrication. To produce more parts of higher-quality without adding risk to workers, Acieta introduces the new FastBEND press brake tending robotic cell.

The versatile FastBEND robotic solution can be integrated with new or existing press brakes and may be outfitted for bin, pallet and conveyor outputs to process a wide variety of formed parts. As a pre-engineered system, the FastBEND is ready for delivery as soon as twelve weeks. [Read more…] about Acieta unveils ‘versatile robot’ for repetitive and dangerous work on press brakes

Opinion: Collaborative robots enable effective high-mix, low-volume production

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Oliver Giertz, product manager for servo/motion and robotics for the EMEA region at Mitsubishi Electric, factory automation, explains how collaborative robots are helping manufacturers to increase flexibility, boost quality, and drive down operational costs.

With increased competition, often on a global scale, manufacturers need to differentiate themselves by tailoring products more closely to customer demand.

This, of course, carries with it an implicit reduction in batch sizes and has seen the rise of high-mix, low-volume production.

Collaborative robots, or cobots, can enable manufacturers to effectively meet individual customer requirements with greater product variety in smaller batches. [Read more…] about Opinion: Collaborative robots enable effective high-mix, low-volume production

Omron agrees distribution deal with OnRobot

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Omron Industrial Automation Europe has signed a new distribution agreement with OnRobot, the Danish manufacturer of tools for collaborative robot (cobot) applications.

This will enable Omron to offer OnRobot’s products – which can be fully integrated with the Omron TM cobot – to its customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The agreement between the two companies will give their customers greater agility when implementing collaborative solutions. [Read more…] about Omron agrees distribution deal with OnRobot

Fanuc enables integration of its CNC machines and robots using new G-Code

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Fanuc America, a factory automation solutions provider, has introduced what it describes as “the next step in complete robotics and CNCs integration for more efficient operations”.

Fanuc CNCs now have the ability to control connected Fanuc robots providing machine tending or other assistance through Fanuc’s Quick and Simple Startup of Robotization (QSSR).

More manufacturing operations are taking advantage of adding more robotics to execute repetitive tasks previously manually performed. Advanced automation offers a competitive edge and greater profit margins to shops of all sizes. [Read more…] about Fanuc enables integration of its CNC machines and robots using new G-Code

RoboDK, DIY-Robotics, and ATI release a ‘plug-and-play’ cell for robotic deburring

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Robot software company RoboDK has partnered with DIY-Robotics and ATI Industrial Automation to release a combined application bundle for robotic deburring. The plug-and-play modular Robotic Deburring Cell can be integrated in just a few days. (See video below.)

With manufacturing industries changing rapidly, companies are increasingly turning to robotic automation to stay competitive. However, robot deployments have traditionally taken weeks or even months.

In February 2021, robot software company RoboDK partnered with DIY-Robotics and ATI Industrial Automation to create a pre-engineered, modular solution for robotic deburring that reduces deployment time considerably. [Read more…] about RoboDK, DIY-Robotics, and ATI release a ‘plug-and-play’ cell for robotic deburring

Neura Robotics to launch ‘revolutionary robot’ at Future Days event

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A “revolutionary robot” is scheduled to be launched at the Future Days event, according to organizers.

The robot is called MAiRA – acronym for Multi-sensing Intelligent Robotic Assistant – and can perceive the environment as humans do.

The robot’s creator, Neura Robotics, says MAiRA “can hear, see and feel.” It adds: “This is possible due to many in-house developed and patented sensors. For a user it means a completely safe robot-human collaboration, complemented by a very simple and intuitive UI, so anyone can operate it.” [Read more…] about Neura Robotics to launch ‘revolutionary robot’ at Future Days event

Okuma makes ‘conversational programming’ standard on its CNC machines

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Okuma, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial equipment, has introduced “conversational programming” as standard on its CNC machines.

Okuma says its Advanced One Touch (AOT) conversational programming software enables shops to “easily create programs without the need for highly-trained programmers, achieve faster setup times, and increase machine productivity”.

Okuma America says that select machines from Okuma’s core product line now come equipped with the Advanced One Touch-Interactive Graphics Function (AOT-IGF), the conversational programming software designed for Okuma’s lathes, machining centers and multitasking machines. [Read more…] about Okuma makes ‘conversational programming’ standard on its CNC machines

ATI launches end effector kits for Fanuc collaborative robots

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ATI Industrial Automation has developed CRX-Ready End-Effector Kits, providing Fanuc CRX cobot users a simple and effective way to increase the flexibility of collaborative robotic automation. (See video below.)

These all-in-one packages include robust options for automatic tool changing, force sensing, and material removal, and enable tasks such as assembly, machine tending, part inspection, surface preparation and others to be implemented and executed easily.

CRX-Ready End-Effector Kits include everything needed to get Fanuc CRX cobot applications up and running. In addition to the end-effector, the kit features all the hardware and software required for system connection. [Read more…] about ATI launches end effector kits for Fanuc collaborative robots