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RoboDK unveils ‘handheld robot programming’ system

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Robot software company RoboDK has released TwinTrack, a tool that allows users to program any industrial robot quickly and easily by tracing the desired motion with a handheld probe. (See video below.) 

As robots move into the hands of less experienced users, there is a growing need for more intuitive programming interfaces that are accessible to everyone. In January 2021, Montreal-based robot software company RoboDK released a new type of flexible, affordable programming tool.

TwinTrack is a combined solution that allows users to program any industrial robot with a laser tracker and its handheld probe. [Read more…] about RoboDK unveils ‘handheld robot programming’ system

ABB launches Wizard Easy Programming software for industrial robots

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ABB has launched its Wizard Easy Programming software for its IRB 1100 industrial robot.

The company says this allows first time users to introduce robotic automation into their production lines without the need for specialist programming skills or any knowledge of Rapid code. Rapid is a high-level programming language used to control ABB industrial robots.

Based on simple graphical blocks, Wizard Easy Programming makes it easy for non-specialists to automate their applications, says ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches Wizard Easy Programming software for industrial robots

IDS launches new ‘extremely high-resolution’ camera sensor

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IDS has launched its 20.35 MP IMX541 sensor from the Pregius S series.

IDS says the high-performance, extremely high-resolution sensor IMX541 from the Pregius S series is integrated into the versatile uEye SE camera family. Its compact 1.1″ format means the 20.35 MP CMOS sensor is compatible with C-mount lenses.

The industrial cameras feature a practical USB3 Vision interface, deliver 20 fps and will be available from September either as board-level models or with a robust metal housing. [Read more…] about IDS launches new ‘extremely high-resolution’ camera sensor

Mitsubishi Electric selling collaborative robots at half price

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Mitsubishi Electric is selling its collaborative robots at half their normal price, according to a report on the Nikkei Asian Review website.

The giant industrial conglomerate has installed dozens of its own collaborative robots at production facilities around the world, and is targeting sales of 1,000 cobot units per year.

Mitsubishi has named its collaborative robot range “MELFA”, short for Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation, and the main cobot model is the Assista. [Read more…] about Mitsubishi Electric selling collaborative robots at half price

Fanuc offers free trial of CNC virtualization platform

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Fanuc America, a leading automation solutions provider, is offering a free trial version of CNC Guide – Fanuc’s PC-based virtualization platform for control design, training and part programming.

To assist machine tool operators and builders through the rough economic times created in 2020, Fanuc is offering this simulation tool at no cost.

CNC Guide offers an immersive and safe way to learn how to operate CNCs, even for novice operators. Because the software creates digital twins of machine controls, programmers can test G-code programs with no risk of damaging actual machines. [Read more…] about Fanuc offers free trial of CNC virtualization platform

Realtime Robotics partners with Siemens to simplify integration of robotic workcells

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Realtime Robotics is partnering with Siemens to simplify the integration of robotic workcells into industrial facilities. (See video below.)

Realtime Robotics, which specialises in autonomous motion planning for industrial robots, says the initiative is part of its strategic partnership with Siemens Digital Industries Software division.

Realtime’s technology is being seamlessly integrated into the Tecnomatix portfolio, simplifying robot programming and workcell coordination by automating motion programming. [Read more…] about Realtime Robotics partners with Siemens to simplify integration of robotic workcells

OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

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OnRobot, the maker of tools for collaborative robots, has released a screwdriver end-effector for collaborative robots. (See video below.)

OnRobot says its “smart, complete-out-of-the-box” Screwdriver allows manufacturers to automate a wide range of assembly processes quickly, easily, and flexibly.

The company says this provides welcome relief for manufacturers who are eager to automate repetitive, unergonomic, and often inconsistent manual screwdriving processes, but who struggle to integrate and program typical piecemeal screwdriving systems. [Read more…] about OnRobot launches ‘intelligent screwdriver’ for collaborative robots

RoboDK partners with RobCo SWAT to offer robotic simulation software solutions to automotive industry

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Canadian robot software provider RoboDK has teamed up with automation specialists RobCo SWAT from Bulgaria to provide the world’s leading automotive experts with advanced Industry 4.0 solutions.

Albert Nubiola, RoboDK’s co-founder and CEO, says: “We’re honored to partner with RobCo SWAT to provide flexible and efficient automation systems for global automotive car manufacturers such as Audi, Volkswagen, Lamborghini and Porsche.”

RoboDK offline programming and simulation software gives automation cell designers unprecedented robot simulation possibilities and supports simultaneous simulations of bespoke hardware devices alongside leading robot brands. [Read more…] about RoboDK partners with RobCo SWAT to offer robotic simulation software solutions to automotive industry

ABB expands RobotStudio with ability to control SCARA robots from PC

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ABB says it has “simplified” the use of its popular SCARA robots by giving users the ability to commission and control the robots from their PC through RobotStudio, ABB’s simulation and offline programming software.

Robot Control Mate is an add-on to RobotStudio, enabling users to jog, teach and calibrate robots from their computer, making it easier than ever to control a SCARA robot’s movements.

For the first time, ABB’s offline programming software can be used to control the physical movements of a robot in real-time. Robot Control Mate also makes robot programming possible when a FlexPendant is not in place. [Read more…] about ABB expands RobotStudio with ability to control SCARA robots from PC

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