Robotics & Automation News

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quality

Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

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Sick has launched a new compact image-based code reader, Lector621, for reliable detection of 1D, 2D, stacked codes, and plain text.

The high-performance DPM – direct part marking – decoder can read laser or dot-peened codes perfectly, even in the case of low contrast levels, contamination, or poor code quality.

This fills a gap in Sick’s existing portfolio of code readers, by providing a compact solution with increased reading distance, resolution, field of vision, and scanning frequency. [Read more…] about Sick launches new compact image-based code reader

Infineon ‘outgrowing all other leading suppliers of automotive semiconductors’ in Japan

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Infineon is outgrowing all other leading suppliers of automotive semiconductors in Japan, according to new research by Strategy Analytics.

Infineon says this shows “strong growth in a strategically important market”.

The latest research from Strategy Analytics finds that Infineon Technologies increased its automotive business in Japan by almost 25 percent in 2018. [Read more…] about Infineon ‘outgrowing all other leading suppliers of automotive semiconductors’ in Japan

BMW introduces robotic X-ray measurement for prototype vehicle analysis

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The BMW Group has introduced computer tomography into prototype development, production and analysis – a first in the automotive industry.

The full range of vehicles, from Mini to Rolls-Royce, can now be quality-controlled from the early stages of development.

Scans are performed by four robots which move around the outside of the prototype to produce several thousand cross-sectional images. These are then used for detailed examinations of innovations, new materials and bonding technologies.

[Read more…] about BMW introduces robotic X-ray measurement for prototype vehicle analysis

Why automated parts inspection is important in manufacturing

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precision ball actuators

Inspection in manufacturing is a process that involves the testing, gauging, measuring, and examination of a material or specimen, with the express purpose of determining whether or not it is in proper condition.

Typically, specified standards are set, against which the results of the inspection are compared to establish if the material being inspected is able to pass this stage of quality control.

In the past, inspection used to be performed solely by human agents, a special workforce that was commonly equipped with the necessary paraphernalia, and sometimes, simply by their bare senses.  [Read more…] about Why automated parts inspection is important in manufacturing

ABB buys digital inspection specialist Nub3D

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nub3d

ABB has acquired Spanish startup Nub3D, which specialises in 3D inspection and quality-control solutions.

The company says the acquisition expands the group’s portfolio of ABB Ability solutions that connect customers to the industrial Internet of Things.

ABB Ability builds on the intelligent cloud, using connected devices to generate actionable digital information for a broad range of customers.

The financial value of the transaction has not been disclosed.  [Read more…] about ABB buys digital inspection specialist Nub3D

MRK-Systeme builds Kuka-based automation solution for BMW

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Human-robot collaboration-compliant Kuka robots put to work in quality assurance at BMW facility 

MRK-Systeme has developed an automation solution with human-robot collaboration capability for the BMW Group using Kuka robots for high payloads.

It enables the factory in Landshut, Bavaria to carry out quality assurance for crankshaft housing in an “ergonomically friendly manner”, says the company.  [Read more…] about MRK-Systeme builds Kuka-based automation solution for BMW

Zeiss opens car body and automated inspection center in Michigan

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zeiss car body inspection
Zeiss Car Body and Automated Inspection Center in Michigan. (PRNewsFoto/Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology)

Zeiss Industrial Metrology has opened a new facility in Wixom, Michigan, that the company says is dedicated to the latest developments for the process chain in car body metrology and automated inspection.

Bob Wasilesky, key account manager for automated inspection at Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology, says: “This center helps us illustrate how to make production more efficient in line, in the measuring room, and in-between.

“This means production and quality can find solutions to problems anytime, from anywhere in the manufacturing facility. Zeiss also showcases solutions for robotic inspection, quality and process data mining, plus measurement planning and offline programming.”  [Read more…] about Zeiss opens car body and automated inspection center in Michigan