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Robotic Vision Technologies to debut collaborative robot vision software at Automate 2017

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Integration with Universal Robots’ UR5 robot the first of many planned

Robotic Vision Technologies has completed the software development of its collaborative 3D vision guidance software, which the company calls cVF.

RVT currently has vision software for industrial applications under its eVisionFactory – or eVF –product line-up, and plans to add numerous applications in the collaborative space for all robot brands.

cVF will debut at the Automate Show this week on a Universal Robots’ UR5 controlling an OnRobot RG2 gripper.

Automate is North America’s premier exhibit of trends for the automation industry and for ground-breaking technology, and will be held in Chicago April 3-6 at McCormick Place.  [Read more…] about Robotic Vision Technologies to debut collaborative robot vision software at Automate 2017

Genesis Robotics launches revolutionary new actuator for robots that eliminates the need for gears

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Company claims its LiveDrive actuator system offers “unparalleled performance”, and will replace traditional gears – and change the global robotics market forever

A well-funded startup called Genesis Robotics claims it has developed “breakthrough” technology which is set to change the global robotics market. 

The vast majority of robots today use gears in their actuators and other parts. Gears – as an invention – are thousands of years old and have served industry and humanity well and will continue to do so, but Genesis claims it has developed a better solution, which it calls LiveDrive.

Genesis says traditional gears are slow, expensive and the way their teeth work creates something called “backlash” – like a rebound or bounceback as the teeth from different gears interact or collide, as well as friction. This inevitably leads to waste of energy.

Genesis’ LiveDrive system does not use teeth, so doesn’t have bounceback and reduces that type of friction. The company says its actuator is also less expensive to begin with and could lead to longer-term savings because it’s more energy-efficient – so its total cost of ownership is much lower.  [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics launches revolutionary new actuator for robots that eliminates the need for gears

Epson Flexion N-Series wins 2017 Golden Mousetrap Award

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Epson’s newest 6-axis robot recognized for industry innovation

Epson Robots’ Flexion N-Series has won the highly acclaimed Golden Mousetrap Award in the category of Automation & Control: Motors and Mechanical Motion Devices.

The Golden Mousetrap awards celebrate leading companies, products, and people who are driving innovation in design, engineering, and manufacturing.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony held a few weeks ago.  [Read more…] about Epson Flexion N-Series wins 2017 Golden Mousetrap Award

Universal Robots to showcase expanding ecosystem of solutions at Automate 2017

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universal robots automate show

Universal Robots to exhibit what it calls “7th axis capability” at this year’s Automate event. 

The collaborative robots maker will also exhibit new force torque sensors, augmented reality-assisted assembly, and a wide range of other new partner solutions certified to work with UR robots through the Universal Robots+ platform.

Occupying one of the largest booths at Automate 2017 in Chicago, April 3-6, the cobot manufacturer will showcase more than 20 new Universal Robots+ products from 14 different developers.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots to showcase expanding ecosystem of solutions at Automate 2017

Productive Robotics launches new cobot and buys Cobots Guide

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productive robots OB7-Robot
Productive Robots’ newly launched collaborative robot

Productive Robotics has acquired Cobots Guide, the information website about collaborative robotics. 

Productive Robotics says the acquisition will “advance industry relations, education, research, and advocacy in the acceptance and use of collaborative robots”.

Productive Robotics, which has just launched its new OB-7 collaborative robots, says that with market forecasts of $2 billion by 2021, the collaborative robot industry will be experiencing considerable growth.  [Read more…] about Productive Robotics launches new cobot and buys Cobots Guide

HIT Robot Group to showcase products at Automate 2017 for the first time

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HIT Robot Group, which claims to be China’s leading robotics manufacturer, will make its debut appearance at Automate 2017, the largest show of robots and automation technology in North America.

The company will bring its latest smart factory model of robot and hopes Automate will provide a platform for seeking global partners.

Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) every other year, Automate is one of the top 10 manufacturing shows in the US.

This year the event will take place at McCormick Place in Chicago from April 3rd to April 6th, and will attract big names in the automation industry like ABB, Denso and Kawasaki.  [Read more…] about HIT Robot Group to showcase products at Automate 2017 for the first time

Nebbiolo Technologies launches ‘fog computing’ for industrial automation

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nebbiola

Nebbiolo Technologies has launched its first product line, embracing fog computing – often referred to as edge computing – as a keystone for the Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0.

In this context, fog computing will provide a powerful new functionality layer in the industrial automation pyramid, enabling the convergence between information technologies and operational technologies. [Read more…] about Nebbiolo Technologies launches ‘fog computing’ for industrial automation

Kuka and VIP launch new system to teach industrial robots without programming

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All Kuka robots can now be “easily and intuitively” guided by hand in the workspace using a new navigation system developed by Very Important Product. 

The VIP Navigator was developed in partnership with Kuka.

VIP is a special-machine engineering expert and is now offering what the companies call the ready-to-use package, “ready2_pilot”, through its Navigator product.

The new system enables “quick and easy robot programming” using intuitive guidance – physically teaching the robot – instead of computer coding.  [Read more…] about Kuka and VIP launch new system to teach industrial robots without programming

Universal Robots launches free online training in industrial robot programming

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universal robots training
The UR Academy modules takes the student through basic tasks such as
programming the UR robot arm to place parts in a box arriving on a conveyor

“It’s unprecedented to make inter-active teaching material of this caliber free of charge – we’re basically the first in the industry to take this approach,” says Universal Robots spokesperson

Universal Robots has developed online training modules to enable users of its industrial robots learn more about their machines’ operations and applications.

The hands-on modules are offered free of charge, open to all, and built to deliver hands-on learning via interactive simulations to maximize user engagement, says the company.

Learning how to set up and program a collaborative robot – or cobot – no longer depends on real life access to a robot or a training class, says Universal.

Now everybody with a desire to learn the concepts of cobots can log in to the Universal Robots Academy and get the introduction necessary to master basic programming skills.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots launches free online training in industrial robot programming

Controller area network: No need for a computer

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audi r8

In this exclusive guest article, Kent Lennartsson, research manager at Kvaser, highlights a crucial technology – reliable, hassle-free controller communication 

A “controller area network” – or CAN, also known as a CAN bus or vehicle bus – is most well known for its use in automotive design.

In this system, a vehicle bus allows microcontrollers and other devices to communicate with one another without the need for a central computer.

This concept is akin to our use of the Internet of Things in everyday life.

This means when you’re driving down the highway in your Audi R8, your cruise control system can quickly communicate with your anti-lock brakes, disengaging the gas pedal and activating emergency brake assist, helping to make a fast stop if debris drops from a truck into your lane.  [Read more…] about Controller area network: No need for a computer