Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

sensing

Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

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Omron has launched an updated ranges of optical sensors that the company says can better detect black, mirrored and transparent surfaces.

Omron Electronic Components Europe says the new series of optical sensors, also feature a longer detection distance.

Omron B5W sensors are particularly effective at identifying black, transparent, reflective and other hard to detect services, and the new range also features enhanced performance in this area. [Read more…] about Omron says its optical sensors can better detect black surfaces

Omron releases full metal proximity sensor for auto industry

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Omron Corporation has launched the E2EW Series of Full Metal Proximity Sensors, which have the world’s longest sensing distances, the company claims.

The automotive industry needs lighter automobiles, for electric vehicles and low fuel consumption, encouraging the material change in automotive components from iron to aluminium.

This will increase mixed production lines containing iron and aluminium. Full metal proximity sensors are mainly used in welding processes. However, previous full metal proximity sensors have short sensing distances.

[Read more…] about Omron releases full metal proximity sensor for auto industry

Innovative sensors are empowering the smart factory robot, says AMS

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ams Industrial-Robotics

By Mark Donovan

The next industrial revolution is arriving on a shore near you. It’s called Industry 4.0, and like its three predecessors, it’s about to bring sweeping changes to manufacturing that will globally affect everyone.

Industry 4.0, and the resulting manufacturing changes that are coming with it, have spawned a new type of production plant called the smart factory.

Central to the smart factory is the prolific use of autonomous and collaborative robots that work symbiotically with each other and alongside human beings to yield a more productive and efficient manufacturing plant.  [Read more…] about Innovative sensors are empowering the smart factory robot, says AMS

Hillcrest Labs launches ‘industrial grade sensor for consumer products’

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FSM300 Module vs Quarter_NEW_ExtraLarge crop

Hillcrest Labs has a new sensor system which the company says is “four times better” than competitor solutions.

Hillcrest says its new FSM300 delivers industrial-grade sensor fusion accuracy at prices suitable for consumer products with “four times greater accuracy versus competitor solutions in some tests”.

The FSM300 is what’s called a attitude and heading reference system, which is a sensor system, and an inertial measurement unit, which like a gyroscope.  [Read more…] about Hillcrest Labs launches ‘industrial grade sensor for consumer products’

Pepperl+Fuchs launches incremental rotary encoders with new BlueBeam technology

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pepperl+fuchs incremental rotary encoders bluebeam
The new ENI58IL with BlueBeam technology

Pepperl+Fuchs has launched blue emitter LEDs which it says ensure increased efficiency.

The new BlueBeam technology for incremental rotary encoders with optical sensing principle increases efficiency when generating signals, says the company.

Specially developed blue emitter LEDs, combined with modern and more finely structured sensing chips, allow a more energetic penetration depth of the blue light in the chip.  [Read more…] about Pepperl+Fuchs launches incremental rotary encoders with new BlueBeam technology

TI unveils ‘world’s most precise’ single-chip millimeter wave sensor portfolio available today

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ti chip

Texas Instruments is bringing what it calls “an unprecedented degree of precision and intelligence” to a range of applications spanning the automotive, factory and building automation, and medical markets.

TI’s new millimeter wave (mmWave) single-chip complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) portfolio includes five solutions across two families of 76- to 81-GHz sensors with a complete end-to-end development platform.

Available for sampling today, the AWR1x and IWR1x sensor portfolio delivers up to three times more accurate sensing than current mmWave solutions on the market.

The combination of sophisticated analog design techniques paired with digital signal processing enables designers to implement intelligent and contactless sensing in their systems.

ATI to showcase wide range of new products and solutions at Automate 2017

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ATI_QC-46_Robotic_Tool_Changer

The 2017 Automate Show and Conference takes place at Chicago’s McCormick Place April 3-6, and is a biennial event boasting the largest showcase of solutions-based automation technologies in North America.

Companies from around the globe will represent a wide variety of industries ranging from automotive manufacturing to telecommunications.

Whether you are researching automation technology, seeking to grow your customer base, or exploring new automation solutions, Automate 2017 makes it possible.

One of the companies which plans to make a big show at the Automate Show this year is ATI.  [Read more…] about ATI to showcase wide range of new products and solutions at Automate 2017

iRed launches new drone aerial inspection system

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Thermographic imaging specialist iRed has launched new aerial inspection services.

The company says it has been testing and developing the system for years and it’s capable of providing entirely new points of view.

“Since early 2012, we’ve been testing and developing aerial technologies in order to produce a comprehensive and efficient inspection solution that not only complements our existing remote sensing capabilities but would also allow us to perform surveys from new perspectives,” says the company in a statement.  [Read more…] about iRed launches new drone aerial inspection system

Honeywell to buy Intelligrated

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honeywell intelligrated

Honeywell has signed an agreement to acquire privately held, supply chain and warehouse automation provider Intelligrated for $1.5 billion from a company backed by the Permira funds.

The purchase price translates to approximately 12 times Intelligrated’s estimated 2016 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The company’s 2016 sales are estimated to be approximately $900 million.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review. Upon approval, Intelligrated will be part of Sensing and Productivity Solutions in Honeywell’s Automation and Control Solutions business.  [Read more…] about Honeywell to buy Intelligrated

DJI unveils new Phantom 4 drone with ‘highly advanced’ computer vision and sensing technology

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dji phantom 4
The new DJI Phantom 4

DJI has launched the Phantom 4, which it says is the first consumer quadcopter camera – or drone – to use “highly advanced” computer vision and sensing technology.

The Phantom 4 expands on previous generations of DJI’s iconic Phantom line by adding new on-board intelligence that makes piloting and shooting great shots simple through features like its Obstacle Sensing System, ActiveTrack and TapFly functionality.

“With the Phantom 4, we are entering an era where even beginners can fly with confidence,” said DJI CEO Frank Wang. “People have dreamed about one day having a drone collaborate creatively with them. That day has arrived.” [Read more…] about DJI unveils new Phantom 4 drone with ‘highly advanced’ computer vision and sensing technology