Challenges in automation continue to grow as robotics evolve over time, which leads to opportunities for improvement. Critical factors like long lead times, time-consuming mistakes during assembly, and simple human error are what led Robotiq to make your favorite gripper even better.
In late August of 2020, Mencom was very pleased to announce that most circular connector product lines are now IP69 rated. The products include cordsets, receptacles and accessories for MIN size I, II and III (Brad Mini-Change Connectors), MDC (M12 with A-code), MEC (M12 with B-code), MAC (1/2”-20 with C-code), Ethernet (M12 with D-code), and Network Bus series.
Slotted motors are constructed by winding copper wires through slots that are energized to keep the rotor moving. These slots are referred to as teeth. As rotor magnets pass these teeth, there is a greater attraction to the iron at the ends of the teeth than to the air gaps between the teeth, which causes an uneven magnetic pull known as cogging.
Siemens presents the Simatic Robot Library for the Simatic Robot Integrator – a new universal robot library for the TIA (Totally Integrated Automation) Portal, which replaces the previous manufacturer-specific libraries. The specification has been developed in close cooperation with robot manufacturers ABB Robotics, Comau, Epson, FANUC, Kawasaki Robotics, KUKA, Panasonic Industry, STÄUBLI, Techman Robot, Yamaha, and YASKAWA.
Advanced illumination released its new DCS-400E and DCS-800E multi-channel controllers in early August of 2020. The DCS-400E (Quad Controller) features 4 output channels, while the DCS-800E (Quad X2) features 8 output channels. These Quad Controllers are ideal for applications that require multi-channel lights and/or multi-light stations.
New PC-based FJ2 cameras from Omron Automation Americas makes it easy for manufacturers to incorporate machine vision into their existing systems while continuing to use their own PC or industrial PC. Industrial automation solutions provider Omron Automation Americas has recently launched a complete machine vision solutions package that can be easily installed on PC-based systems.
Omron Automation Americas recently launched the HD-1500 mobile robot that can handle bulky objects weighing up to 1500kg. This addition to Omron’s robotics portfolio comes after the LD-250 mobile robot launch and further expands manufacturers’ options for autonomous material transport.
Advancing gripping technology is essential for promoting new uses for automated systems. Festo’s Bionic Mobile Assistant robotic helper, one of the latest reveals from the company’s Bionic Learning Network, represents a significant advance in mimicking that most amazing gripping tool of nature – the human hand.
Festo is expanding its industry-leading technology for energy conservation and early leak detection in pneumatic production with two more intelligent energy efficiency modules – the MSE6-C2M and MSE6-D2M. They join the MSE6-E2M to form a comprehensive lineup of condition monitoring devices that optimize compressed air usage during normal operations and halt or reduce consumption during scheduled stoppages as a further economy.
And then there were seven. The EPCE electric cylinder has recently become the seventh member of Festo’s Simplified Motion Series (SMS), a family of electric actuators that mimics the simplicity of pneumatics in performing simple point-to-point movements or positioning tasks.
Festo’s heavy duty VTSA series valve terminal family keeps expanding – this time, it’s the VTSA-F-CB, with serial communications added to the existing parallel communications capability. That means fewer components and reduced wiring within the same installation space.
Festo’s new smallest-in-class, compact rotary gripper module EHMD is optimized for reliable gripping and rotation of small objects in confined spaces. It’s ideal for applications like screwing or unscrewing of caps on sample vials with up to 15 ml volume in laboratory automation.
Festo is meeting the need of the North American automotive sector for a powerful yet flexible valve terminal with IO-Link connectivity on board. Festo’s VTSA IO-Link, shipping as of late May, includes an IO-Link connector for use on the company’s workhorse ISO valve manifold VTSA.
In March of 2020, Festo introduced the VAEM solenoid valve controller for multi-head micro-dispensing in pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory applications that require high speed and a low coefficient of variation (CV). The compact and energy efficient VAEM provides individualized control and calibration of to up to eight solenoid valves.