Automation Systems

ActiNav combines real-time autonomous motion control, collaborative robotics, vision and sensor systems in one easy to use, fast to deploy and cost-effective kit. The system requires no vision or robotic programming expertise, but is instead based on a “teach-by-demonstration” principle.

Twenty proven software and hardware kits for the most popular cobot applications are available on the UR+ platform, a large and comprehensive ecosystem of products certified to integrate seamlessly with cobots from Universal Robots. By reducing recurring engineering decisions for common applications, the "plug and produce" kits decrease project risk and complexity and are ready for fast implementation for tasks such as finishing, inspection, assembly, machine tending, material removal, dispensing and material handling.

Robotiq announced new functionalities for its Finishing Copilot software. Designed for manufacturers with polishing or sanding processes, the software’s new weaving motion and variable trajectory planning enables a cobot to adjust its own path. This means cobots can finish a family of parts without the operator having to adapt the program.

OnRobot continues to drive innovation with the release of the compact, large-stroke 3FG15 three-finger gripper. The 3FG15 makes previously hard-to-automate precision handling of cylindrical parts easy to program and deploy, and provides flexibility for a wide range of part sizes.

Workpieces with a maximum weight of 800kg and a size of up to Ø850 mm x 1,000 mm can be loaded onto the machine tool safely and reliably. The Robot Easy 800 is optimally suitable for moving pallets from our EROWA MTS system, which are predominantly used for milling and grinding.

Fairlane Products announces the launch of the web-based GripShape application that allows users to design and purchase custom robot gripper fingers, available online at www.gripshape.com. GripShape offers design services, a design configurator, and manufacturing services for tooling robot grippers. The interface is easy to use and requires no CAD experience to customize a one-of-a-kind design in minutes.

Shrinking availability of skilled labor and continual cost-reduction pressures are magnifying the importance of manufacturing systems, services and integrated solutions, according to machine tool importer and distributor Absolute Machine Tools Inc. During more than three decades of selling and supporting a comprehensive selection of machine tools, Absolute has participated in wide-ranging changes in the manufacturing industry. The company concludes that manufacturing success and growth now require engineered solutions that integrate machine tools with automation systems, process design and maintenance services.