Automation

Large-volume robotic machining just got more accurate

In 2007 the KUKA Titan entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest and strongest robot in the world. A decade later a modified version of the behemoth has been given accuracy unprecedented for its size—better than 100µm (0.0039").

Look Ahead: a novel 3D-connector inspection system

07/26/2017

Author:

Michael C. Anderson

G2 Technologies has developed a customizable, automated 3D inspection system in response to a customer’s need to inspect small electronic connectors. This niche is very specific, but impacts aerospace, automotive and other industries. The global market for the connectors industry is projected to reach $80.3 billion by 2022, according to G2.

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Machine Technology: Preparation automation pays

07/13/2017

Author:

William Leventon

Are your spindles cutting most of the time? Or are they often idle because you’re getting ready to cut? If you answered yes to the latter, consider the lift that an automated pallet-handling system could provide. These systems allow pallets to be set up and moved into position while workpieces on other pallets are being machined.

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GT2107 Wide Series Human Machine Interface

Driven by end user demand for improved visualization into their automation solutions portfolio, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has introduced the GT2107 wide series human machine interface. The GT2107 is an interface that monitors and controls machine components with a graphical touch screen that connects to equipment such as PLCs, VFDs and servos.

Toolholding plays important role in process reliability

In 2016, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. installed new manufacturing systems for machining structural parts made of aluminum. To achieve the desired surface quality and precision during high-speed milling operations, the aircraft manufacturer continuously relies on the solutions provided by Haimer: a large selection of toolholders and the corresponding shrinking and balancing machines.

Frost & Sullivan eyes future of AI in manufacturing

According to Frost & Sullivan’s Industrial Automation and Process Control team, cognitive technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are "poised to transform all manufacturing sectors." Partnership, collaboration, and technology investment are crucial for growth opportunities in an era when "data is the new currency."

Look Ahead: Point-and-click robot control

06/21/2017

Author:

Michael C. Anderson

It takes knowledge and skill to get a robot to do exactly what a manufacturer wants. A new interface designed by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers is reportedly simpler and more efficient than most control interfaces and doesn’t require significant training.

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Heller Announces Tech Days 2017

Heller Machine Tools will open its doors for Tech Days 2017, July 26 and 27, at its facility in Troy, Mich. The machine tool builder will demonstrate new 4- and 5-axis machining solutions for automotive, oil and gas, heavy-duty diesel and general machining applications.

One year into the future at GE

06/02/2017

Author:

Michael C. Anderson

GE Power opened its “Factory of the Future,” the 125,000-sq.-ft. Advanced Manufacturing Works (AMW) facility in Greenville, S.C., with great fanfare in April 2016. So, what’s futuristic about the place?

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Agile1500 Automated Guided Vehicle

Comau has commercialized an innovative AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) platform that is flexible enough to be deployed across a range of manufacturing and non-manufacturing scenarios. Agile1500 is the first automated guided vehicle within the new AGV platform and expresses Comau’s open automation design approach.