Medical

Kit Encoder for Servomotors and Robots

An exciting development in the area of robotics is the development and growing popularity of so-called collaborative robots, or “cobots”. Cobots, in contrast to traditional industrial robots, are designed to interact with human workers in a shared workspace. They are typically smaller and less powerful than traditional factory robots and are equipped with a variety of proximity sensors, load sensors and other features designed to avoid dangerous collisions between the robots and the people working around them.

HRT1000 and HRT100 Rotary Tables

Rotary tables are ideal for machining multiple sides of a part in a single setup or for machining many parts on a multiple-sided fixture. But handling very large or very small parts can prove challenging without the correct size rotary. The HRT1000 and HRT100 rotary tables from Haas Automation Inc. cover both ends of the size spectrum, providing high-precision 4th-axis positioning and simultaneous 4-axis motion for extra-large and extra-small parts.

Actin 5 Motion Control Software

Energid has released Actin 5, a significant update to its software development kit (SDK). The Actin toolkit is a real-time adaptive motion control software, allowing robotic system developers to focus on the robot’s task rather than joint movement and paths. The Actin software responds in real time to sensory input and directs the robot on the most efficient path while avoiding collisions. The robot motion is updated dynamically without requiring reprogramming, even in dynamic, mission-critical environments.

Bumotec s191FTLR 7-Axis Turn/Mill Machine

Starrag has demonstrated over the years that the nonexhaustive list of applications performed on its model Bumotec s191FTLR 7-axis turn/mill machine is an evidence of Starrag’s expertise in manufacturing complex parts in a single setup whatever raw materials used. Whether for producing parts in the micro-mechanics, aerospace, medtech or luxury goods sectors, Bumotec machining centers dedicated to small workpieces turn out to be a major asset to achieve your production goals and overcome the current market challenges. In the medical field, requiring high level of precision and repeatability, the company's technology is often used to obtain the cost-effective solution for producing implants combining grinding, milling, turning, drilling and polishing processes without interruption.

Taiwanese manufacturers get smart

To gain more knowledge about Industry 4.0 developments, I participated in the Taiwan Smart Machinery Media Tour Aug. 20-24. The Taiwan External Trade Development Council hosted the event. The council reports that Taiwan has the highest density of precision machinery cluster in the world, exports almost 80 percent of its products and is the fifth largest export country for machine tools.

Hybrid Hexapod

In response to the demand from industry for more and more versatile and accurate motion control systems, market-leader ALIO Industries has just received a U.S. patent on the next generation Hybrid Hexapod technology. The Hybrid Hexapod is a game-changer in the field of motion control, and will stimulate innovation as an enabler of next-generation manufacturing processes.