Automation & Controls

The transnational 'EuProGigant' project aims to ensure smart, sovereign use of data for production and bring this to Europe.

With the launch of the multiScan product family, SICK presents 3D LiDAR sensors that provide mobile platforms with a 360° all-round view in 3D. Due to the up to 690,000 measuring points, the multiScan100 achieves a state-of-the-art precision with which nothing in its environment escapes its notice.

The stock of operational robots around the globe hit a record of about 3.5 million units, and the value of installations reached an estimated $15.7 billion (U.S.). The International Federation of Robotics analyzes the top five trends shaping robotics and automation in 2023.

Here's why it costs less to have a robot covering each CNC machine.

FRAI Robotic Technologies keeps shops on-trend with flexible robotic systems

The two-press production cell uses a centralized control station which sets the operating parameters of both presses and controls the action sequences of both FANUC robots.

With HALCON 23.05, it is now possible to further optimize the underlying deep learning networks, which are already pre-trained on industry-related images, for the user's own application. This allows even more robust recognition rates for Deep OCR applications as well as an even more reliable detection of suitable gripping surfaces for applications using 3D Gripping Point Detection technology.

Via the sensor infrastructure and intelligent, as well as integrated and manufacturer-independent communication, the traffic and order management software NAiSE Traffic analyses the flow of traffic and goods in intralogistics applications, in real-time. The software coordinates and controls traffic involving all parties – humans and industrial trucks such as AGV systems or forklifts.

Data from all gauges in the Q-Span System – including thread gauges, robotic calipers, LVDT probes, drop gauges, bore gauges, laser micrometers, vision system, 2D telecentric profilers, and more – is combined into one convenient output for statistical process control (SPC). Data from any or all gauges can be used in real time for in-process decision making and process monitoring.

The cell has a 6-Axis FANUC M-10iD/12 Robot with 4.7' (1,441 mm) reach, capable of handling a maximum load of 26.5 lbs (12 kg). The GRC-R12 features a pneumatic single-or double-gripper system. The drawer feed system can have up to six drawers that can be unloaded and reloaded while the robot cell and machining center are in operation.

For his Robotics Results column in the April 2023 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering, Fusion | RoboJob-USA President Craig Zoberis writes about the downside of automating two CNC machines with one robot system. The 15th episode in CTE's Robotics Results video series shows an automation setup with a robot system at each CNC machine.

DESTACO has designed its cobot tooling solutions for simplicity and ease of use with off-the-shelf availability via kits that feature all of the end-user selected accessories, along with the hardware and tools needed for installation, reducing the need to consult an application engineer.