Automation & Controls

This new XPlanar capability makes a variety of groundbreaking adaptive manufacturing applications possible. For instance, mixing liquids or 360-degree inspection of objects is possible with this additional degree of freedom. Furthermore, the movers can leave the rotation positions with an orientation changed in 90-degree steps, so that the transported workpieces are correctly aligned in accordance with the remaining processing steps.

The integrated excitation source of the EL5072 provides a wide range of parameterizable excitation frequencies and voltages. Further special features include the automatically adapted measuring signal range, switchable input impedances for different probe types and one digital input per channel for setting and storing the position value (including timestamp). The measured value is determined with high precision by a 24-bit A/D conversion and output directly as a 32-bit position value that can be easily integrated into the control program.

The sixth episode of this Cobotics Corner video series demonstrates the use of a Universal Robots UR5e arm with a Schunk three-finger gripper loading and unloading a Haas Automation SL-20 CNC machine. This automation solution reportedly helped increase productivity by 41%, according to Fusion OEM.

The robot cell provides flexible solutions for traditionally high-mix, low-volume facilities to introduce automation, and is designed with mobility and flexibility in mind. LoadMate Plus automates the task of loading and removing parts from a machine tool through the use of robotics, and can be mounted next to one machine, between two mach- ines, and otherwise moved around a facility as jobs require. When this cell is paired with Mitsubishi Electric M8 Series CNC, operators can use the Direct Robot Control (DRC) feature within the CNC controls to also control and program the robot with menus and G-code from the same screen used for the machine tool. No robot programming experience or teach pendant is required, allowing manufacturers to use existing staff to automate and make adjustments.

Ecoclean Connect - optimal acquisition of parts cleaning data These requirements have been taken into account in the innovative cloud solution Ecoclean Connect. Defined data generated by the cleaning system's control unit is transmitted to the cloud in encrypted form via a secure connection. They are stored, evaluated, analyzed and intelligently linked in the IoT platform using the latest technologies and infrastructures.

Quaker Houghton in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, a producer of industrial process fluids, has entered into an exclusive joint venture with Grindaix GmbH.

Aluminum, with its many advantageous properties, is used in a wide spectrum of industries to manufacture a vast, and growing, range of products. As the use of aluminum is so varied, so are its' traceability requirements.

Doosan Robotics strategically designed its ROS 2 Foxy package to provide both convenience and accessibility. As the package is compatible with Doosan Robot Language (DRL), operators of Doosan robots with only standard ROS knowledge can easily create intelligent robotics application. The package is expected to accelerate the development of robot applications in various fields, including gripper, mobile robot integration, and multi-robot control in addition to existing controls.

ITI's "MITI MAXX" is a robust, yet mobile automation system that utilizes the durable Fanuc CRX-10iA collaborative robot that meets RIA safety standards and doesn't require fencing. MITI MAXX's simple interface allows it to be integrated to almost any machine controller. Even if you have hi-mix, low-volume applications, the MITI MAXX is affordable, plug and play self-automation that will maximize your resources and reduce costs.

The compact format provides a rotation range up to 2° in theta-X / theta-Y and 5mm vertical (Z travel) range with excellent dynamics (up to 1g acceleration). The 250mm diameter (10") platform can carry loads of 8kg (~18lbs), while the low profile of only 60mm (2.4") keeps the center of gravity down, a great advantage in dynamic applications. The A-523 can be combined with the A-361 X-Y-θ Air Bearing Alignment Stage to form a very compact and low profile 6-axis precision motion system.

For maximum acceleration and velocity, KUKA's optimal motion planning software calculates and sets the correct motion path to ensure that all the robot's axes can finish moving simultaneously at the desired point in space. In electronics applications, there is little need for changes in part orientation, so necessary robot moves are up, down and inserting. It is for this reason that the KR 6 is simple and easy to use, as well as light weight and extremely fast.

With an overall volume of only 16 liters and weighing just 9 kg, the KR C5 micro, allows users to mount the controller horizontally or vertically in a wall mounted/bookshelf orientation or stack multiple units on top of each other, or with an existing standard 19" rack mount cabinet. Optional mounting brackets for controller fastening allow the new controller to adapt to existing industry standard rack mount rails for having multiple robot controllers within a single cabinet. Plus, with a lighter, more compact design, the KR C5 micro is easy to deliver/ship, set up and relocate if needed.