Automation & Controls

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.

Noblesville, Indiana-based Index has named Iniram Precision Machine Tool as its distributor of record for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, western Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. The move reflects Index's ongoing strategy of partnering with distributors who can offer standard-setting service and support to help meet the needs of a rapidly expanding customer base.

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.n

February 26, 2020 – Beckhoff Automation LLC has moved its regional office in Charlotte, North Carolina, to a larger location to meet constant growth in customer base and market share in the area. Boasting nearly 4,400 sq. ft., the new office offers exciting advantages compared to the previous Charlotte location that Beckhoff opened in 2012.

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.

Marposs has announced its new Artis GEMDS system, which uses data from a noncontact eddy current sensor to provide real-time monitoring of spindle elongation on machine tools due to temperature changes or other causes of displacement. By detecting spindle anomalies in real-time, shops can prevent damage to the machine and avoid out of tolerance components, thereby reducing scrap and improving productivity.

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.

Jacob Schieffer has joined Beckhoff Automation LLC as central regional sales manager. Based at the subsidiary's headquarters in Savage, Minneapolis, Schieffer will oversee sales development of new and longstanding customers throughout the Midwest, covering all key automation markets and centers of innovation.

Customers and partners of BIG KAISER Precision Tooling teamed up to generate a $7,283 donation to benefit the National Robotics League (NRL). The amount is nearly 10% more than last year and the fourth year-over-year increase in NRL funding from BIG KAISER.

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.

OnRobot has launched a compact, single-pad version of its innovative Gecko no-mark adhesive gripper. The new Gecko Single Pad (SP) gripper brings the same capability to new automation applications with small footprints and lower payload. The Gecko SP is available in three sizes; SP1, SP3 and SP5 named after the gripper's payload in kilos, featuring ability to lift a wide range of flat, smooth, shiny or perforated surfaces.