Automation & Controls

The new DHEF adaptive shape gripper from Festo offers maximum gripping flexibility with minimal engineering. The adaptive shape gripper automatically grips mixed objects with multiple shapes, unaligned objects and numerous objects at once. The gripper gently forms around an object and is ideal for gripping fragile items. It is suitable for human/machine interaction.

Festo introduced the Handling Guide Online configurator for Cartesian robots. This new productivity tool significantly reduces engineering overhead for OEMs and speeds delivery to laboratory equipment, electronic light assembly, end of line packaging, food and beverage, automotive, and machine tool manufacturers.

Dorner's facility in Guadalajara, Mexico, (Dorner Latin America), is already expanding its manufacturing capabilities by now building its popular-selling 2200 series modular belt conveyor for customers throughout Latin America. Dorner Latin America is staffed with experienced employees well versed with Dorner's entire product line.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp., an established MC Machinery automation solutions partner, has teamed up with ASTES4 to offer its laser automation solution. This multifunctional system is the first fully integrated system capable of controlling the entire production process from loading, cutting, sorting and unloading through to the storage of finished parts.

Festo offers Magswitch switchable magnetic gripping and clamping solutions to automotive and OEMs through a new distribution agreement. Magswitch automation solutions are designed to last the life of a production line.

FANUC's new collaborative arc welding robots offer the same high level of performance that FANUC ARC Mate robots are known for, including world-renowned technology and proven reliability. A built-in sensor allows the welding cobot to work safely alongside people without the need for expensive guarding.

OCTOPUZ 2.3 Offline Robot Programming (OLRP) software continues to redefine the standards in OLRP by simplifying solving toolpath trajectories. The software now enables users to automatically create and optimize circular toolpaths.

Caron Engineering's DTect-IT was first introduced in 2016 as a product primarily used for detecting vibration levels and irregularities anywhere on a CNC machine tool or fixture; with featured applications of bearing analysis and bar feeder vibration detection (and correction).

Okuma America Corp. announces new standard warranty programs for new machine tool purchases. The new, standard warranty includes coverage for all Okuma core and high tech products, as well as OSP and FANUC controls.

Robotiq announced the launch of its I/O Coupling. Designed to eliminate the need to run an external cable along a cobot arm, the I/O Coupling provides manufacturers with an effective solution for common cable management problems.

When Suttner adopted a growth strategy 15 years ago, the company decided to significantly increase the manufacturing depth. Priority was to be focused on parts with complex designs and high added value. The executive management brought Arno Werkzeuge on board as their partner and facilitator to also increase productivity.

Teradyne Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of AutoGuide Mobile Robots, a leading supplier of high-payload autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). AutoGuide's advanced products deliver easy deployment, improved safety, reduced costs and increased efficiency of industrial and warehouse material-handling operations.