Automation & Controls

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Okuma America Corporation, a builder of CNC machine tools, announces the completion of the company's newest production facility Dream Site 3 (DS3) located in in Kani, Japan.

The human hand is still regarded as the benchmark when it comes to flexibility of gripping tools. Humanoid manipulators that enable the widest variety of gripping variants will be more and more in demand in future, particularly when it comes to service and assistance robotics. In addition, the factor of economical viability is increasingly important.

North Haven, CT …IBAG North America announces the appointment of Mr. Srinvasa Prasad of Engineering Solutions Shop to represent IBAG high speed spindle and the Witte vacuum workholding systems product lines in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed robots that have the ability to reason about shape, function and attachment of unrelated parts. This lets the robots build basic tools by combining objects. The breakthrough is a significant step toward enabling intelligent agents to devise tools that could prove useful in hazardous situations.

For the first time, the annual World Robotics report includes a specific analysis on the market for collaborative robots, documenting a robust 23% growth worldwide. The International Federation of Robotics' report indicates that a substantial part of the adoption will be driven by more intelligent components, such as smart grippers, "plug and play" interfaces and programming by demonstrations.

While we still a way to go to achieve autonomous driving on the road, but factories are miles ahead: AGVs (automatic guided vehicles) are already being used in the area of production. They are responsible for intralogistical tasks in production transporting workpieces from unfinished parts to finished parts between the respective stages of production.

Halter CNC Automation B.V. from the Netherlands and Fastems Oy Ab from Finland have an intention to establish a joint venture, the Halter Group. Relevant parts of Fastems Systems GmbH related to R&D and production of the Halter LoadAssistant product range will be transferred to the newly founded Halter CNC Automation GmbH.

Toolmaker LMT Tools and Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH, a leading manufacturer of CNC gear cutting machines and automation systems, are collaborating to continue the success story of the patented ChamferCut method. The two technology partners signed a cooperation contract for the new ChamferCut-CG (collision gear) and ChamferCut-IG (internal gear).

Wildeck Inc. announces the launch of a new pick module impact gate, the Finger Gate. This durable steel gate easily integrates into any facility and provides a strong, protective barrier at elevated work levels, helping facilities achieve their automation goals.

Universal Robots announces the immediate availability of the UR16e, which boasts a 16 kg (35 lbs.) payload capability. The new UR16e combines the high payload with a reach of 900 mm and pose repeatability of +/- 0.05 mm, making it suitable for automating tasks such as heavy-duty material handling, heavy-part handling, palletizing and machine tending.

OnRobot A/S continues to drive its mission of making robotic applications faster and easier to implement with a unified mechanical and electrical interface for any OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) that simplifies automation.

A builder of grinding machines is adding digital services to improve product performance.