Automation & Controls

To further increase connectivity options in ultracompact PC control hardware, Beckhoff Automation has introduced the new C6032 Industrial PC (IPC). With dimensions of only 129 x 133 x 104 mm, the C6032 IPC enhances the scalability of the PC-based controller portfolio from Beckhoff.

Beckhoff Automation has announced a new machine learning (ML) solution that is seamlessly integrated into TwinCAT 3 software. Building on established standards, TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning offers ML applications the same advantages of system openness familiar from PC-based control technology.

Hermle AG will welcome over 1,000 companies and 3,000 visitors from across the globe to its annual Global Open House event in Gosheim, Germany. from May 8-11, 2019. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with more than 20 machine models in various configurations and with complementary equipment from high-tech industries to demonstrate the vast range of capabilities provided by Hermle products.

Wireless power pioneer Nikola Labs will launch Vero, the perpetually powered equipment health monitoring system. An industrial internet of things (IIoT) solution, VERO is an out-of-the-box system for manufacturers to closely monitor process critical equipment.

The next generation of in-line inspection instrumentation is in development for aerospace and other industries.

Automated deburring makes the process more efficient, giving the end product a more consistent finish from part to part.

CAMplete TruePath suite adds software to aid on-machining probing automation.

The German machine tool manufacturer is working on a more automated version of its wear analysis system to put customers in complete control.

The rise of the robots is pervasive across all verticals, including the cutting tools industry. As more and more manufacturers turn to leaner processes robotics have been seen as a way to increase productivity, improve precision and reduce labor costs. It's led to some asking whether robotics will replace humans completely. It's also led others to ask if the benefits are just too good to be true.

HEIDENHAIN announces the new Positip 8016 digital readout (DRO) with touch screen for manual machine tool applications. With its sturdy machined aluminum housing, this DRO promises to add reliability and ease-of-use to its milling, drilling, boring and turning jobs.

Based on the high level of traffic and activity that I saw at Automate 2019 combined with a U.S. unemployment rate of just under 4%, my hunch is that robot manufacturers will report impressive sales figures this year. This guestimate is a result of a conversation I had with Joseph Gemma, CEO of division industries – Americas for KUKA Robotics Corp., Shelby Township, Michigan. According to Gemma, as the unemployment rate decreases, robot sales increase. He emphasized that automation is changing jobs—not taking them away.

Doosan Robotics (Doosan) offers a versatile lineup of collaborative robots (cobots) that are engineered to meet the needs of today's automation market. Doosan cobots have been particularly popular in France and Italy due to their strong capabilities and intuitive and easy application.