Automation & Controls

With the SC2818, Nanotec presents a stepper motor with a flange size of 28 mm and a torque of up to 0.22 Nm. The SC2818 thereby boasts in excess of 30 percent more torque than conventional motors of the same size. The step angle of the 2-phase hybrid stepper motor is 1.8°.

The history of robots combines the best of science fiction and real life technology. From Isaac Asimov to modern industrial robots, keep reading to explore the fascinating history of robotics.

For our February issue's Industry Briefs department, I'm writing an article about the Deburring Application Laboratory at Matrix Design LLC. The company designs, builds and installs robotic automation systems for deburring parts, as well as machine tending and material handling.

Aircraft Tooling, a Dallas-based repair center for the aviation industry, was surprised to find that Universal Robots could withstand the high temperatures and harsh environment while performing metal powder and plasma spray processes. The UR "cobots" have been in operation for 3 years without breakdown or service requirements.

With the aim of creating a more intuitive, easier and faster way to control industrial robots, Comau releases PickAPP, an Android application to perform "pick and place" operations in a completely new way.

Abco Automation Inc., Browns Summit, N.C., a designer and builder of high-end factory automation systems, signed a value-added reseller agreement with Visual Components, Espoo, Finland, a maker of 3D manufacturing factory simulation software.

Harrison Manufacturing, a custom plastics injection molding manufacturer specializing in molded plastics and light assembly, recently deployed Rethink Robotics' Sawyer robot at its Jackson, Miss. facility and saw immediate tangible benefits. Deployed within hours, Harrison Manufacturing is reducing labor costs and increasing throughput by using Sawyer in ergonomically challenging tasks.

Beckhoff announced the new EL922x EtherCAT Terminal series, which directly integrates electronic overcurrent protection to safeguard 24 V DC system components in the EtherCAT I/O system. In comparison with currently available protection devices, costs and space requirements in control cabinets can be reduced without having to use conventional, inflexible stand-alone systems.

Beckhoff announced the new EK1000 EtherCAT TSN Coupler, expanding the industrial Ethernet capabilities of the EtherCAT I/O system. The EK1000 enables communication among EtherCAT segments with remote EtherCAT controllers via heterogeneous Ethernet networks.

Sandvik Coromant Co. says the CoroPlus Collision detector is a reliable solution that will help you avoid or minimize machine tool and workpiece damage in case of a collision. The solution is installed inside the machine tool, connected to the PLC (programmable logic controller) and will detect a collision and stop the machine within 5 milliseconds.

FANUC Corporation, supplier of robotics, CNC and factory automation has announced the production of its 500,000th robot. The company is working toward ramping production up from 6,000 to 11,000 units per month. To that end, FANUC is building a new factory, which is scheduled to open in August 2018.

FANUC's new SCARA robots feature high-speed, precise operation for pick and place, assembly, testing/inspection and packaging processes in a wide range of industries including consumer electronics, auto component, plastics, food and beverage, lab automation, appliances and medical device manufacturing. A compact, lightweight design provides significant space savings.