Automation & Controls

A new vision system from Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is based on the triangulation method, which reportedly improves bin picking by ensuring greater accuracy, better component recognition and faster handling. The smart removal of workpieces from a random arrangement, so-called "bin picking," is a classic automation application. It provides higher productivity, less burden on human resources and lower unit labor costs.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering is the new home of a unique machine that is capable of 3D milling precise to one nanometer. The machine, called the ROBONANO α-0iB, is the first of its kind in North America, and it brings extremely advanced technological capabilities that could represent the future of advanced manufacturing. The ROBONANO, which is on a multi-year loan from the Japanese robotics manufacturer FANUC, is housed in the laboratory of Sangkee Min, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UW-Madison. The ROBONANO's extremely precise capabilities offer Min and colleagues new research opportunities, which he hopes will open up improved and novel approaches to manufacturing.

CTEPLUS visits the ATS Systems booth at IMTS 2016 for a demonstration of the Xcelerate robot from Cellro, a robotic automation company located in Veenendaal, The Netherlands.

Methods Machine Tools showed off its 3D part-picking cell during IMTS 2016 held at McCormick Place in Chicago last week. Methods' Zachary Hallowell, Mechanical Engineer, Automation Team, provides a guided tour of the system.

Mazak Corp. Applications Engineer Dan Dasilva offers an overview of the company's "Done in One" approach as he provides a guided tour of the Variaxis i-600 and Multi Pallet Pool (MPP) 500.

John Lucier, National Automation Manager for Methods Machine Tools, offers a guided tour of the company's post-machining process deburring cell, which was on display during IMTS 2016 held at McCormick Place in Chicago last week.

FANUC America Corp. brought a new look and feel to CNC operations with the introduction of the FANUC iHMI. iHMI, or intelligent Human Machine Interface, provides a simpler, more efficient and intuitive way to interact with the FANUC series 30i/31i/32i-MODEL B CNCs, according to the company.

ABB Robotics unveiled its latest foundry robot for material handling and machine tending, the IRB 1200 Foundry Plus 2. This compact robot can increase flexibility and reduce cycle times for precision die casting processes such as smartphone cases and other electrical components.

Doosan Machine Tools America offers a range of automation devices to enable customers to extend machining time during staffed shifts and for "lights out" operations, such as the "LPSII" linear pallet system.

Cellro offers most compact and versatile automation solution: Xcelerate X20. According to the company, Xcelerate is renowned for its flexibility, user-friendly interface, modest floor space (starting at a mere 0.8m2) and surprisingly large storage capacity.

"Manufacturers who conduct a lot of machining know that the cost of productivity of a machining operation is inextricably connected to the selection of the cutting tool and the process for managing them," writes GE Industry Analyst Andy Henderson in a GE Digital blog post. "In the utopian future, the manufacturing intelligence system will automatically control how cutting tools are used and automatically optimize the cost of machining operations."

Sandvik Coromant has unveiled its CoroPlus suite of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions aimed at helping manufacturers prepare for Industry 4.0. The concept is designed specifically to improve the control of productivity and costs through a combination of connected machining and access to manufacturing data and expert knowledge.