Automation & Controls

Products • September 23, 2016

Next Generation Control

Haas Automation's Next Generation Control (NGC) is the latest evolution of a user-friendly CNC. It reportedly features a significantly improved user interface, more consistent and intuitive navigation and vastly improved connectivity.

News • September 12, 2016

FANUC America selects Mike Cicco as president and CEO

Automation equipment manufacturer FANUC America Corp., Rochester Hills, Mich., named Mike Cicco president and CEO and Rick Schneider chairman.

Products • August 30, 2016

Racer5-0.63 and Racer5-0.80 Robots

Comau presents the extension of its small robot family for quick applications in restricted spaces, including handling, assembly and pick and place, by introducing two new robots: Racer5-0.63 and Racer5-0.80. Both are controlled by the R1C 19" rack-mounted controller, which can be integrated into a single cabinet to control an entire line.

News • August 29, 2016

China won’t own next-gen manufacturing

With rising salaries, labor unrest, environmental devastation and intellectual property theft, China is no longer an attractive place for Western companies to move their manufacturing, writes Vivek Wadhwa. "Technology has also eliminated the labor cost advantage. [China] built its dominance in manufacturing by offering massive subsidies, cheap labor, and lax regulations. With technologies such as robotics and 3D printing, it has no edge."

News • August 25, 2016

Data-led Small Businesses Grow Revenue More than Data-shy Ones

Small businesses that use data to help make decisions are more strongly growing revenue as compared to their counterparts who use data on a limited basis, according to new research from Exact and Pb7 Research. The findings show that businesses across the U.S. and Europe who lean on data insights reported revenue growth of 21 percent in the last financial year, as compared to 9 percent for businesses reporting limited use of data.

News • August 24, 2016

Fastems Implements ThingWorx to Provide Remote Service

PTC announced that Fastems, a Finnish manufacturer of factory automation systems with North American headquarters in West Chester, Ohio, will integrate PTC ThingWorx technology into its flexible manufacturing systems. The new technology will facilitate remote systems monitoring and condition-based maintenance. These new service options will enable its customers to increase system uptime and production capacity.

Products • August 24, 2016

Universal Robots+

With Universal Robots+, the company creates its own eco-system enabling applications revolving around the collaborative robot arms UR3, UR5 and UR10 to be developed and showcased. The so-called URCaps, accessory components that extend the UR robots' capabilities, can be customized hardware components, software plug-ins, or a combination of both.

News • August 15, 2016

Q&A with Rethink Robotics founder Rodney Brooks

Rodney Brooks, founder of Rethink Robotics, introduced the concept of cost-effective and collaborative robotics in manufacturing. He explains why he believes robots like Rethink's Baxter and Sawyer won't endanger jobs.

News • August 12, 2016

United Grinding Breaks Ground for New Facility

UNITED GRINDING conducted a groundbreaking ceremony August 9 for its new North American headquarters to be built in Miamisburg, Ohio. With the new facility, the grinding machine builder says it will further strengthen its customer service and support, and boost its operational agility for even faster response to ever changing customer needs.

Products • August 11, 2016

AirWatch Air Monitoring System introduced

Clearly verify the presence of dust in production: Companies check the hall air quality efficiently with the new air monitoring system AirWatch. KEMPER's sensor technology is able to determine and document the number and weight of nanoparticles and then analyze it with smartphone, tablet or PC and compare it to limit values.

Products • July 20, 2016

Professional 6 Control

Makino introduces the fully equipped Professional 6 (Pro6) control designed to move operators fluidly through machine set up, empower them with easily accessible information and protect them with enhanced safety. The Pro6 accelerates productivity for machine shops and tool, die and mold makers with streamlined screen layouts, operator guidance and latest machine functions.

Products • July 14, 2016

Rebel-S 4-axis SCARA Robot

Comau introduces Rebel-S, its own 4-axis SCARA robot, in five different models with a payload of 6kg and three different reaches. All models are controlled by the R1C 19" rack-mounted controller, which can be integrated into a single cabinet to control an entire line.