Automation

An important production parameter is cobot uptime. To ensure seamless operations and increased efficiency, UR has launched the enhanced UR Care Service Plans that now offer preventive field service, onsite break-fix, dedicated remote support and secure cloud connectivity-based cobot service/performance monitoring through UR Connect.

At the core of Astorino is a 1kg payload, 6-axis robot with a structure and programming environment nearly identical to that of a Kawasaki industrial robot. Weighing only 12 kg and powered by a 110V outlet, the robot is adoptable to any classroom environment. The Astorino platform includes a built-in control system; dedicated firmware and software; Modbus TCP and USB/Ethernet communication, and safety functions such as E-Stop and safety brakes.

Each ORL product has been strategically designed with a compact footprint, requiring only between eight and nine feet of floor space. Additionally, each product utilizes industry-leading FANUC industrial robot arms and grippers which can hold a payload of up to 25 pounds. 

ARIA’s Standard Base option is designed for various industry applications where flexibility and mobility are a must. The Machine Tool Base is designed for tending CNC Mill, Lathe, and Swiss applications. Both bases are suitable for Mitsubishi Electric collaborative, vertical/articulated, and SCARA robots. Included in the ARIA package is an FX5 PLC, an external 120V outlet, casters with jackscrews, a network switch with an external EtherNet port, an Operator station w/button pan- el, floor mounting brackets, and much more.

The EZ-AutoCart, part of Lyndex-Nikken’s EZ-Automation product line, easily automates CNC machine tending of CNC lathes, mills, and similar machines. The EZ-AutoCart machine tending solution enables machine shops to streamline machine tending with minimal effort; no-code automation empowers manufacturers to easily operate the EZ-AutoCart. Results include significantly boosting spindle time and enhancing overall machine efficiency.

The MT-S spindle gripper allows continued machined cycles by picking and placing finished components in a temporary part loading tray located within the machining area. The MT-S is stored in the tool magazine like any tool and engaged at the end of each cycle allowing continuous machining until the part loading tray is full. Advantages of the new gripper are no additional floorspace needed, lower initial investment compared to robotics, and fast training without extensive programing.

The RenAM 500 Ultra metal AM system is the latest model in the RenAM 500 family, which also includes the Flex system, optimized for R&D work, and the flagship closed-loop powder recirculation model for series production. The entire RenAM 500 family is available with one (500S) or four (500Q) high powered lasers, each able to access the whole powder bed simultaneously.

AP&T's engineers have equipped the press with a closed, robust hydraulic system with a small oil volume and few components. Thanks to the modular system, each press can be optimized to use one or more cylinders depending on the application. The new version of AP&T's servohydraulic press is suitable for embossing heat exchanger plates and fuel cell plates, transfer applications and progressive die stamping, as well as for most types of drawing operations.

The new KASTOsort tower will appeal to, for instance, metalworking companies who already use a high-performance saw such as the KASTOvariospeed oder KASTOtec with or without KASTOsort robots. For an efficient process, the parts must be sorted by order after sawing and handling and placed in appropriate boxes. One of the solutions used to date has been a container carousel with eight pallet spaces on which the robot can independently place and fill the respective boxes. This is a simple and cost-effective solution for buffering manageable quantities of material.

The new generation of MR-J5 servo products includes two new servo types, HK-RT/ST, and the addition of high-speed HK-KT/ST servo motors with 3000rpm rated speed. In addition, new features for improved programming have been added including Simple Motion Mode for the RD78G Motion Module, Advanced Synchronous Control, and positioning mode or “point table” for MR-J5G servo amplifiers. Networking and communication have drastically improved with master “follower” operation to transmit commands to master and following axis in a synchronized servo system, auto-detection of IP address on the CC-Link IE TSN network, and support of Line Star and Ring topologies with CC-Link IE TSN.

The P80360 drive is fully programmable via an intuitive graphical user interface and programming language, available within the Kollmorgen Space software package offered as a free download on the Kollmorgen website. Using these tools, engineers can create simple point-to-point movements as well as linked motion sequences with ease. The versatility and functionality of the P80360 programming software eliminates the need for an external PLC or indexer to perform single-axis motion control, reducing overall system cost. 

Decentralized I/O systems are an important component for flexible and modular automation solutions. Equipped with protection type IP67 and robust die cast zinc housing, the new remote I/O module PDP67 PN is ideally suited for positioning directly on the machine. Even outside the control cabinet it provides reliable safety at temperatures of -30°C to 70°C.

Beckhoff Vision hardware includes area scan cameras, C-mount lenses, multicolor LED illumination and complete vision units. Whether used as components or an entire machine vision system, the Vision product portfolio meets industrial requirements perfectly.

MiConnect Technology powers solutions such as, direct interfacing for automation systems to communicate with the CNC control, extracting any required information from the CNC, inputting external devices (such as RFID, barcode, files), reading and writing system parameters, parsing and extracting data, controlling human process interaction, minimizing operator decision making, and adding systemized securities.

With the function block for dynamic muting, it is possible to configure tool class, muting end point or protected field modes simply and quickly. Safety functions such as position, speed, braking ramp, overrun distances and protected field can also be monitored. The function block ensures that dynamic muting is initiated once the check is complete. Manual programming is no longer required, so the press application is in operation quickly and safely.

The AKD2G 24A servo drive provides configurable options including safety level, I/O, feedback, and fieldbus. It supports a secondary brake through a standard X4 connector and allows for faster Smart Feedback Adapter (SFA) wiring with a standard X5 connector.

RCS L-90 is a ballbar device that improves robot system accuracy, reduces deployment time, and monitors robot health with simple routines controlled by its supporting software suite. RCS T-90 is a tri-ballbar system which enables robot users to identify root causes of poor performance, with further comprehensive tests to capture critical robot information – such as remastering the joint offsets to calculated positions, running master-recovery routines, and plotting 3D path performance. The third RCS product, RCS P-series, integrates a permanent Renishaw probing solution within a robot cell to apply in-process metrology and automatic recovery to automation processes

As with the earlier 6-axis and 7-axis arms, the new range falls into three categories, FREEDOM Classic, FREEDOM Select and FREEDOM Ultimate, depending on the level of measuring precision required. Probing accuracy is certified to ISO 10360-12 and functionality is guaranteed up to 40 degrees Celsius. All models are easy-to-use, especially as probes and laser scanners can be hot-swapped without recalibration.

Utilizing ANCA’s machine platforms with a robot cell, blanket grinding offers flexibility across a range of tool sizes and applications. Blanket grinding allows for full automation of tools of similar geometries, by consolidating all tool grinding processes into one single machine. A batch of complete finished tools can be produced without interruption directly from lengths of ground bar stock with no operator intervention.

Version 3.50 of edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 804D and edgeConnector Modbus is now compatible with the 64-bit version of ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) processors. This extends the application possibilities to devices like Raspberry Pi, Cisco IR1101, Orange Pi 5 or RevPi Connect. 

Remote Service offers simple and fast assistance. For example, in the event of machine downtime, UNITED GRINDING North America customers can request service with the press of a button. The Service Monitor relieves those responsible for maintenance by clearly displaying all the important maintenance tasks based on the current machine's operating hours. Production managers can monitor the production output of the machinery at any time using the Production Monitor.

SIMATIC Robot Pick AI (robot skill) is a pre-trained, deep-learning-based vision software for advanced robotics applications like goods-to-robot order bin picking that provides out-of-the-box cognitive performance for selecting robust pick points (6-DoF grasp poses) for arbitrary "unknown" items at runtime.

Built upon established and trusted Renishaw technology, this product line for industrial robotics brings the company’s metrology expertise to an industry that has significant challenges with performance accuracy and repeatability. Categorized as either ‘in-field’ or ‘in-process’ products, the new RCS products help to simplify robot set-up, health checks and recovery of robotic applications following collisions. Working with Renishaw’s new intuitive robotics software, RCS Software Suite, the products support robots from a wide range of manufacturers.

The AI wizard is called Éncy (pronounced like [ˈɛnsɪ]) and it greets the user with the following message: “Hi, I’m Éncy, your SprutCAM X AI assistant. Ask away, and I’ll be happy to help!” The AI assistant is powered by the OpenAI API, which uses deep learning models to understand and generate natural language. Engineers can communicate with the AI assistant using text commands in multiple languages, and the AI assistant responds accordingly.

Within the solution package, the safety laser scanner PSENscan enables safeguarding and productive area monitoring of mobile platforms. On guide path AGVs, PSENscan detects objects along the route, even at high speeds, and adjusts warning and safety zones in a functionally safe manner. PSENscan provides up to 70 protected fields. These enable dynamic protected field adjustment, even on free-nav AGVs

With the launch of the multiScan product family, SICK presents 3D LiDAR sensors that provide mobile platforms with a 360° all-round view in 3D. Due to the up to 690,000 measuring points, the multiScan100 achieves a state-of-the-art precision with which nothing in its environment escapes its notice. 

With HALCON 23.05, it is now possible to further optimize the underlying deep learning networks, which are already pre-trained on industry-related images, for the user's own application. This allows even more robust recognition rates for Deep OCR applications as well as an even more reliable detection of suitable gripping surfaces for applications using 3D Gripping Point Detection technology. In addition, there are many other helpful improvements, such as the fact that external code can now be integrated into HALCON more easily.

The two-press production cell uses a centralized control station which sets the operating parameters of both presses and controls the action sequences of both FANUC robots. All equipment in the cell is automatically updated with new process parameters when changing between products.

 Via the sensor infrastructure and intelligent, as well as integrated and manufacturer-independent communication, the traffic and order management software NAiSE Traffic analyses the flow of traffic and goods in intralogistics applications, in real-time. The software coordinates and controls traffic involving all parties – humans and industrial trucks such as AGV systems or forklifts. As a result, operators have a complete, manufacturer-independent material flow automation solution.

As with any end-of-arm tooling, the EFC-02 connects a grinding machine – angle grinders, orbital sanders, angle polishers, straight grinders and others – to the robot. What makes Suhner's system unique, however, is its compact design and fully electric operation.

Aside from having low energy consumption, the servohydraulic press is also considerably quieter. In addition, it only requires a tenth of the hydraulic oil needed by a conventional hydraulic press.

The dual gripper system on the versaLoad allows manufacturers to reduce part loading times by as much as 50% when compared to a single gripper setup. This allows the automation cell to operate with maximum efficiency, enabling versaLoad users to boost productivity without having to increase headcount.

The original version of the application only worked with the robots of three well-known  manufacturers. The latest version of SprutCAM Tech's Robot Calibration app now supports TCP calibration for the following robot brands: FANUC, Kuka, CRP, Denso, Dobot, Estun, Hiwin, Hyundai, Motoman, Newker, Manutec, Nachi, OTC Daihen and Turin.

Requiring no cables, the portable, manually operated, metrology grade index table is compatible with any make of portable measuring arm, not just LK's 6- and 7-axis FREEDOM arm range, which comprises 34 models. The 11.8-inch (300 mm) or optional 19.6-inch (500 mm) diameter table is quick to set up on a work surface, after which the operator secures the part to be inspected onto the surface with the aid of pre-drilled, threaded fixing holes or integral clamping magnets.

The digital service is built as a progressive web application for easy access via web browser on a PC, tablet, or smartphone. It can also be combined with other services such as 8760 support, preventive maintenance, and software maintenance agreements for optimized solutions throughout the entire life cycle. myFastems is available for all current Fastems automation systems from January 2023 and will be pre-installed for new systems in the future.

The online Robot library now includes 675 components from brands such as KUKA, Fanuc, ABB, TeknoMotor, AMB (Kress), SCHUNK, OnRobot, Joulin, Schmalz, Regal, Universal Robots, Güdel, Meltio, among others.

Ideal for Industry 4.0, ZeroAct e-motion features wireless connectivity and data transfer, and fully automates manufacturing processes using a 24V power supply that operates with a built-in electro-motor. In addition, integrated electronic sensor technology provides contact-free part detection and safety for missing or misaligned parts.

The ZA6 is the only industrial robot to use Python as its programming language. Python is popular, easy to learn, powerful, and because it’s commonplace, it makes it incredibly easy to integrate ZA6 with other Python-driven systems. With over 200,000 Python libraries available, most of the work required to connect the ZA6 to the outside world has already been done.

Easily retrofitted, the PSS-T300 provides excellent access to the work area while offering space-savings via its tower design. The new pallet storage system offers flexible setup options and can be paired with one or two machines, and configured with one or two setup stations. The PSS-T300 can handle a variety of pallet sizes including Erowa ITS148/ PC210 and GROB standard 320 x 320 mm/ 400 x 400 mm, and has storage capacity of up to 81 round pallets and up to 38 square pallets. For ease of operation, integrated software enables intuitive cell control.

XPlanar now provides greater traceability through ID technology integrated into the mover bumper. The ID functionality enables unique identification of XPlanar movers by reading the mover’s individual serial number. The ID bumper is easy to mount or retrofit on movers already in the field, and it requires no additional hardware. This solution makes it possible to seamlessly track movers and the products they carry – even after system shutdown and restart. The bumper ID also eliminates the need for homing at system startup with appropriate programming.

This 2500 Ton Press is part of a seven-press order which is currently being built in their main facility. The press also features an innovative mold transfer system which significantly improves the ergonomic and safety dynamics for operators, and reduces the press idle time between cycles.

Within the guide, users can choose between a variety of industries, including automotive, food & beverage, medical, plastics, electronics and metal industry, then drill down to almost any application environment. KUKA’s large family of robots are suited for applications requiring extreme precision and repetitive tasks with fast cycle times as well as for those within large foundry operations. Application categories include arc and laser welding, machining, measuring and inspection and range from applying/gluing and painting to handling and assembly. Users can also indicate whether the robot will work autonomously in an isolated environment or collaboratively with humans.

LMX linear motors comprise a metal track with multiple embedded rare earth magnets, and a coil assembly supported by a customer-supplied guideway. A key feature of the motors is that they are designed to operate with a comparatively large air gap of 1 mm, to reduce the impact of mounting tolerances on performance characteristics. For most machine tool applications, the track is held stationary and the coil assembly is free to move – but converse mounting arrangements are also practicable, with similar performance attributes.

The line of high-precision ball splines is ideal for high-speed operation in compact spaces such as laboratory automation or semiconductor pick-and-place assembly. They can automate functions that a human might otherwise perform, like opening the cover of a sample jar and pouring it in a test tube. And they are especially cost-effective in industrial robotic applications that require high-speed, precise integration of rotary and linear motion without the wide freedom of movement of robots.

As a modular control cabinet replacement that can also be decentralized on the machine if required, the MX-System saves engineering, assembly, installation and maintenance efforts. This promotes highly efficient processes for the manufacturers and operators of machines and systems – from the planning, setup and installation of the MX-System through to the maintenance of MX-System-equipped machines.

MERLIC 5.2 is a logical continuation of the approach taken since MERLIC 5, namely to provide customers with the latest deep learning features that are also easy to use. Global Context Anomaly Detection is now being added to the proven deep learning functions Anomaly Detection and Classification (from MERLIC 5) and Deep OCR (from MERLIC 5.1).

D:PLOY demonstrates how the entire application, including any leading cobot or light industrial robot arm along with tooling, sensors, and other devices, is accessed and managed from D:PLOY’s dashboard. Users simply define the robot’s workspace with minimal inputs on points within the workspace, and enter attributes of the workpiece. D:PLOY automatically generates all the program logic, signal exchange, event handling, path planning, and real-time monitoring for the full application.

The compact Kurt RV24 Gripper comes standard with integrated electronics featuring sensors that ensure fingers and parts are in place and ready for production. High-strength aluminum alloy keeps gripper weight to a minimum while a hard-coat finish reduces wear and increases life in the field. New gripper size allows for smaller part handling, lighter minimum clamping force and easier storage where space is a premium. The RV24 is designed to work with a range of robotic applications and can perform well on cobots or smaller robots.

Robotmaster 2023 bridges the gap between CAD/CAM and robotics by enabling seamless integration between a user’s chosen CAD/CAM software and Robotmaster. This automatic integration eliminates the need to import and sync data for a 75 percent reduction in programming time. It also eliminates the programming errors that can happen when using a manual process.

Turn-Assist features an open-floor setup and area sensors to maximize operator safety and accessibility, while a pre-programmable FANUC robot loads blanks and unloads finished parts from the stocking table. Options are available that allows the robot to process shafts, rotate parts, and interface with a bar-feeder.

The most recent indexing plunger development is pneumatically actuated. In addition, the part also detects both end positions with just a single sensor. This makes the GN 817.7 a logical advancement over the manually operated indexing plunger GN 817.6. The GN 817.7 can replace the GN 817.6 without changing dimensions or signal processing. The new plunger can also be used in hard-to-reach locations and integrates into automated processes.

Each of the OB7’s joints can rotate 360 degrees in both directions. The cobot can sense collisions at every joint, a function that triggers a safe stop. The OB7 can also be stopped with an operator’s hand and restarted with a tap on one of its joints. When running at collaborative speeds, guarding is not required. For high speed operations, a laser safety scanner is available.

With a wide variety of modules, ATRO gives users the power to create almost any custom robot design within the rated payloads for their application – from a simple single-axis rotary indexing table application and delta kinematics up to multi-axis articulated robots. Expansive configurations with as many as 16 robotic arms are possible.

In addition to palletizing, Universal Robots expects the UR20 to be used for welding, material handling, machine loading and machine tending, as well as for innovative solutions created by its extensive partner ecosystem.

uniLoad is offered on the basis of a linear portal cell with two parallel grippers and is suitable for shaft components up to a length of 350 mm and a diameter of max. 100 mm. It thus covers a large proportion of the component ranges produced on these machines. The parts are supplied via a standardized, adjustable V-belt. The housing for the base module, which is provided with a loading hatch as standard, has been adapted to suit the machine design and enables safe and clean operation of the system.

Lantek Expert V2021 includes 25 innovative cutting, punching and shearing strategies that offer more options for efficient destruction of slugs and to redistribute parts throughout the entire metal sheet to optimize the rigidity of the skeleton and further reduce waste. The system digitalizes scrap with previous cuts, identifies areas on the sheet available and allows for any part to be cut within that space, all with a simple drag-and-drop operation.

Both the SmartMoma and the Nextage robots will be shown in working action during the IMTS 2022 in Chicago. The SmartMamo will transport full and empty cassettes between the grinding machines and the post‐grinding station. The Nextage humanoid robot will perform tasks such as tubing and labeling.

In contrast to conventional zero-point tooling systems, monitoring sensors were specifically designed for the MTS 4.0. Each of the four chucks in the MTS 4.0 base plate are equipped with a sensor to check the presence of the workpiece holder and to monitor the actuating piston. There is also a force sensor to measure the clamping power. Similar to previous MTS versions, the chuck is operated with compressed air for opening, re-clamping and cleaning functions.

The FPC 8 is controlled by Fastems’ Version 8 Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) which offers a new single-view user interface with drag-and-drop production orders, EasyRoute feature for bringing new workpieces into production in under 60 seconds, and an advanced automatic Order Generator for recurring orders or maintaining a certain stock level.

An electromechanically operated clinching system offers significant energy savings as compared to pneumatic or pneumohydraulic alternatives. In this solution, the servo press is controlled by the proven maXYmos NC process monitoring system from Kistler. With continuous force-displacement monitoring by the integrated sensor, positions can be approached reliably, flexibly and at high speed; the solution also includes an additional traverse mode with safely reduced speed.

PI’s hexapod 6-axis motion controllers and hexapod software are based on decades of experience with parallel kinematic motion systems. They are easy to program, allow the user to change the center of rotation with one command, and come with high level alignment functions built in. PI’s hexapod motion simulator software calculates the limits of workspace and load capacity, thereby ensuring the hexapod you choose will handle the loads, forces, and torques in your application.

The APS Automation Cell is capable of delivering abrasive-to-part and part-to-abrasive applications, wet/ dry processing and uses a full range of abrasives such as coated, non-woven, thin wheel, bonded and superabrasives. Equipped with a verified turnkey solution, manufacturers can then contact an automation system integrator to implement the solution. This avoids costly trial and error at the integrator level.

This system is capable of transporting wire gauges from 1 to 20 and tube sizes from Ø 0.250 mm to Ø 12.7 mm. The WT500/1000 provides quick setups for part changeovers with a belt-driven automatic diameter adjustment transport. Laser selections include nano, pico, and femtosecond UV and NIR sources as well as mechanical spindle drilling assemblies with upwards of 80kRPM of speed for precision quality hole formation.

The compact 3-axis linear nanopositioning stage is based on PI’s A-142 mini air bearing linear slide and suited for high precision, high-dynamics positioning, scanning and alignment applications in fields such as fiber optics, photonics, semiconductors, micro-mechanical systems, etc.

The system is a solution for fabricators facing worker shortages and bottlenecks resulting from the increased productivity of higher-volume fiber lasers. The high-speed modular sorting solution significantly maximizes the productivity and efficiency of downstream operations. 

TwinCAT 3 offers numerous options for connecting TCP/IP-based third-party systems to the main control program: OPC UA, MQTT, HTTPS and Modbus are some prominent examples of the comprehensive range of supported communication protocols. The TwinCAT S7 Communication (TF6620) function now expands this broad spectrum to include the S7 communication protocol.

The M-1000iA’s serial-link construction gives the robot a wider range of motion in every direction.  It can extend its arm upright or rotate it backwards, which is not possible for typical heavy-payload robots with a parallel-link mechanism.  With a 1000 kg payload, a 3,253mm horizontal reach, and a 4,297mm vertical reach the M-1000iA is ready to go to work for manufacturers looking to increase output and maximize their production line’s efficiency.

Through the device passthrough feature of TwinCAT/BSD Hypervisor, hardware resources such as the GPU, USB ports and/or network interfaces can be explicitly assigned to a virtual machine. In this way, access to the TwinCAT/BSD system by user and/or network interfaces can be limited, creating opportunities to boost control system security.

Offering an all-round package for modern production in the Industry 4.0 era, GROB provides 12 modules ranging from planning to engineering to maintenance. Each GROB-NET4Industry module is designed to increase productivity. Users can select from among these modules and combine the most relevant for the best system to ensure transparency and connectivity.

As an external loader, STUDER roboLoad measures only 59.06" (1.50 m) wide: half the width of the machine itself. This saves valuable shop floor space, and yet the system offers plenty of room for workpieces manually loaded on six trays – each measuring 42.52" x 12.6” (1080 mm x 320 mm) – within a comparatively small work area. 

The MMS Insights module provides CNC companies with numerous highlights and suggestions on how to improve their production processes based on data gathered from the automation system, including all the integrated machinery and data systems. MMS overviews the whole production and comes up with suggestions such as adding or removing certain tools or fixtures based on usage rates or updating NC-program runtimes for more precise order scheduling.

The LR-10iA/10 has a 10 kg payload and a large work envelope with a long reach of 1101 mm.  Its compact size makes it an ideal solution for companies with limited floor space, and the slim arm fits into machine tools to load and unload parts.   In addition, a fully enclosed structure features built-in airlines, solenoid valves and electrical utilities for easy integration, and an IP67 rating allows it to operate in industrial environments with dust, water and oil mist.

For end users and integrators, WebLytics not only eliminates manual data collection -- it provides actionable insights into how well a collaborative application is performing, offering live device diagnostics, alerts and preventive maintenance measures to keep costly robot cell downtime to a minimum. 

Fastems FPT is compatible with any machine tool brand, and it integrates with milling machines whether or not they have automatic pallet changers. In addition, the system footprint is extremely compact: FPT-500 for 300-500mm pallets requires only 100 square feet, and FPT-1000 for 500-630mm pallets requires 175 square feet. Instead of having a fixed storage, like most of the comparable units, FPT can work with different load heights and pallet sizes with a configurable pallet storage that can store up to 24 pallets in two to four levels.

Localized with support in nine languages, Learn OnRobot’s extensive library of simple, direct ‘How To’ videos and 3D simulations provides detailed information on collaborative applications, including machine tending, palletizing, pick & place, and sanding. The platform is accessible via PCs, smartphones and tablets, which enables easy access to Learn OnRobot resources from the shop floor during the deployment process. Learn OnRobot also mitigates labor shortages by enabling fast and effective collaborative automation deployments, empowering companies to respond quickly to challenging labor conditions.

An intuitive visual-based teaching environment, Epson RC+ Express offers fast, efficient programming of Epson SCARA robots for users with little-to-no programming experience, enabling manufacturers to quickly and easily develop robotic programs to overcome cost and time barriers associated with running industrial robots.

Using the method and software, manufacturers can fully optimize their thread turning operations. As part of the solution, CoroPlus Tool Path helps users develop optimized OptiThreading tool paths that specifically overcome the challenge of chip control. This is achieved by offering tool paths that deliver controlled, oscillating movements for interrupted cuts that go in and out of the cut on all passes except the last one.

The LFT-500 Series provides a cost-effective way to provide this type of enhanced process capability into your own facility. When functionally trimming, the particular parameter is continuously measured and compared with the set value. Once the set value is reached, the laser cut stops automatically. Resistance, voltage, current, frequency – almost all output signals can be adjusted to their target value via the LFT-500 Series tool, in conjunction with appropriate measuring equipment. Specifically built to target US based development groups who need tools for prototyping and pilot production, the platform provides a host of options including customized fixturing and test hardware.

One highlight of HALCON 21.11 is the addition of instance segmentation technology to the range of deep learning functions. This technology combines the benefits of semantic segmentation with those of object detection and enables the pixel-precise assignment of objects to different classes. It is particularly useful in applications where objects are very close together, touch each other, or overlap. This is the case, for example, when gripping randomly arranged objects from bins ("random bin picking") and when identifying and measuring naturally grown structures, such as organic material.

GF Machining Solutions offers eight WPT 1+ models. Shops can start with a single magazine unit and then add one more as production needs change. The systems easily serve one or two machines within in a production cell thanks to the flexibility of the magazine capacities and its variants (Light, Heavy or a Rotary magazine), along with fully integrated pneumatic control for gripping devices and table chucks. Large doors allow for fast and easy loading and unloading to help shorten changeover cycle times for both low and high-volume applications.

Robotmaster, a Hypertherm brand, is an offline robot programming software that helps manufacturers maximize their robot’s productivity with easy and efficient robot programming for a variety of applications such as cutting, trimming, milling, welding, spraying, polishing, sanding, grinding, deburring, and more. Robotmaster uses integrated CAD/CAM functionality to make robotic programming easy and intuitive for everyone, even first-time users.

The toolless jaw quick-change system reduces set-up times to a minimum, therefore increasing the productivity and flexibility of the entire system. Dowel pins and a corresponding bore hole are available options, serving as additional mounting aides. For example, in the case of asymmetric finger pairs, this ensures that they can only be mounted in the correct position.

For manufacturers who produce different components on the same line, and therefore need to regularly change grippers, this system is highly beneficial. One and the same programmable gripper solution is used to handle all blanks, regardless of shape and size. The transition is automatic and takes less than two minutes. 

Made4CNC’s first official product, the Safedoor SD100 removes the barriers to the automation of component feeding at machine shops. Safedoor SD100 opens CNC doors that are up to 1 meter wide and weigh 400 kg, at a speed of 500 mm/s. The door opener can connect to any robot and CNC machine make via galvanic insulated digital inputs and outputs.

With just a few clicks, users are guided through product selection, comparison tools, and complete technical information to quickly discern their needs from a variety of portfolio options. The Rexroth Store also provides pricing and estimated product lead times. 

CoroPlus® Connected is used alongside the existing Silent Tools™ Plus, a digitally connected damped boring bar from Sandvik Coromant. Having been awarded first place in the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) Production Innovation contest in 2018, Silent Tools™ Plus helps customers by providing visibility at the cutting zone in internal turning applications with long overhang.

R-Palletize is a configurable palletizing station which allows low-volume, high-mix manufacturers to use a single robotic cell for palletizing a variety of product patterns. R-Palletize is available in four hardware configurations which include a FANUC America M710iC/50H robot to handle cases up to 40 pounds, a Rockwell Automation control system, and optional end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) to suit the application.  Designed for rapid installation and easy setup, R-Palletize offers changeover time in as little as five minutes from the user interface.  

For applications requiring XYZ motion, a motorized vertical linear module can be added at the factory - voice coil motors, linear motors, and screw drive linear modules are available, all with counterbalance or break option. Customizations, such as stage base materials (granite, aluminum, etc), a steel base, or isolators as well as mounting platforms for vision systems, laser heads, galvos or dispensers, etc., are also available.

The Smart Function Kit for Handling can be used in a variety of areas, such as production handling, machine assembly and packaging. Pick-and-place tasks can also be performed quickly and cost-effectively, as a Cartesian multi-axis system for packages of different sizes, weights and formats. 

The ToolConnect barcode application uses a barcode scanner at the machine tool to scan the presetter generated barcode. ToolConnect reads and processes the barcode data, displays all tool and process information and then automatically updates the offsets to the correct fields in the control. No operator data entry is required.

The enhanced UR10e retains the small footprint, intuitive programming experience, uncompromising repeatability, commitment to quality, and trusted performance that Universal Robots customers have come to expect, but its increased payload capacity means that users can now do more.

This low-profile nanopositioning stage (only 27 mm high (1.1”)) is maintenance free, and due to its non-particle generating drive and guiding principle, cleanroom compatible. It delivers 10mm (0.4”) of hysteresis-free linear travel of its 75x80mm (≈3x3¼”) moving platform while supporting up to 3kg (6.6lbs) loads. The air bearing guide guarantees straightness of 100nm and flatness of 0.5µm. High motion performance is achieved with an integrated voice-coil motor that achieves a max. velocity of 450 mm/s and acceleration of 20m/sec2, a great advantage in dynamic scanning and positioning applications.

The LPMA revolutionizes modular laser process automation and promotes innovative, globally competitive opportunities for small to midsize niche manufacturers in the United States and Europe. LPMA series contains all beam delivery functions necessary to support the efficient operation of the laser, with integrated power measurement, beam diagnostics (option), laser attenuation, purge system, and quick optic change mounts. Customers will select configurations for bowl feeding, bin feed, pick & place automation, and machine vision. 

The robot’s design includes a new arm structure, drive system and lighter main unit, which enables high speeds and a large working area. Its 1,460 mm reach is the largest in its class, allowing for installation flexibility and use in a wider variety of applications. The RS013N robot also leads its class in speed, resulting in reduced cycle times and increased productivity.

The AOV orbital sander tool is specially designed for grinding and polishing workpiece surfaces. The pneumatic unit is driven by a vane motor and achieves rotational speeds of 10,000 RPM. The MFT-R is the ideal solution for manufacturers who require a particularly flexible and robust polishing spindle for polishing and brushing of workpieces with axial compliance. The PCFC ensures that a consistent compliance force is acting in any position, due to the position sensor.

This new XPlanar capability makes a variety of groundbreaking adaptive manufacturing applications possible. For instance, mixing liquids or 360-degree inspection of objects is possible with this additional degree of freedom. Furthermore, the movers can leave the rotation positions with an orientation changed in 90-degree steps, so that the transported workpieces are correctly aligned in accordance with the remaining processing steps.

The integrated excitation source of the EL5072 provides a wide range of parameterizable excitation frequencies and voltages. Further special features include the automatically adapted measuring signal range, switchable input impedances for different probe types and one digital input per channel for setting and storing the position value (including timestamp). The measured value is determined with high precision by a 24-bit A/D conversion and output directly as a 32-bit position value that can be easily integrated into the control program.

The robot cell provides flexible solutions for traditionally high-mix, low-volume facilities to introduce automation, and is designed with mobility and flexibility in mind. LoadMate Plus automates the task of loading and removing parts from a machine tool through the use of robotics, and can be mounted next to one machine, between two mach- ines, and otherwise moved around a facility as jobs require. When this cell is paired with Mitsubishi Electric M8 Series CNC, operators can use the Direct Robot Control (DRC) feature within the CNC controls to also control and program the robot with menus and G-code from the same screen used for the machine tool. No robot programming experience or teach pendant is required, allowing manufacturers to use existing staff to automate and make adjustments.

Doosan Robotics strategically designed its ROS 2 Foxy package to provide both convenience and accessibility. As the package is compatible with Doosan Robot Language (DRL), operators of Doosan robots with only standard ROS knowledge can easily create intelligent robotics application. The package is expected to accelerate the development of robot applications in various fields, including gripper, mobile robot integration, and multi-robot control in addition to existing controls.

ITI’s “MITI MAXX” is a robust, yet mobile automation system that utilizes the durable Fanuc CRX-10iA collaborative robot that meets RIA safety standards and doesn’t require fencing. MITI MAXX’s simple interface allows it to be integrated to almost any machine controller. Even if you have hi-mix, low-volume applications, the MITI MAXX is affordable, plug and play self-automation that will maximize your resources and reduce costs.