| October 29, 2019 | Volume 15 Issue 41 |
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 | Robot Tools for automated manufacturing and finishing
Suhner Robot Tools are available for integration as end effectors on all types of robots for various machining and finishing operations, including drilling, grinding, filing, cutting, brushing, sanding, polishing and deburring. They bring high-level automation to your manufacturing, from large auto production lines to weld shop equipment builders.
Learn more about Suhner Robot Tools.
See Suhner Robot Tools in action.
Or contact Lee Coleman, Suhner, 706-235-8046. |
 | Cobot at the controls: Air Force Research Lab conducts first flight of drop-in ROBOpilot
Imagine being able to rapidly and affordably convert a general aviation aircraft, like a Cessna or Piper, into an unmanned aerial vehicle. The Air Force Research Lab and DZYNE Technologies have done just that. The drop-in system "grabs" the yoke, pushes on the rudders and brakes, controls the throttle, flips the appropriate switches, and reads the dashboard gauges the same way a pilot does -- a novel approach to rapidly commissioning flight automation systems.
Read the full article. |
 | Is new highest throughput 3D printer the future of manufacturing?
Northwestern University researchers have developed a new, futuristic 3D printer that is so big and so fast it can print an object the size of an adult human in just a couple of hours. Using a patent-pending version of stereolithography, the 13-ft-tall machine has demonstrated a record throughput for the 3D-printing field using materials that end up hard or elastic -- and it can even make ceramic parts.
Read the full article. |
 | Weird vs. the wild: Audi autonomous off-roader concept
We've seen a bunch of electric vehicle concepts with automated driving rolled out lately, from super-high-end luxe cruisers to cutesy micro-cars that just get the job done. Audi took another direction at the International Auto Show in September by introducing its AI:TRAIL quattro concept. With its fortified suspension and tires, 360-degree "helicopter" views, and integrated drones, it's weird vs. the wild for the future of off-roading.
Read the full article. |
 | Gecko Gripper with NASA tech comes to market
End-effector tooling specialist OnRobot is now taking orders for its Gecko Gripper, which uses millions of micro-scaled fibrillar stalks that adhere to a surface using powerful van der Waals forces -- the same way that geckos climb. The technology was first developed at Stanford and perfected by NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. It's fascinating how it works. It's kind of like Velcro -- if you only needed one side of the Velcro tape.
Read the full article. |
 | Trends in fastening technology: Smaller, lighter, easier to install
Fastening technologies and assembly techniques are evolving to meet continued demands for reliability, throughput, and ease of manufacturability. One trend sees designers involving parts manufacturers in early design phases to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM). Another sees the fasteners themselves becoming smaller, stronger, lighter, and easier to install by automated and robotic assembly systems. Traditional and robot-ready fastener machines are also evolving. By Michael Wolff and Ron Boggs, PennEngineering
Read the full article. |
 | Just out: Heavy-duty cobot for collaborative automation
The new UR16e cobot from Universal Robots combines a high payload of 16 kg with a reach of 900 mm and the best pose repeatability in its reach class. It's ideal for automating tasks such as heavy-duty material handling, heavy-part handling, palletizing, and machine tending. Better yet, programming and integration is simple -- it can be mounted and programmed to perform a task within an hour.
Learn more. |
 | CNC-integrated robot kinematics optimize control of all robotic machining and handling tasks
Siemens has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Italian robot manufacturer Comau, and together they now offer the jointly engineered product Sinumerik Run MyRobot/DirectControl. This development enables the robot kinematics to be fully integrated into a CNC system. As a result, the Sinumerik CNC controls the articulated robot arm directly using complex algorithms and without the need for a separate robot controller. This integration helps improve path and positioning accuracy as well as reliability. It also yields enhanced dynamic response during robot-aided machining tasks.
Learn more about Siemens SINUMERIK Run MyRobot. |
 | THK introduces TRK Robot Hand assembly
THK America is known for being a leader in linear motion guides, but now they're stretching their reach into the end-effector market. The Schaumburg, IL-based company has just added the Type TRX Robot Hand to its quality lineup.
Learn more. |
 | New fast-cure urethane adhesive speeds assembly
Designed for engineered thermoplastics, e-coated metals, powder painted surfaces, coated metals, composites, and SMC, the LORD 7800 family of fast-cure urethane adhesives will help manufacturers reduce bond and assembly time in the transportation sector. Traditional urethanes cure and build up strength slowly, forcing manufacturers to wait 3 to 12 hours to reach the necessary state to drill, cut, machine, and/or add other components to the assembly. In contrast, the LORD 7800 family cures quickly, reaching those usable strengths often within an hour or less -- with no odor or flammability issues like competing acrylics.
Learn more. |
 | Test out robotic configurations on virtual production lines
ABB Robotics has launched the third generation of PickMaster, its market-leading robotic software for vision-guided random flow picking and packing applications for the digital Factory of the Future. The new software is equipped with digital twin technology for the first time, which shortens commissioning times from days to hours and cuts changeover periods from hours to minutes. Digital twin technology allows customers to test out robotic configurations on virtual production lines before physical lines are built, and the picking process can even be optimized virtually at the same time as the system is being implemented.
Learn more. |
 | Robotics modular kit for low-cost automation
The Robolink D modular robotic kit from igus allows users to assemble custom robotic systems for a range of applications. Separate joints, which are motor-driven directly on the axis, are available in a range of installation sizes. A new, 6-axis arm with strain wave gearing (in two installation sizes) is also available, along with universal gripper adaptors. The gearing, available as an individual component or with integrated NEMA motor, consists of an outer ring gear and flexible, wear-resistant inner ring gear made from self-lubricating, wear-resistant iglide plastic. This solution offers minimal backlash and ensures a precise adjustment with incredible smoothness.
Learn more. |
 | How a Seventh Axis adaptation aims to move cobot technology into more factories
Advances in technology and software are expanding the scope of potential cobot work environments to include small and mid-size operations. That's why Rollon Corporation has created a Seventh Axis system for collaborative industrial robots from Universal Robots (UR). This shuttle system is designed to extend the operating area of UR's cobots to enhance their performance in automated processes for various industries without sacrificing their simplicity.
Read the Rollon article. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Motor solutions for robotics and intelligent systems
Kollmorgen motors are optimized for fit and performance with industry-standard strain wave gearing and industry-leading torque density, enabling smaller, lighter, and faster robots. Their housed rotary servo, frameless, and stepper motors include the award-winning KBM and TBM lines. Kollmorgen has mobilized hundreds of thousands of robotic joints and arms for applications including collaborative robots, industrial articulated robots, and medical robots, as well as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) such as mobile picking/sorting robots, carts, tuggers, and self-driving forklifts.
Learn more. |
 | Alternative precision linear motion system: Faster, more accurate, zero backlash
With high speeds, incredible accuracy, and zero backlash at unlimited lengths, Nexen's patented Roller Pinion System (RPS) overcomes the limitations of conventional rack and pinion, ball screw, and belt-drive systems. The RPS offers longer life, less maintenance, 99 percent efficiency, and can run without lubrication.
Learn more about Nexen's Roller Pinion System.
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 | Trends in 3D printing for 2020
3D-printing (additive manufacturing) technologies have continued to evolve, adapt, and reinvent themselves. With 2020 on the horizon, 3D-printing bureaus have to keep an eye on what's next. Greg Paulsen from Xometry runs through the hottest trends in 3D printing that will help elevate the manufacturing industry, including new materials, capabilities, and design tools.
Read the Xometry blog. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Make your first robo weld in 10 minutes
The Vectis Cobot Welding Tool from Vectis Automation helps manufacturers boost productivity by reducing the learning curve, deployment time, risk, and cost of robotic welding. Powered by Universal Robots' UR10e collaborative robot, the Vectis Cobot Welding Tool is a portable, safe, versatile, and extremely easy-to-use solution that is even available as a low-risk, no-capital, rent-to-own option. Typical set up of this system can be done entirely by the customer within a few hours of system arrival, and welding can begin within 10 minutes of setup -- with no programming experience necessary. The Vectis system comes with all hardware provided fully integrated onto a 3-ft x 6-ft mobile modular fixturing cart.
See it in action. |
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Hyundai walking car concept -- is this a future first responder?
Are Imperial Walkers really around the corner? The need for efficient, rapid, resilient transportation for disaster assistance is what led Hyundai to develop the first-ever vehicle with movable legs. Called Elevate, it is the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV). It blends technology found in electric cars and robots, which allows it to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle. The concept is based on a modular EV platform with the capability to switch out different bodies for specific situations. Its robotic leg architecture has five degrees of freedom, wheel hub propulsion motors, and is enabled by the latest in electric actuator technology. Hyundai has been working with Sundberg-Ferar on the Elevate concept for three years.
View the video. |
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Compact angle sensor for robotics and other applications
Watch angle sensors in action and see how easy they are to program in this video from Novotechnik. Novotechnik's Vert-X 1600 Series of angle sensors (shown here) features easy mounting in tight spaces with a 16-mm diameter body. The sensors measure 0 to 360 degrees with linearity ? +/-0.3 percent, 14-bit resolution, and repeatability to 0.1 degrees. A variety of analog and digital output options are available.
View the video. |
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Guy creates self-solving Rubik's Cube
Norm from Adam Savage's Tested meets a guy at Maker Faire 2019 named Takashi who has created a Rubik's Cube that solves itself. What's that you say? Is it one of those lightning-fast robot hands? Nope. This special cube has six servos, a micro controller, and a battery -- all built inside. It twists and turns its way to find the solution. Fun to watch. Maybe not so fun to play with again and again. Still, A+ for creativity.
View the video. |
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Adaptive shape gripper modeled on chameleon tongue
Festo's bio-inspired adaptive shape gripper DHEF can pick up, gather, and set down small parts with a wide range of shapes in one procedure -- without the need for manual tool-gripper conversion. The gripper consists of a pneumatic drive and the inverting cap, which is connected to the piston rod at its tip. The cylinder motion pulls the cap tip inwards, allowing objects to be gripped during the inverting motion. Two sensors can be mounted in T-slots on the side of the cylinder. They report the piston position and provide feedback on the gripping process. The gripper also has an ISO interface for mounting on a robot.
View the video. |
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