February 14, 2012 Volume 08 Issue 06

Motion Control News & Products

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Advanced 4-axis delta robot for high-speed pick and place

igus has launched its latest high-performance 4-axis delta robot, the DR1000. Designed specifically for fast and precise pick-and-place tasks, this new unit sets a benchmark for cost-effective and efficient automation solutions. The DR1000 boasts an impressive working diameter of 1,000 mm and an additional rotary axis that provides four degrees of freedom, enabling users to grip and orient components seamlessly. An ideal choice for end-of-line applications. Fast at 96 picks/min.
Learn more.


How to maximize and optimize stepper motor control

Engineers from Performance Motion Devices take a comprehensive look at how to control two-phase stepper motors, beginning with the basics (operations, strengths, and weaknesses) and moving on to traditional and updated advanced techniques for control including closed loop. A very thorough presentation.
Read this Performance Motion Devices article.


Nanotec expands stepper motor line

Nanotec has added the ASA86 to its family of high-performance stepper motors designed to meet the demands of advanced automation applications. All ASA series motors are UL/CSA-certified and offer IP65-rated protection for reliable operation in harsh environments. For precise positioning, they feature a built-in encoder in incremental or multiturn versions. With a holding torque of up to 933 Ncm, the ASA86 is optimized for dynamic, high-load applications. Comes in two lengths and can be combined with various gearboxes.
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Electromate offers advanced UAV and drone subsystems in partnership with maxon

Electromate has just announced the availability of advanced UAV and drone subsystems through its partnership with maxon, a renowned Swiss manufacturer of precision drive systems. These durable parts are engineered to meet the specific demands of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). maxon's UAV propulsion systems consist of brushless DC motors, electronic speed controllers, and propellers built for the utmost safety and efficiency.
Learn more.


Tbot Linear Robot systems with fixed motor mounting are perfect for pick and place

Macron Dynamics' belt-driven X/Z T-Bot systems (TBG line) are perfect for pick-and-place processes. The simple design, where a single belt drives both axes, means there is no need for costly cable carriers. This type of motion can be used for anything pick-and-place oriented, and the extruded construction means it can scale to virtually any application. The architecture of the line allows for smaller travel heights for the Z axis, providing a more compact structure that is easier to integrate into existing designs. Models available to handle max loads from 10 to 100 lb.
Learn more.


Get your cobots on track ... literally

Thomson Industries has released what it is calling "the first-ever true collaborative extension of cobots." Adding a horizontal operating range up to 10 m, the MovoTrak CTU (cobot transfer unit) 7th axis sets itself apart with collision detection that stops the cobot when it encounters an obstacle, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity. An industrial robot transfer unit (RTU) has also launched, which can be easily integrated with a user's preferred motor and drive. Compatible with even the largest cobots, such as the UR20 and UR30.
Learn more.


Versatile linear actuator with high load capacity

The GL-N is a versatile actuator from THK that boasts a durable design and high movement load capacity thanks to dual linear guide rails. It is ideal for automation and packaging applications, delivering high precision, durability, and efficiency. GL-N-B features a lightweight, high-rigidity aluminum base with Caged Ball LM guides. GL-N-BS adds a QZ Lubricator for the ball screw for long-term, maintenance-free operation.
Learn more.


Next-gen motor for pump and fan applications

The next evolution of the award-winning Aircore EC motor from Infinitum is a high-efficiency system designed to power commercial and industrial applications such as HVAC fans, pumps, and data centers with less energy consumption, reduced emissions, and reduced waste. It features an integrated variable frequency drive and delivers upward of 93% system efficiency, as well as class-leading power and torque density in a low-footprint package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. Four sizes available.
Learn more.


What is a low-waving linear motion guide?

If you are having a problem with your linear guides not always staying perfectly straight during use, it may be due to a phenomenon called waving -- a problem that is particularly critical in high-precision markets such as semiconductor and LCD equipment-related applications or machine tools. Thankfully, THK has an answer.
Read the full article.


OnRobot Sander: Ultimate solution for precision finishing tasks

Sanding is now more versatile and precise. Save time and enhance efficiency while maintaining consistent quality. With easy integration, remote monitoring, and dust-free operation, OnRobot Sander is a valuable addition to any workflow. This tool offers precise control over sanding parameters and is suitable for various materials, making it a must-have for professionals in the finishing industry.
Learn how to build your sanding application.
Learn more about OnRobot Sander.


Drive gearboxes for mobile robots

Different automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can require different types of wheel drives. GAM has all your needs covered from standard GML inline planetary gearboxes to integrated strain wave (harmonic) robotic gearboxes to modified and fully custom solutions. Check out all the offerings.
Learn more.


Universal Robots unveils cobot AI Accelerator

Universal Robots' new UR AI Accelerator is a ready-to-use hardware and software toolkit created to further enable the development of AI-powered cobot applications. Designed for commercial and research applications, the UR AI Accelerator provides developers with an extensible platform to build applications, accelerate research, and reduce time to market of AI products -- ready to use straight out of the box.
Learn more.


Z-Tip-Tilt nanopositioning stage: High-speed ultra precision

PI offers an ultra-low-profile Z-Tip-Tilt stage designed for demanding alignment applications in optics, semicon-ductors, precision assembly, and photonics. Based on air bearings and linear motors, the stage is wear-free, maintenance-free, and cleanroom compatible. High speed is ensured by 3-phase linear motors, while high resolution and precision are provided by closed-loop operation with linear encoders with 1-nm resolution. Comes in 5- and 6-axis combinations.
Learn more.


Curtiss-Wright unveils new Exlar GTF food-grade actuator

Curtiss-Wright's Actuation Division has expanded its popular Exlar electric actuator product offerings to include hygienic actuators with FDA-approved materials and finishes. Designed for automation systems in the food and beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries, the GTF with inverted roller screw technology helps customers achieve hygienic certifications more economically. Ideal for builders of hygienic machinery to easily incorporate into their designs.
Learn more.


Robot has longest reach in Mitsubishi's low-cost series

The MELFA RV-12CRL vertically articulated robot has the longest reach of any robot in Mitsubishi Electric's low-cost robot series: 1,504 mm (59.2 in.). With a 12-kg (26.4-lb) payload capacity, this unit is an ideal candidate for machine tending, case packing, and pick-and-place applications. Built-in features provide enhanced safety, streamlined implementation, and an overall reduction in downtime. Features internal cables and air hoses for end-of-arm tooling.
Learn more.


Army bringing Detroit military muscle, hybrid efficiency to Chicago Auto Show

By John W. Wray, RDECOM

The U.S. Army has sent two concept hybrid vehicles to the Chicago Auto Show to showcase its latest energy-efficiency efforts that can save money, address environmental concerns, and, most importantly, save Soldiers' lives. The show, which kicked off Feb. 10, will run the full week until Feb. 19.

The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, known as TARDEC, will display two Clandestine Extended Range Vehicles, or CERVs, from its Detroit Arsenal-based headquarters at the Chicago Army Recruiting Battalion display.

Command Sgt. Maj. Hector Marin, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, rides in a Clandestine Extended Range Vehicles (CERV) at the Army Strong Zone Jan. 6, 2011, in San Antonio, TX. [Photo Credit: Tom Faulkner]

 

 

 

 

CERVs are lightweight, diesel-electric hybrid prototypes with a top speed of 80 mph. Designed for reconnaissance, targeting, and rescue missions, CERVs have silent-run capabilities of 8 miles. Each CERV can ascend a 60% grade and has a torque rating of 5,000 lb.

The CERVs boast a 25% fuel savings compared with conventional vehicles. TARDEC developed the vehicles with California-based Quantum Technologies.

"TARDEC's mission remains unchanged; bring the newest innovations and technology that support our troops against an ever-evolving and changing enemy threat," says Derhun Sanders, TARDEC associate director of communications. "Undoubtedly, these are some of the Army's greenest vehicles and the kind of technology that can meet our nation's energy security demands."

In terms of Soldier safety, Sanders points to a recent Army Energy Security Task Force report stating a 1% improvement in fuel economy results in 6,444 fewer Soldier trips on fuel convoys. A significant number of American casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted from guarding fuel convoys.

CERVs are being tested around the country as the finishing touches are being put on the Army's newest lab, the 30,000-sq-ft Ground Systems Power and Energy Lab, or GSPEL, which will open April 11. The lab is located at the Detroit Arsenal.

GSPEL is an eight-labs-in-one, state-of-the-art research and development facility. GSPEL will serve as the cornerstone for the Army's next generation of power and energy initiatives, providing the Army with the cutting-edge laboratory space and equipment necessary to conduct research, development, modeling, simulation, and testing on military and commercial ground vehicles of all sizes and purposes from subsystem components to entire systems of systems.

Published February 2012

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