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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Servomotors for food, beverage, pharma, more

Siemens' new stainless steel SIMOTICS S-1FS2 line of servomotors has been designed for the clean condition requirements of the food, beverage, sterile packaging, pharma, and other process industries. These motors are highly resistant to corrosion and acidic chemicals and are offered in a variety of power ratings, from 0.45 to 2 kW (0.60 to 2.68 hp) with torque from 3.1 to 14 Nm (2.28 to 10.32 ft-lb). Features include high dynamics due to low inherent inertia, high overload capacity for pick-and-place, and precise movement of heavy loads. Easy installation and cleaning. Compatible with the SINAMICS S210 drive system.
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What is Sensorless Closed Loop? Precise motor control without an encoder

Matt Sherman, eMobility Sales and Application Engineer at KEB America, runs through different options to drive an AC motor, including one called "Sensorless Closed Loop" that does not require additional hardware such as encoder, resolver, or cables on the motor.
Read this informative KEB America blog.

All about magnetic rotary encoder

The precision and reliability offered by modern rotary encoders are essential in many product categories. These include robotics, machine tools, printing presses, motion control systems, medical equipment, aerospace, gaming and entertainment, and automotive. Learn all about magnetic rotary encoders -- and important developments in the technology's future.
Read the full Avnet article.

High-force actuator line expanded with new models

Tolomatic has introduced five new products in its RSX line of high-force actuators to meet a wider range of industrial applications. These five sizes expand the RSX's capabilities to include forces up to 66,000 lbf (294 kN). RSX actuators, which feature high-precision planetary roller or ball screws for longer life in harsh environments, enable the easy replacement of traditional hydraulics to eliminate leaks and improve system performance.
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BAE Systems demonstrates first integration of unmanned surface vessel with a U.K. Royal Navy warship

At a time of increased threat to international shipping, BAE Systems has demonstrated, for the first time, how Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) can be fully integrated with the U.K.'s operational Royal Navy warships to extend their reach beyond the horizon and reduce sailors' exposure to danger.

An unmanned Pacific 24 Rigid Inflatable Boat (P24 RIB) was integrated with the combat system of HMS Argyll, a Type 23 frigate, in a series of waterborne demonstrations in London's Docklands at DSEI 2019, the international defense and security event (Sept. 10-13).

The 7.8-m-long P24 RIB has a speed of 38 knots and can operate for up to 45 hr at patrol speed or 100 nautical miles in pursuit mode, while being controlled remotely or operating autonomously. Its integration with an active warship has potential applications across a range of missions, including anti-piracy operations, border control, intelligence gathering, maritime security, and force protection.

At the show, technologists from BAE Systems, in collaboration with the Royal Navy, Dstl, and autonomous systems supplier L3Harris, demonstrated the potential to make naval missions faster, easier, and safer by carrying out high-speed exercises that mimicked real-world scenarios such as force protection, threat intercept, and chase missions.

The P24 RIB, designed and built by BAE Systems, is the standard sea boat for the Royal Navy and is used widely across its surface fleet. It is also used extensively by the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Ministry of Defense Police, and by allied navies and overseas security forces. The new autonomous capability has the potential to be retrofitted to existing P24 RIBs.

A key part of proving the technology for future operational use has been to ensure a secure connection between the combat management and sensor system on board the warship and the off-board systems on the RIB.

Early trials of the technology have been conducted in collaboration with the Royal Navy's new autonomy and lethality accelerator program, Navy X.

"This is much more than an Unmanned Surface Vessel demonstration for the Royal Navy," said Cdr Sean Trevethan, Royal Navy Fleet Robotics Officer. "What we are doing is the first step in exploiting system architecture in a complex warship to integrate an unmanned system into the ship. This ensures the system and its payload fully contribute to the warfighting capability of the ship.

"Ultimately, this will change the way we fight -- through integrated command and control -- and lead to development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures. The P24 RIB is well known to the Royal Navy and has a lot of potential in terms of its payload and deployment as an unmanned system. The Royal Navy is excited at the prospect of developing this capability."

The version of the autonomous P24 RIB on show at DSEI has been modified for optional unmanned operation and fitted with additional sensors and effectors including a high-resolution optical and thermal camera and Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) system, capable of emitting warning messages at distance. It is also equipped with automated navigational decision-making technologies, freeing up operators to focus on mission-critical information from afar.

The P24 has pre-programmed intelligent behaviors to position itself appropriately in relation to a potential threat. However, its planned weapons system, developed by MSI Systems with BAE Systems, remains firmly under a human operator's control, ensuring that while the vessel can operate and navigate autonomously, there will always be a highly trained operator making the final decision on engagement and targeting.

The demonstrations highlight the collaborative effort of industry working alongside Dstl partners in supporting the future of the Royal Navy, and the advancement of technology in providing non-lethal and lethal advantage to the U.K.'s military forces.

First introduced on an experimental basis in 2015 and trialed as part of the Royal Navy's Unmanned Warrior exercise in 2016, BAE Systems is working with the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense to continue a series of capability demonstrations, including NATO trials, designed to further test the integration of the technology with existing warship combat management systems trials and its planned weapons systems.

"For the past four years, we have been working in collaboration to develop this ‘first of its kind' technology," said Mike Woods, Chief Technologist for BAE Systems' Maritime Services business. It will provide "a crucial advantage where it counts."

Source: BAE Systems

Published September 2019

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