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June 27, 2023Volume 19 Issue 24


Image - The Next Big Leap in Automation
The Next Big Leap in Automation
OnRobot's latest product called D:PLOY is the industry's first automated, application-centered software platform for robotic deployment. The new system boasts an 80% reduction in deployment time for jobs such as machine tending, with the entire application -- including any leading cobot or light industrial robot arm along with tooling, sensors, and other devices -- accessed and managed from D:PLOY's dashboard.
Get more information.

In this issue of Designfax

  • 95 Years Ago: First rocket-powered piloted aircraft
  • Toyota generative AI for vehicle design
  • New brain-like computer memory
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven: 1960s and 70s experiments reborn
  • Slimmest enclosure air conditioner on the market!
  • OnRobot Palletizer: Complete, configurable, and modular
  • Connect tubes securely -- without visual clutter
  • Beam couplings for robotics applications and more
  • Ultrasonic sensors for packaging and automotive
  • New! Black anodized T-slotted rails from AutomationDirect
  • GAM gearboxes drive automated parking system
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Handle simple motion tasks electrically
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • New VW bus coming to U.S. in 2024
    • Space tractor beams: Not a sci-fi fantasy?
    • Drive shafts getting lightweight builds
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept

News

Elastocaloric cooling system may open door to climate-friendly AC

New 3D‑printing method uses welding machines to build structures with two metals

U.S. Air Force general says countering hypersonic weapons is imperative

Weird science: Plants can distinguish when touch starts and stops



Feature articles
95 Years Ago: First rocket-powered piloted aircraft

It's been almost a century since some brave innovators decided to affix rockets to human-piloted aircraft and give it a go. NASA's John Uri provides a fascinating history of the first endeavors and the development of rocket-powered aircraft since.
Read the full article.
Image -
When metals can't survive, use an alternative.
Insaco: The top choice for high-precision machining of hard materials to very precise tolerances.


Image - Toyota using new generative AI tools for vehicle design
Toyota using new generative AI tools for vehicle design
The Toyota Research Institute in Los Altos, CA, recently unveiled a generative artificial intelligence (AI) technique to aid and inspire vehicle designers. With the updated tool, designers can add initial sketches and engineering constraints into their process, cutting down the iterations needed to reconcile design and engineering considerations.
Read the full article.

Image - New brain-like computer memory could greatly reduce energy use and improve performance
New brain-like computer memory could greatly reduce energy use and improve performance
UK researchers have developed a brain synapse-like design for computer memory that could both greatly improve performance and reduce the energy demands of internet and communications technologies. It could also expand the data-holding capacity of a typical USB stick by up to 100 times.
Read the full article.

Image - Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven: 1960s and 70s experiments reborn in new supercar concept
Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven: 1960s and 70s experiments reborn in new supercar concept
Mercedes-Benz has given a hint of what its future design language looks like by producing a one-off, all-electric, super-slick supercar called the Vision One-Eleven. The concept gets its DNA from the company's C 111 experimental vehicles from the 1960s and 70s, which were used to test revolutionary Wankel and turbodiesel engines, and also polymer-based bodyshells.
Read the full article.

Image - Slimmest enclosure air conditioner on the market!
Slimmest enclosure air conditioner on the market!
Seifert's SlimLine Series of enclosure air conditioners integrates unique technologies -- maximum power-to-size ratio, mounting of merely 4.5 in. inside-cabinet depth -- making this line the slimmest air conditioner in the market. It features Seifert's proprietary condenser design that provides improved cooling performance and ensures reliability in demanding applications. Cooling capacity: 1,090 to 5,120 Btu/hr.
Learn more.

Image - OnRobot Palletizer: Complete, configurable, and easy-to-use modular solution
OnRobot Palletizer: Complete, configurable, and easy-to-use modular solution
The OnRobot Palletizer is a complete collaborative palletizing solution designed to take the physical and financial pain out of palletizing processes. It includes four new hardware and software products to make affordable collaborative automation available to companies of all sizes and technology skill levels.
Read the full article.

Image - Connect tubes securely -- without visual clutter
Connect tubes securely -- without visual clutter
When it comes to clamp connectors, those universal connecting elements for tube-based constructions, most people think of parts made of metal. However, JW Winco now offers clamp connectors of glass fiber-reinforced polyamide for diverse configurations. These connectors can withstand temperatures up to 212 F (100 C) and are used in applications where corrosion resistance is important, weight is limited, or visual appearance is a significant factor. They provide a high-end solution with defined load capacities.
Learn more.

Image - Beam couplings for robotics applications and more
Beam couplings for robotics applications and more
Ruland beam couplings are ideal for surgical, warehouse, and industrial robotics due to their increased torque and torsional stiffness and ability to accommodate all forms of misalignment. Ruland manufactures four-beam couplings for encoders and six-beam couplings for light-duty power transmission, such as connecting a stepper or servo motor to a lead screw. This allows robotic designers to design a standard beam coupling into most systems.
Learn more.

Image - Ultrasonic sensors for packaging and automotive
Ultrasonic sensors for packaging and automotive
The new, compact ultrasonic sensors of the HTU200 and DMU200 series from Leuze are particularly suitable for applications in the packaging and automotive industries. They reliably perform difficult detection and measuring tasks by themselves, detecting objects regardless of their surface structure using a reflected acoustic pulse -- even glossy, transparent, or dark surfaces, as well as liquids or granular products. Available in a variety of sizes with operating ranges from 0.1 to 6 m; some models have an IO-Link interface. Leuze has an appropriate solution for every requirement.
Learn more.

Image - New! Black anodized T-slotted rails from AutomationDirect
New! Black anodized T-slotted rails from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added the 10 (1 in.), 15 (1.5 in.), and 40 (40 mm) series of SureFrame rails in standard and light weights. These rails are offered with a UV-resistant, black anodized finish, which provides a new aesthetic option in addition to the standard clear anodized finish that is available for all series and weights. SureFrame rails are used to build sturdy, custom-made structural frames and are warranted from manufacturer defects for one year from the date of purchase.
Learn more.

Image - GAM gearboxes drive automated parking system
GAM gearboxes drive automated parking system
Learn how PARKPLUS partnered with GAM to develop a compact gearbox solution that could handle the demanding performance requirements associated with Automated Guided Systems (AGVs) that store and retrieve vehicles on giant trays in a multi-level parking structure. The AGV drive trains consist of two motors and gearboxes that mount directly into the omni-directional wheels. This configuration puts a tremendous amount of strain on the basic AGV drive design, which requires each unit to be powerful enough to transport a vehicle around the garage.
Read this interesting application article from GAM.

Most popular last issue

Image - New VW bus long wheelbase coming to U.S. in 2024
New VW bus long wheelbase coming to U.S. in 2024
Looking to capture a little of that old-school California Dreamin' vibe? The reborn VW bus will finally be available in the U.S. next year as the all-electric ID. Buzz with long wheelbase (LWB), after the short-wheelbase model rolled off the production lines for European customers this year. The rear-motor LWB bus is filled with retro-futuristic design touches, and a more powerful AWD version will be an option eventually too.
Read the full article.

Image - Space tractor beams: Maybe not a sci-fi fantasy
Space tractor beams: Maybe not a sci-fi fantasy
In the not-so-distant future, a fleet of small spacecraft could whiz around Earth, rendezvousing with dead hunks of metal in geosynchronous orbit, and use "electron beams" to slowly haul debris to safety -- without ever having to touch the space trash.
Read the full article.

Image - Drive shafts getting lightweight builds
Drive shafts getting lightweight builds
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute (Germany) are developing a new, very lightweight drive and side shaft system for cars and trucks. The shafts' matrix consists of thermoplastic materials that can be recycled and have additional lightweighting and processing advantages.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
Handle simple motion tasks electrically with less cost and more complex control
Bill Fontaine and Steve Hunt from iAutomation discuss the benefits of the Festo Simplified Motion Series. These integrated drives are the perfect solution for all users who are looking for an electric alternative for very simple motion and positioning tasks.
View the video.
Go to the Festo Simple Electric Automation Solution page.

Video Image

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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Mechanical
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Motion
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