The Canadian software developer Maplesoft has released a tool that connects directly in real time to most common automation platforms, giving machine-builders simulation-based debugging and 3D visualisation capabilities, and allowing them to perform simulated testing of their controllers. MapleSim Insight shows them how different control strategies will affect their machines, allowing them to adjust and fine-tune their designs virtually, and cutting the number of costly physical prototypes they will need.
The Welsh drives-maker Invertek Drives has announced a high-performance variable-speed drive (VSD) which, it claims, can cut the energy used by CO2 refrigerant condensing systems by up to 25%. The Optidrive Coolvert drive allows OEMs to optimise the performance and lower the energy costs of brushless DC compressors used in heat pumps and condensers.
Omron has announced a mobile robot with a payload capacity of up to 1,500kg, capable of carrying large components such as car bodies and pallets that would traditionally have needed forklifts to move. The HD-1500 robot’s on-board battery can recharge in 36 minutes and can handle a full shift on a full load, thus reducing downtime.
HMS Networks has announced a second generation of its Anybus Communicator gateway family for connecting devices and machines to industrial networks, almost 20 years after the first generation was released. Millions of devices and machines now rely on Communicators for network connections in a wide range of industrial applications. The two generations will co-exist with separate lifecycle plans.
Rockwell Automation has expanded its family of safety controllers by adding a new device that brings the performance and cost-saving benefits of its Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers to safety applications. Engineers can now scale applications up to and including SIL 3/PLe with 1oo2 architecture.
A German measurement technology specialist Delphin Technology has come up with a software product that, it claims, for the first time combines measurement technology functions with platform independence. The ProfiSignal 20 software allows data analyses and process visualisations to be viewed on smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs.
Siemens has announced a range of ultracapacitor modules designed to recover and store braking energy from machines to avoid peak loads and ensure that the machines continue to operate during power outages. The DLC UltraCap modules can store energy for machinery such as handling systems, robotics, machine tools, metal-forming technologies, and wood, glass and plastic processing systems.
The German enclosure-maker Rittal claims that it is “completely redefining” plastic enclosure technology with a new family of enclosures designed to protect electrical components even in harsh outdoor environments. The new AX enclosures – which replace the previous KS series – incorporate new mounting functions said to make rapid expansion possible and to provide more scope for installations using smart technologies. For the first time, says Rittal, they will transform plastic housings into enclosure systems, with enhanced scope for interior installation.
ABB has announced a pair of water-cooled motors that, it says, will deliver an average of 40% more power than fan-cooled designs. The constant cooling of the AXW 315 and 400 IEC frame motors extends their insulation and bearing lives, thus boosting uptime. Their small footprints save space.
Three companies – Phoenix Contact, Quectel and Ericsson – have worked together to develop and deploy the first 5G router for local industrial applications in private 5G networks. It will allow machines, controls and other equipment to be connected to private 5G networks to manage their behaviour and use of resources.
The UK positioning technology manufacturer Overview has announced a direct-drive, integrated servomotor with a wide dynamic speed range (0.05–720 degrees/second), 0.007-degree repeatability and 1Nm of output torque. The Miranda motor fills a torque gap in Overview’s Servotorq series of direct-drive, servomotors, which are designed to deliver high positional accuracy with fast, smooth and silent motion.
ABB has announced a flexible, high-payload delta robot to target applications such as customised packaging, vertical packing, and high-speed, high-variation sorting and on-demand order-picking in logistics and e-commerce fulfilment centres.
The German sensor-maker Sensopart has announced a 5 Megapixel vision sensor which it describes as “unique”. The Visor V50 boasts an image resolution that is several times larger than standard vision sensors.
HMS Networks has announced a device that delivers reliable cellular-based Internet connections for remote assets almost anywhere in the world. The Anybus Wireless Bolt IoT uses Low Power Wide Area Network (LP-WAN) technologies with frugal power needs, limited bandwidths (25-300 kbit/s), and low connection costs.
The enclosure manufacturer Rittal has announced a tool for configuring its small enclosures that, it says, can cut the time it takes to choose, configure and purchase a compact enclosure by up to 95%. The Rittal Configuration System (RiCS) allows users to browse through an online catalogue of more than 250 accessories, but only shows them components that are suitable for a chosen cabinet. Once selected, the accessory can be positioned in an online 3D model of the enclosure.