The Californian automation manufacturer Opto 22 has announced an intelliegent distributed I/O system designed to connect traditional wired switches and sensors directly to Ethernet networks, software applications and the cloud, without needing intermediary controls or communications hardware, such as PLCs, PACs or PCs.
Stäubli has developed a four-axis Scara robot which, it claims, is the first that can be used in food industry applications where there is a high risk of contamination and bacteria developing. The TS2 HE robots have “a unique and revolutionary hygienic design” that uses smooth, rounded and tilted surfaces to eliminate areas where fluids could accumulate.
Balluff has developed a multi-function sensor for condition-monitoring duties that monitors variables such as vibration in three axes, temperature, humidity and ambient pressure, and processes them on board. The compact, retrofittable BCM sensor supports continuous condition monitoring and allows automated sensing of limits at an “attractive” price.
At the reecent SPS exhibition, the German drives-maker Lenze unveiled a decentralised variant of its i500 frequency inverter which, it claims, is the first to support IO-Link. The IP66-protected i550 protec drive will initially be available in ratings up to 2.2kW. The range will be expanded later up to 75kW.
The latest addition to Beckhoff’s portfolio of tiny industrial PCs is a device that uses Intel’s low-power Core i U processors that need much less energy than other processors in the same series. The result is a fanless IPC capable of intensive computing, but drawing minimal power.
At the recent SPS show iun Germany, Wieland Electric unveiled a decentralised motor starter that, it claims, is the smallest in its power range and the first with IP65 protection and a built-in STO (Safe Torque Off) safety function. The podisMS reversing starter covers the power range 0.3–5hp (0.25–4kW) in one frame size, cutting storage and administration costs.
At the recent SPS show in Germany, the Israeli manufacturer Elmo Motion Control launched a series of servodrives which, it claims, offer “the industry’s most advanced servo functionality”, and are the world’s smallest servos to offer functional safety and support FSoE (Functional Safety over EtherCat). It adds that the drives offer “unmatched” performance with extreme power densities and near-zero latency.
The computer-aided engineering specialist Eplan is offering free trial versions of its eView and eBuild software packages, and is planning to release a series of webinars and training videos to help users to make the most of the trials.
Omron has launched a series of reflective photoelectric sensors that, it claims, have the smallest bodies and the longest sensing ranges (up to 1.5m) in their class. The E3AS sensors are not affected by sensing distances, colours, materials or the surfaces of objects, making them easier to select, commission, adjust and maintain.
At the recent SPS show, Festo unveiled a compact servodrive designed to deliver dynamic motion from small servomotors and stepper motors with continuous power ratings up to 300W. The CMMT-ST drive is particularly suitable for use with Ethernet-based bus systems and can be integrated with controllers from manufacturers such as Siemens, Rockwell and Beckhoff.
Fanuc has unveiled a lightweight collaborative robot (cobot) aimed at first-time users of robots, especially in smaller companies. The CRX-10iA robot can handle payloads of up to 10kg, and will be available with a reach of either 1.2 or 1.4m.
A US manufacturer of fluid-handling equipment has developed an automatic lubrication controller that supports Bluetooth, allowing maintenance personnel and operators to monitor parameters such as lubricant levels, pressures and configurations on a smartphone or tablet.
ABB has announced an IP67-rated version of its smallest and fastest industrial robot – the IRB 1100 – as well as a matching IP54-protected controller. The IP67 protection will allow the robot to be used in applications that generate dust, water and debris, such as polishing, wet grinding, buffing and deburring.
Sick claims that its latest safety laser scanner is the world’s smallest. The 8cm-high nanoScan3 has been designed for easy integration into machines such as AGVs (automated guided vehicles), mobile platforms and service robots. It can also be built into stationary equipment for hazardous point, area and access protection.
At the recent SPS exhibition, Aerotech unveiled a new control platform which, it says, contains all of the components needed for precision machine control. The Automation1 platform is aimed, in particular, at the growing markets for precision machinery in which process controls need to be linked closely to motion controls. It promises faster motion and settling times, improved position stability, and enhanced contour accuracy.
