The UK linear motion specialist HepcoMotion has developed a new guidance system for Beckhoff Automation’s XTS smart conveyor technology that moves items along rectangular paths. By removing the XTS system’s curved segments, the new GFX-r system can handle payloads of up to 40kg
Universal Robots, the Danish manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots), has demonstrated a new 30kg-payload cobot that it says will underpin a new era in automation. The UR30 machine weighs only 63.5kg, allowing it to be moved easily between work cells. It has a reach of 1.3m and footprint diameter of 245mm.
ABB Robotics has completed its industrial Scara robot portfolio with a new robot that, it claims, offers the highest payload of any Scara machine in its class. The IRB 930 robot comes in three variants capable of handling payloads from 12–22kg. ABB says that the 22kg version delivers a 10% increase in throughput compared to others in its class by handling more and heavier workpieces at once.
The Taiwanese automation supplier Delta Electronics has announced a new generation of elevator drives with safety as a top priority, offering built-in safe torque off (STO), as well as compliance with EN81-20 and EN81-50. The compact EB3000 drives ensure smooth, comfortable rides for passengers. They are said to be easy to install, maintain and troubleshoot, and offer wireless control via Bluetooth.
WEG has launched its a series of AC/DC converters that support a wide range of supply voltages and current ratings, catering for both two- and four-quadrant applications. The TPD32-EV-FC converters “offer a versatile solution for motor control to meet the technological demands of a vast range of sectors, for improved efficiency and exceptional performance,” says WEG Automation Europe product manager, Karim Boudaoud.
Beckhoff has unveiled a new generation of its TwinCat motion control technology that takes advantage of the latest multi-core and multitasking processing technologies to overcome some of the limitations of earlier generations. At the SPS exhibition in Germany, the company also demonstrated how it is using chatbots to simplify engineering.
The UK controls developer Trio Motion Technology used the recent SPS show to launch a new motion controller based on Intel multi-core processors, which can run Microsoft Windows alongside Trio’s own Motion-iX core, allowing-machine builders to integrate Windows applications with advanced motion functions.
The German sensor-maker Sick has launched a platform that collects data from any factory source – including sensors, machine controllers and IIoT devices from any manufacturer – and displays it in real time, generating alerts and alarms, and visualising historical trends via dashboard graphics. The vendor-agnostic Field Analytics platform will help manufacturing and logistics organisations to optimise their performance by providing application-specific condition monitoring and process insights, independent of the machinery and systems that they use.
The US electric motor developer ECM PCB Stator Tech has announced a customisable integrated motor controller that operates with a claimed efficiency of 98%. The 5kW Unum Potentia controller was developed to maximise the benefits from the company’s PCB stator motor technology and its PrintStator Motor CAD platform. When combined with its PCB stator machines, the new controller is said to achieve IE5 efficiencies.
Rockwell Automation has launched a portfolio of cloud-based software and hardware that allows customers to use visualisation software to design HMI applications that will work with either Rockwell or third-party controllers, and can run on any hardware.
Siemens has launched an all-in-one security testing suite for industrial communications networks. The Sinec Security Inspector – originally developed by the company for use in its own factories – is a software framework that scans individual network devices, network segments or the entire network infrastructures during maintenance. It brings together “best-in-class” security tools in a single user interface.
Parker Hannifin has developed a modular AC drive specifically for motor control in hydraulic applications. The AC20F drive, available in ratings from 1.5-180kW, can be used in variable-speed hydraulic pump systems, such as the company’s drive-controlled pump (DCP). It includes a sensorless vector mode for controlling induction motors.
Rockwell Automation has announced a module that, it claims, will “revolutionise” edge computing capabilities for its Logix controllers, opening up new applications and enhancing their processing power and versatility. The Embedded Edge Compute module (EEC) allows IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) to converge at the Logix level for more direct monitoring.
Fiix Software, the Canadian CMMS (computerised maintenance management system) specialist that Rockwell Automation bought in 2020, has announced a “game-changing” AI (artificial intelligence) product, that it claims, will predict equipment breakdowns days before they happen by learning the signs of equipment failure in as little as seven days.
ABB Robotics has launched a six-axis robot aimed at users in the education sector. The 21kg IRB 1090 robot offers a reach of 580mm and a payload of 3.5kg. It is 20% lighter than its predecessor and has a 10% smaller footprint, making it easier to move and install.
