The Taiwanese automation supplier Delta Electronics has announced a Codesys-based multi-core industrial PC that can control up to 64 motion axes via an embedded EtherCat interface. The AX-8 series PC allows PLC, motion control and Windows OS functions to operate simultaneously without affecting each other’s performance.
The Italian robot-maker Comau has announced a collaborative robot (cobot) that can switch automatically from running at industrial robot speeds (up to 6 m/s), to safe collaborative operation when a human enters its working area. When the operator leaves, the six-axis Racer-5 cobot switches back to full speed. The cobot has a 5kg payload capacity, a reach of 809mm and a repeatability of 0.03mm.
OnLogic, the industrial computer manufacturer that specialises in IoT edge applications, has announced a computer based on the low-cost Raspberry Pi platform that is aimed at industrial and IoT applications. The tiny device (measuring 102.5 x 129 x 38mm) will use a Rasperry Pi Compute Module 4 mounted on an industrial-grade carrier board, and will incorporate a variety of I/O. It will allow the popular Arm-based computing platform to be deployed in factories, warehouses and IoT applications, and is expected to become commercially available later this year.
The German motors and drives manufacturer Nord Drivesystems has announced a family of high-efficiency motors, inverters and gear-motors designed to be used individually or in combination to achieve high levels of efficiency, especially in demanding applications such as hygienic installations in the intralogistics, food and pharmaceutical sectors. The family includes an IE5+ gear-motor claimed to have the highest efficiency in its power class.
The Danish robotic end-effector developer OnRobot has announced what it claims is the world’s most-powerful electric vacuum gripper. The VGP20 gripper can lift 20kg loads and can handle applications that have traditionally relied on powerful pneumatic grippers, without needing complex compressed air installations to operate. It is claimed to cut operating and maintenance costs by up to 90% compared to pneumatic systems.
Omron has announced a new generation of Scara robots which, it says, are the first with an on-board “health” indicator that allows users to take appropriate remedial action depending on the colour being displayed. The i4H robots can handle payloads up to 15kg and are suitable for applications such as machine loading and unloading, palletising and pick-and-place, especially in mass customisation applications where high mixes of products are needed at low volumes.
The Welsh drives-maker Nidec Control Techniques has added a dedicated HVAC drive to its Specialist family of industry-specific drives. The high-efficiency (up to 98%) H300 drive is optimised for fan and compressor control.
Moog Animatics has announced a digital servodrive that can be controlled by the company’s SmartMotors via a network that is using its Combitronic communication protocol. The single-axis DS2020 drive can act as a follower device, allowing it to work in SmartMotor-based machines and applications, and allowing users to make their machines simpler and smaller.
Mitsubishi Electric in Europe has unveiled a new generation of servodrives which support the CC-Link IE TSN (time-sensitive networking) technology which offers 1Gbps transmission speeds, and ensures synchronisation across all connected devices – including safety devices, which can be connected on the same network as standard control products such as variable speed drives, HMIs and I/Os.
SKF has announced three handheld tachometers designed to monitor rotational and linear speeds of machinery, and to help maintenance staff spot any emerging mechanical problems. Data gathered by the three devices can give insights into machine and component health, helping to cut maintenance costs and boost efficiency.
Fanuc has announced its most powerful Scara robot to date – a small, lightweight system that can carry loads of up to 20kg, which is 8kg more than the company's next most powerful machine. The SR-20iA robot is predicted to open up new possibilities in assembly, handling, picking and packaging applications.
Yokogawa Test & Measurement has added a new instrument to its ScopeCorder family of portable multi-channel data-acquisition recorders, which is faster and has more channels and data acquisition functions than earlier versions. The DL950 ScopeCorder provides detailed views of an application’s electrical and mechanical behaviour. Its uses include testing inverters, motors, robots, sensors and serial buses.
Pepperl+Fuchs has announced an ultrasonic safety sensor which, it claims, is the first in the world to be certified in accordance with EN ISO 13849, Cat 3, PL d. P+F has acquired the technology from the German Mayser group, which specialises in safety technology, moulded parts and headwear.
The British encoder manufacturer Renishaw has launched a series of enclosed, absolute linear encoders for use in harsh environments such as machine tools. It claims that the Fortis encoders deliver high repeatability, low hysteresis and good measurement performance using a non-contact design that does not need a guide carriage.
ABB has launched an free programming tool for its IRB 1100 industrial robots that allows first-time users to implement robotic automation without needing specialist programming skills or knowledge of the Rapid programming code.
