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How a Gear Manufacturer Decreased Cycle Time by 12 Seconds, Realizing a 3-month ROI with Collaborative Robot Grippers The Copenhagen-based company Osvald Jensen increased productivity on CNC machines by retrofitting them with RG2 Dual Grippers from OnRobot that significantly decrease cycle times and allow for production to continue after operators leave the shop. Learn about automating machine tending White Paper on Collaborative Automation
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In this issue of Designfax |
News |
Cover Image: Nelson Publishing
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Biomorphic batteries could provide 72x more energy for robots Promising new research identifies innovative approach for controlling defects in 3D printing Robotic system remotely controls ventilators in COVID-19 patient rooms |
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Cobots Take Over Undesirable Tasks, Optimize Assembly and Packaging by 30% Darex, a manufacturer of drill and knife sharpeners, runs fast-paced production lines with many repetitive and ergonomically unfriendly tasks. The company has implemented Universal Robots in screw-driving and box-erecting applications, quickly scaling the initial install into a full-blown automation line with multiple work stations programmed through the UR interface. The entire system is developed in-house. Ready for an on-site demo? Request one now:
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| Featured Articles |
| Wow. Cars painted precisely with inkjet tech -- no masking required | |
 Two-tone or customized paint jobs require time-intensive masking, and sprayers usually waste a lot of paint. A new system called PixelPaint from ABB Robotics erases those concerns, providing robotic cells that use inkjet technology to accurately lay down even the most intricate designs with no overspray or taped areas.
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Robot Ready: How automation is driving the future of fastener installation Robotic automation is the biggest way in which fastener installation equipment has changed in recent years. The Haeger® line of insertion systems, part of the PennEngineering® family of brands since 2018, is a great example of technology that utilizes robotic automation to insert nearly every type and size of self-clinching fastener out there. Learn all about this capable and flexible system. An example cost study is included.
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Cool Tools: Easy-setup orbital sander for cobots launched by OnRobot The new Sander package from OnRobot includes everything customers need to get their robotic sanding application started quickly and easily: a plug-and-play sanding tool, a variety of standard 3M sanding and polishing pads, easy-to-use programming software, an optional force/torque sensor, and a Grit Changer that enables automated switching between different sanding grits without operator intervention. All of the advanced features are supported on Universal Robots cobots, but the tool is easily integrated with any major robot brand.
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Jet fighters and BMWs: Trends in manufacturing At a new facility in Warton, Lancashire, BAE Systems is applying game-changing digital technologies to advance manufacturing of the UK's next-gen combat jet fighter called Tempest. Their updated toolbox includes a digitally connected intelligent factory, digital twins, automated robots and cobotic technologies, and intelligent workstations. Carmaker BMW in Germany is updating its factories and process tech too, focusing on using augmented reality in prototyping and building a new 3D-printing tech center in Munich.
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Ironhand powered glove keeps workers healthy and efficient The Ironhand system is the world's first active soft exoskeleton for the hand. It was designed and produced by Swedish company Bioservo Technologies to improve the health of workers who perform grasp-intensive and repetitive tasks. To control the individual fingers, pressure sensors in the glove fingertips detect the gripping action, and an integrated computer calculates the additional force necessary. Powerful micro-servomotors from FAULHABER pull thin cables in the glove fingers to provide up to 80 N of gripping force throughout the workday.
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Cobot with vision camera inspects engine sub-assemblies When you're assembling a part of a car's engine that controls the power steering, you have no choice but to be perfect. Anything less than 100% quality could result in a tragic failure. To meet that expectation, Comprehensive Logistics receives a helping hand -- from a Universal Robots cobot arm that can see.
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Solutions for robotic pick and place, packaging automation FANUC America's team of authorized system integrators provide turnkey solutions that help both small and large customers quickly respond to market demands in a wide range of industries and applications. If you're considering automation, FANUC can help you address any challenge you face. Learn about Easy Robotic Picking and Packaging Customization, Robotic Sorting and Picking, Food-Safe Robots, Robot Types, and more.
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How to choose the right robot Robots come in many sizes and configurations, with two to seven axes, and can do simple or complicated work. For both factory and process automation, there's one to suit just about any application or budget. Engineers at Festo take a calculated and thoughtful approach to helping you in your selection process in this informative whitepaper (no registration required). They cover different types of robot tech, benefits and limitations, extra factors to consider, and more.
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Compact ServoWeld actuators for robotics The latest generation of Tolomatic high-force actuators for seventh-axis robotic spot-welding is now designed on a compact footprint in Tolomatic's most power-dense actuator for weld-gun designs. Compact ServoWeld actuators, available in two patent-pending models, are designed for automotive body-in-white resistance spot welding as well as high-production sheet-metal welding applications. The compact servo motor and high-force actuator combo can deliver up to 30 million welds (CSWX model) in typical robotic welding applications, along with increased force and speed capabilities.
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7th axis quickly extends range for robots igus now offers a ready-to-connect 7th axis that will allow robots from robolink and Universal Robots to move over a distance of several meters. The 7th axis is supplied by igus as a complete system that is ready to connect immediately, consisting of a drylin ZLW-20 toothed belt axis in the desired length exactly to the millimeter, plus the connecting cables, the switch cabinet, the power electronics, the software integration, and the corresponding adapter set.
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Fastest packaging machine: 2x speed in same footprint Norwegian machine builder Tronrud Engineering worked with Siemens to develop an innovative, all-electric machine that can pack 300 pillow-shape bags per minute -- the fastest of its kind. During development, the project team used Teamcenter, NX Mechatronics Concept Designer, and the Totally Integrated Automation Portal as well as SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM Advanced to create a digital twin. Tronrud managed to reduce the design phase by 10% and commissioning time by 25%, which led to a significantly shorter time to market. View the video. Very informative regarding industry trends.
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| Most Popular |
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50 ways to use a hexapod Hexapods, six-legged parallel-kinematic machines, can solve many complex positioning and alignment tasks in fields including Optics, Photonics, Precision Automation, Automotive, and Medical Engineering. Features include a programmable pivot point, sub-micron precision, and load capacities from 2 to 2,000 kg.
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Good Reads: Robo-umps are coming to Major League Baseball -- and the game will never be the same Will robo-umps make the game of baseball better or worse? Rayvon Fouche, Professor of American Studies at Purdue University, gives his take on technology creeping more and more into America's pastime.
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New PLC handbook chock full of must-know information AutomationDirect's Practical Guide to Programmable Logic Controllers Handbook has been improved with tons of new need-to-know info, making it a more comprehensive guide to the world of PLCs. Besides covering the basics of PLC history, PLC hardware, and PLC software, this guide takes you deeper into the ever-changing world of PLC communication, the importance of feedback loops, cyber security, and many other areas that are a must-know for any PLC novice or seasoned automation professional. Get this great resource today.
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| Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
| Ice Blast cleans and deburs parts | |
| When you mix an IceStorm machine from Coulson Ice Blast with a KUKA articulated robot, you get a neat and efficient system that carries out cleaning, deburring, and deflashing of metal parts automatically -- using real ice (the same type of ice cubes you can put in your drink). The combination of pressurized air and wet ice in the blast stream allows for a non-toxic and non-abrasive process. There is a dry ice option too. Many more applications. Learn all the things this system can do.
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| New products |
| Electrical/Electronics | Mechanical | Motion |
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| For advertising opportunities contact: John Holmes jholmes@nelsonpub.com Dan Beck danbeck58@gmail.com (518) 852-9624 |
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