Refit will support customers and ABB’s leadership in growing US robotics segments, including Packaging & Logistics, Food & Beverage, Construction, Lifesciences & Healthcare, and Automotive electric vehicle production. New factory serves as US hub, developing and manufacturing AI-enabled technology to help businesses respond to labor shortages, global uncertainty, and the need to operate more sustainably.…
Mitsubishi provides automated machine-tending solution tripling output for customer
TL Aerotek, a small job milling shop customer, experienced an influx of orders. They sought a solution to keep up with demand that would alleviate labor uncertainty and help to grow the business. TL Aerotek turned to their long-time supplier of milling machines for support, Expand Machinery. Expand discovered an opportunity to automate the process…
Hannover Messe focusing on AI’s impact for 2024 trade fair
This year’s Hannover Messe trade fair (said to be the world’s largest industrial trade show) takes place from April 22-26 in this northern German city, and some may say the outlook for manufacturing is uncertain. For sure, in his opening remarks, Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairperson of the Managing Board, Deutsche Messe AG listed many reasons…
Bins in eight seconds: A warehouse transformation story
What’s an AS/AR implementation project really like? This Q&A reveals tips and unexpected challenges when switching from manual to automated. Warehouse automation technology is gaining traction in the U.S. to strengthen supply chains, reduce reliance on labor, and manage peak seasons and unforeseen events more efficiently. However, companies are still relatively slow to adopt and…
Seeing the future of AMR vision systems
Mobile robot technology is moving fast, and generative AI is pegged to transform AMR vision systems to enable more integrated solutions. Advanced machine learning and visual processing are major trends in automated mobile robot (AMR) development. According to Gartner’s Emerging Tech Impact Radar, advanced computer vision and AI acceleration will be among the most important…
LVDT signal conditioner configures in just minutes
NewTek’s smart NTC-6000 Signal Conditioner takes out the complexity of setting up a signal processing system while protecting against operating failures and cybersecurity hacks. Both intuitive and user-friendly, the NTC-6000 Quik-Cal supports AC-operated LVDT, RVDT, or LVRT half-bridge sensors in converting unconditioned position feedback into a choice of voltage, current and digital outputs including 4-20mA, 0-5V, […]
Interconnect system flies over circuits at 28 Gbits/s
Samtec, Inc. is shipping the Optical FireFly Micro Flyover System, the first interconnect system with the flexibility to use micro-footprint high-performance optical and copper interconnects interchangeably. Consisting of a transceiver, two-piece connector system, and cable, the FireFly Micro Flyover System supports 14, 16, 25, and 28 Gbps designs in x4, x8, and x12 configurations. The […]
Light conveyor platform bridges fixed systems with flexible AMRs
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can streamline material handling in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and more, yet many facilities still primarily rely on conveyor systems. To serve as a flexible bridge between fixed conveyors and production lines, Interroll designed a light conveyor platform (LCP) to facilitate the handling of lightweight goods with AMRs from Mobile Industrial Robots…
Brightpick explains machine vision and AI in intelligent warehouse automation
Brightpick unveiled new details about the proprietary world-class machine vision and AI that are critical for the seamless operation of its Brightpick Autopicker robots. The technologies are used for everything from scanning totes (bins) to create 3D models for future picking of items, to determining ideal picking angles for both totes and individual items. The…
Mitsubishi Electric joins the ModuleWorks program
ModuleWorks, a supplier of software components for the digital manufacturing industry, announced that Mitsubishi Electric has joined its Strategic Partner Program. The Strategic Partner Program initiated by ModuleWorks represents a commitment to driving the development of intelligent, integrated manufacturing solutions by fostering collaboration and innovation between ModuleWorks and key technology providers. Mitsubishi Electric is the […]
Waterproof connectors able to immerse in water to depth of 1.8 M for one hour
Amphenol distributor Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of the Sine Systems’ ecomate Aquarius Fathom Lock Series of waterproof connectors for industrial applications. In a mated condition, the system offers an IP67/69K rating, enabling immersion in water to a depth of 1.8M for one hour. The ecomate Aquarius connectors incorporate the latest technology, offering a […]
Bosch Rexroth: Sensors questions for LT experts
Answers Attributed to Brad Klippstein, Smart MechatroniX Product Manager, Bosch Rexroth Regarding Sensor Manufacturers Q: What are the challenges sensor manufacturers coming to you to solve? A: They would like better performance of their systems (i.e. better cycle times, improved scrap rates) and also to solve automation issues that have been unachievable until now. Q:…
Reed sensors fit into small spaces
Littelfuse, Inc. announced the release of its latest innovative product, the 59001 Reed Sensor. This miniature D-shaped cylindrical reed sensor offers a compact size, high performance, and customization options, making it an ideal choice for various industrial, appliances, and IoT proximity sensing applications. The key differentiator of the 59001 Reed Sensor lies in its compact […]
A3 releases more safety standards for industrial mobile robots
Workplace safety is a growing concern as more warehouses become automated. The new ANSI/A3 R15.08-2-2023 focuses on mobile robot systems integration. As the use of mobile robots continues to surge in industrial settings, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has unveiled the second installment of its flagship safety standard for industrial mobile robots. R15.08-2, the American…
Winners announced in the 2023 LEAP Awards Industrial Automation category
The winners of the 2023 LEAP (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) Awards were announced earlier this week in a digital ceremony, with products across 11 categories, including Industrial Automation. Critical to LEAP’s success is the involvement of the engineering community. The Design World editorial team assembled a top-notch independent judging panel, comprised of a cross-section…
Measuring speed and position for safety
TWK has been developing encoders and sensors since 1962. This past year, they’ve highlighted how such components impact safety in automated vehicles and robots. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated mobile robots (AMRs) require several measurements to operate safely. Otherwise, they and the entire fleet cannot navigate and move to target locations. The necessary measurements…
Getting North American warehouses up to speed
Rigid systems lose value (and workers) in dynamic markets. Andy Williams of Exotec North America explains how modular automation and human-centric systems give warehouses a competitive advantage. North America is behind the times in terms of warehouse automation. Most warehouses are entirely manual, and workers may walk 10 miles daily. People do the heavy lifting…
Hermetically-sealed 4-20mA sensors accept long cable runs
NewTek Sensor Solutions offers its Hermetically-Sealed 4-20mA sensors to accept long cables for process control and factory automation applications when standard lengths cannot reach distant control rooms, signal conditioners, PLCs, and/or data loggers. The robust analog 4-20mA current loop output enables the use of longer cables from a sensor to a control system without electromagnetic […]
Get ready to innovate at Advantech’s World Partner Conference
Advantech is hosting the 2023 Industrial-IoT World Partner Conference, Oct. 26–28 in Taipei, Taiwan. The IoT technology company hosts numerous partner events so that experts from around the globe can congregate, explore the latest tech, and discuss the future. Design World is attending the upcoming Industrial-IoT conference to gain insights on trends and innovations for…
LEAP Awards judging panel for 2023 unveiled; winners to be announced Thursday
On Thursday, October 19th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, we’ll be announcing the winners of the 2023 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program). You may register for the live announcement here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4382809/3A647A3B8A9946C4310F13AD425B782A What we feel sets this awards program apart from so many others is the involvement of the engineering community. Each year, our…
Comau powers the automation production of next-generation electric drive systems for NIO
Comau has implemented a high-performance turnkey solution to automate the manufacturing of NIO’s next-generation electric drive systems. The multi-faceted project also ensures fast and reliable co-line production for the electric vehicle manufacturer’s third-gen induction and permanent magnet motors, both of which are integral parts of its proprietary electric drive systems (EDS). The comprehensive solution includes…
Four “eyes” see better than two
Robots do monotonous workflows and less pleasant, repetitive tasks with brilliance. Combined with image processing, they become “seeing” and reliable supporters of humans. They are used in quality assurance to check components, help with the assembly and positioning of components, detect errors and deviations in production processes, and thus increase the efficiency of entire production […]
Mitsubishi Electric Automation launches MELSERVO-J5 flagship servo product platform
The MELSERVO-J5 portfolio of servo motors and amplifiers has been expanded to include two new servo types, additional “High- -Speed” motor models, and a number of new features and functions for enhanced capabilities and unparalleled performance compared to previous generations. Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is proud to announce the expansion of its MELESRVO-J5 product family…
binder USA’s hybrid HEC connector: Power and signal transmission in extreme environments
binder USA’s latest series 696 HEC (harsh environmental connector) was engineered for maximum efficiency and versatility. The connector’s hybrid design allows simultaneous high-and low-voltage power supply and reliable signal transmission with a single mating. Its compact size and bayonet quick-locking mechanism offer additional flexibility. The series 696 is also highly resistant to chemicals, corrosion, and…
eBook: Setting The Standard For Precise Alignment
Download the Nippon Bearing eBook NB’s standard TOPBALL® TW type is the forerunner of the TOPBALL Ultimate and it is available in a wide range of sizes. TOPBALL has 3 times the load capacity and 27 times more travel life than conventional bushings. Because it is self-aligning, it speeds manufacturing and assembly. It is a…