The new Weintek cMT-iV6 touch panel with built-in cMT Viewer can connect with multiple cMT-SVR or cMT Series HMIs for monitoring. Equipped with a 9.7-in. 1024×768 touchscreen, built-in speaker, and high-performance 1-GHz processor, it delivers outstanding visuals, sound effects, and operation experience. The cMT-iV6 inherits most of its functions from cMT-iV5 — but has an…
From the archives: HIWIN’s Datorker at Automate and the Robotic Summit
Robots aren’t all humanoid and SCARA; some take the form of linear-motion arrangements. In fact, we’ve covered how Cartesian arrangements in particular offer better energy efficiency and price points than more stereotypical robotic arrangements. You’ll get copious amount of information on such linear designs and technologies at the 2019 Robotics Summit (on commercial-robotics design, development, […]
Trinamic now sells TMC5160 SilentStepStick (for up to 256 microsteps per full step)
TRINAMIC Motion GmbH & Co. KG now sells a TMC5160 SilentStepStick. Outpowering all other StepSticks on the market, this tiny breakout board with the TMC5160 can drive motors up to 3A phase current at 35V. The TMC5160 SilentStepStick not only extends the product family by a more powerful solution, it’s also more advanced than the…
Growth industry: Automation in the burgeoning cannabis market
Taboos against cannabis continue to go up in smoke, which has meant the rapid ascent of an entirely new industry. It’s also meant proliferation of new automated systems and machine designs for all stages of cannabis production — including growing, harvesting, processing, testing, packaging, and distributing of marijuana and hemp-based goods to satisfy demand. Before…
Cannabis cultivation leverages modular automation stations
By Michael G. Giunta • National sales manager | Macron Dynamics Uninitiated laymen might assume today’s cannabis is grown through traditional farming — over horizontal outdoor spaces in natural environments managed by Mother Nature. But large-scale cannabis farming is typically indoors and highly automated. That’s for a couple reasons: • Security is a major concern […]
High speeds and output put greater demand on shock and vibration technologies
The move to faster speeds, larger volumes and greater outputs in automated machinery is prompting more use of vibration and shock mitigation technologies. This has intensified innovations to shock absorbers, vibration dampers, air bearings and other devices, which run the gamut from faster response-designs to smart technologies. According to Brian Fink, Product Manager, Aerotech Inc.,…
‘Robo-Nose’ Could Give K9 Officers a Break
Every day, thousands of trained K9 dogs sniff out narcotics, explosives and missing people across the United States. These dogs are invaluable for security, but they’re also very expensive and they can get tired. Duke researchers have taken the first steps toward building an artificial “robot nose” device made from living mouse cells that officers…
Spartan Scientific launches new stackable solenoid valve
Spartan Scientific is offering its series 4290 direct-acting stackable solenoid valve that eliminates the need to machine and inventory multiple manifolds. The series 4290, used in water-related applications, improves on Spartan’s 3923 solenoid valve series with a larger body made of polyvinyl chloride material that is available in single units or stacks. The larger PVC…
Cloud Of Uncertainty Over Legalized Marijuana As Feds End Obama-Era Accommodation
Three days after California businesses began selling marijuana for recreational use, a policy change by the federal government has sparked uncertainty about the future of legalized cannabis and provoked sharp reactions from officials in the state and around the nation. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday rescinded an Obama-era policy that discouraged federal prosecutors from cracking down…
UK Prison Moves To Stop Drone Deliveries Of Contraband
A British prison will install anti-drone technology to stop contraband being smuggled through the skies, the jail’s governor told AFP on Tuesday. The Channel Island of Guernsey is installing an “invisible dome” above its prison to stop mobile phones, drugs and weapons being smuggled in, governor David Matthews said. “Many prison governors are struggling with the drones.…
No respect for manufacturing jobs
Lee Teschler @dw_leeteschler You would have had to live under a rock for the past year to not hear the political posturing about U.S. manufacturing jobs. The President has promised to bring back. manufacturing jobs. Candidate Clinton had a “Make it in America” plan with effectively the same aim. The campaign rhetoric might lead you…
Dutch Brothers in Court for Bitcoin Mining with Stolen Power
Prosecutors in the Netherlands are seeking prison sentences for two brothers who they say used stolen electricity to power computers they used to mine bitcoins worth an estimated 200,000 euros ($223,500). Prosecutors said in a statement Wednesday that powerful computers used to “mine” the electronic currency were found in a building in the port city…
As Marijuana Moves To Medicine Cabinet, Physicians Face Knowledge Gap
Medical marijuana has been legal in Maine for almost 20 years. But Farmington physician Jean Antonucci says she continues to feel unprepared when counseling sick patients about whether the drug could benefit them. Will it help my glaucoma? Or my chronic pain? My chemotherapy’s making me nauseous, and nothing’s helped. Is cannabis the solution? Patients…
Microsoft to Work with Cannabis Compliance Tech Firm Kind
Microsoft is dipping its toe in the legal marijuana business. The giant tech company is partnering with a startup that makes software for the booming legal cannabis industry. Los Angeles-based Kind Financial said Thursday that Microsoft will help it market its software to local and state government agencies that monitor marijuana growers or distributors for…
Highway Bill Includes Freight, Auto Safety Provisions
A sweeping transportation bill approved by the House on Thursday would put a new emphasis on freight corridors when designating highway funds and includes provisions sought by both industry and safety advocates to address auto, truck, bus, and railroad safety. Here is a look at some of the bill’s provisions. FREIGHT CORRIDORS —Designates certain highways…
Prison Yard Closed Due to Reports of Nearby Drone Flight
Corrections officials in Utah are examining a possible security issue following reports that drones may have flown near a prison’s recreational yards on separate occasions. Each sighting forced official’s at Utah State Prison in Draper to order inmates back inside the facility. Utah Department of Corrections spokeswoman Brooke Adams said the state’s correction officials haven’t confirmed whether…
‘Cannibuster’ Measures Drivers Marijuana Levels
In Northeast Ohio, universities don’t just educate future researchers — they develop future entrepreneurs. On Thursday, April 23, the ninth annual LaunchTown Entrepreneurship Awards will celebrate five competitors representing some of the brightest and most innovative ideas being produced at northeast Ohio universities. Of this year’s student team finalists, two are from The University of…