Reconsider the actuators, sensors, and other edge devices covered in Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 of this series. Such components are fundamental to edge computing. Supported by gateways and controllers with dedicated connectivity functions, these components use their logic resources to process data before sending it onward to controls, the cloud, or […]

Regent Controls, a Carlyle Johnson Company, now sells a SmartSense24 Sensorless Brake or Clutch Status Monitor. The fully-enclosed SmartSense24 controls and monitors spring-applied, electrically-released brakes and clutches while displaying real-time status and wear condition, allowing for proper timing for maintenance or part replacement. The first product of its kind, SmartSense24 controls and monitors spring-applied electrically-released…

MISUMI, a global supplier of configurable components, is excited to announce their upcoming event partnership with Fisher Unitech during SOLIDWORKS World 2019 in Dallas. This free networking event — The Rapid Design Experience — will include networking, entertainment, and refreshments. The event will also serve as a showcase for sharing new developments for both companies…

The public’s rekindled fascination with robots has brought battling bot technology back to TV screens. Leland Teschler Executive Editor The main match of the night was about to begin. The announcer began to warm up the restless crowd with a little trash talk. In the red square, this bot is like Superman. His girlfriend is…

Free programs that seem to behave like LabVIEW engineering software have become available. Here’s what’s behind the user interface. Leland Teschler, Executive Editor Since 1986, engineers working in test instrumentation have been able to use a program called LabVIEW developed by National Instruments Inc. LabVIEW is well-known for its graphical user interface which lets users…

Youbionic’s artificial hand intended for amputees uses Firgelli’s PQ12-P Linear Actuator with Feedback. Product Details Miniature Linear Actuators with 20mm stroke, and built in position feedback potentiometer. Apply positive voltage to extend and negative to retract. Connect to the internal potentiometer to read the position feedback.   NOTE: Turn your PQ12 -P into a Linear…

Bishop-Wisecarver Group continues its longstanding commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education as a Diamond Supplier for the 2015 FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®). In addition, the company is sponsoring four California-based FIRST® teams to help fund their projects and travel to regional competitions. Designation as a Diamond Supplier means Bishop-Wisecarver has donated between…

As I was thinking about National Manufacturing Day this week, and looking at the many events around the country and area, I noticed a trend. Most of the companies participating are opening their doors to children. Showing manufacturing to kids early is a great way to encourage them to go into a career in manufacturing,…

The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded grants to four community colleges. The grants will help the schools purchase new hydraulic and pneumatic trainers, or upgrade existing…

Pneumatic Tips

A new video from Henkel Corporation goes inside the Polaris manufacturing facility to show how the company is using Loctite® anaerobic threadlockers and retaining compounds to enhance the durability of its snowmobiles. In the video, engineers from Polaris explain why they trust Loctite® anaerobics and discuss specific applications where the adhesives are used. Polaris sleds…

There is growing interest in hybrid-electric vehicles and OEMs are developing hybrid electric vehicles on a number of different platforms including cars, trucks, boats and construction equipment. When it comes to choosing a motor for the powertrain, the choice is often between either an induction motor or a permanent magnet AC motor. This webinar looks…

Bosch Rexroth is offering educational resource kits to help machine builders, systems integrators and manufacturing end-users address engineering challenges in factory automation, linear motion and mobile engineering. Packaged…

Linear Motion Tips

By Michael Jermann, Assistant Editor A project intended to develop advanced prosthetics for military amputees may ultimately eliminate the need to put military personnel at risk to begin with, if engineers at Telefactor Robotics have their way. “Robotic arms typically terminate in rigid two-fingered pinchers,” said Matt Kozlowski, vice-president of engineering at Telefactor. “We’re replacing…

by Paul J. Heney, Editorial Director Your next operation may be performed by a machine During my grandmother’s final years, more than once did a family member remark on how much she’d seen—and how much technology had changed the world—during her 97 years here. From the automobile’s ascension, modern jet travel and the space race…

by Miles Budimir, Senior Editor Advances in hardware and software, from new processing paradigms to design and simulation, are changing the robotics landscape. Robots these days come in many shapes and sizes. Tough but nimble industrial robots on manufacturing lines do the heavy lifting that teams of human workers used to do decades ago. Other…

by Ellen Rathburn, Technical Copywriter, igus Inc. Managing the six-axis platform in robotics requires special consideration when designing cabling systems. In the field of multi-axis robots, industrial integrators are faced with the unique challenge of selecting and managing cables to be run on the outside of a moving six-axis platform. The complex movements made by…

REM-C, a university / industry partnership is pleased to announce its formation. REM-C (Roboticists, Engineers & Manufacturers Consortium) was established to bridge the gap between university robotic programs and the engineering community. REM-C is a non-profit organization, comprised of leading manufacturers and universities, dedicated to the advancement of robotic technology. The collective purpose of the…

AutomationDirect has supported competitive robotics at the local, regional and national levels for many years. This year, in addition to sponsoring the annual Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase (GRITS) competition, AutomationDirect also provided the very unique trophies awarded to the winners. GRITS is a one-day event, produced by GeorgiaFIRST Robotics, the arm of US…

It seems trite to say that Newton’s basic laws of motion still haven’t changed.  A body in motion tends to stay in motion, except when it hits something…

Mechatronic Tips

The origination of the term “mechatronics” is credited to Tetsuro Mori, an engineer at the Japanese company Yaskawa, in 1969, who was working to develop an industrial robot….

Mechatronic Tips

Just as mechanical definitions are critical in motion control systems, mechanical definitions have an incredibly important role to play in  control systems as well.  I was reminded of…

Mechatronic Tips

by Mark Huebner, Market Development Manager, PBC Linear When evaluating the mechatronics for a scanning, printing, or machining device, 4 components and one characteristic are critical. Examining how each operates in a system and optimizing them will deliver equipment that produces the highest quality possible, whether for a hobbyist budget, or a large volume production…

In the world of Industrial Controls, the traditional platform has been the PLC.  This control was initially the by-product of decades of hard wired automation based on relay…

Mechatronic Tips

Bishop-Wisecarver Group (BWG), announced the launch of their mechatronics based engineering service company. WRW Engineering helps companies integrate mechanical, electrical and software engineering into custom mechatronic solutions that…

Mechatronic Tips

Provided by Bishop-Wisecarver The Bishop-Wisecarver Group (BWG) has continued its dedication of supporting STEM initiatives with FIRST as a Diamond Supplier of this year’s robotics competition. BWG is also sponsoring three Northern California high school robotics teams, capturing the students’ and mentors’ experiences on their company blog and sharing through social media channels. The FIRST…