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Stäubli expands MPS robotic tool changer range

Stäubli expands MPS robotic tool changer range

Stäubli reports that five new sizes have been launched to expand the existing MPS tool changer range, covering payload capacities from 15kg to 80kg, enabling Stäubli to offer a robotic tool change solution for virtually all robots and payloads. Key characteristics of the new compact range include repeat accuracy of ±1.5 µm and a wide […]

By May 17, 2021 Read More →
Assembly challenges demand flexible capabilities

Assembly challenges demand flexible capabilities

Success in manufacturing is a moving target. Planners routinely face demands to reduce cycle time, increase capacity, introduce new products more quickly, and utilise available floorspace efficiently. The methods employed to move workpieces between the various production processes can significantly influence the extent to which these goals are achieved. 1. Scale production when factory floorspace […]

By May 17, 2021 Read More →
Humans should embrace, rather than fear, robot co-workers

Humans should embrace, rather than fear, robot co-workers

According to a recent report from the World Economic Forum, 85 million jobs could be lost and displaced by new technologies in the next five years. It’s no surprise that workers, particularly in manufacturing, worry how these developments will affect their jobs. Here, Nigel Smith, President and CEO of TM Robotics, explains why humans workers […]

By May 13, 2021 Read More →
BPX appointed as Schneider Electric Alliance Master Partner

BPX appointed as Schneider Electric Alliance Master Partner

Schneider Electric has announced that BPX, the distributor of industrial automation components has been appointed as a UK Alliance Master Industrial Automation Distributor (IAD). The appointment is recognition of the level of expertise BPX holds in the industrial integration of Schneider Electric systems. BPX has the proven industrial automation solution knowledge, experience and capabilities to […]

By May 11, 2021 Read More →
Igus linear robot is key on face mask production line

Igus linear robot is key on face mask production line

The latest in the Igus video of the week series shows how a range of the company’s products are utilised in the production of disposable face masks. Unfortunately, facemasks have become a staple in our lives. So much so, manufacturers have now recognised the benefits of Igus products within this manufacturing sector. The face masks […]

By May 8, 2021 Read More →
Braking distance simulator improves safety and reduces robotic cell footprint

Braking distance simulator improves safety and reduces robotic cell footprint

ABB’s RobotStudio offline programming and simulation software has been upgraded with a new virtual robot braking distance function designed to create an exact simulation of the real-world stopping distance of a robot. Enabling the robot’s braking distance to be accurately calculated, the function overcomes the need to add safety margins into cell designs, enabling space […]

By May 3, 2021 Read More →
Igus delta robot provides chemical-free weed killing

Igus delta robot provides chemical-free weed killing

With herbicide-based blanket weed-killing regimes becoming increasingly expensive and increasingly ineffective, Farming-as-a-Service start-up the Small Robot Company is offering a robotic alternative that uses artificial intelligence to identify and kill weeds on an individual plant basis. Central to the operation of the system in these most challenging of outdoor conditions are delta robots from Igus. […]

By April 29, 2021 Read More →
Beckhoff event shares insight into drive technology

Beckhoff event shares insight into drive technology

Automation technology expert Beckhoff Automation UK is hosting a week-long series of virtual events to inform mechanical and electrical engineers on the latest drive technologies. The event, taking place May 24–28, 2021, aims to share insights into the practical use of drive technologies, exploring specific topics ranging from control cabinet installation to drive axes commissioning […]

By April 27, 2021 Read More →
Comau provides battery manufacturing line

Comau provides battery manufacturing line

Comau UK has been selected by the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to develop and deploy a semi-automated battery module and battery pack assembly line for the publicly-funded ‘open access’ battery production development facility. The Module and Pack assembly line is the first of UKBIC’s innovative battery manufacturing equipment to have been installed, commissioned and […]

By April 22, 2021 Read More →
New industrial robot products launched by Igus

New industrial robot products launched by Igus

In very tough business conditions, Igus has launched more new products in 2020/21 than the previous year – from integrated robotic drives to ball bearings with 21 times the high-speed service life. Many of these products had their first public viewing at the Hannover Messe Digital Edition in April and several new innovations were also […]

By April 22, 2021 Read More →