Technology

Robotics key to automated aeroplane assembly

Robotics key to automated aeroplane assembly

KUKA has devised a flexible robotic solution for performing a variety of drilling and fastening tasks on the upper and lower wing covers of a lateral wing box demonstration unit being built at the Airbus facility in Filton. The wing box is due to be delivered to Toulouse this summer where it will undergo a series […]

By September 3, 2010 Read More →
Lighter, faster and more energy efficient robots

Lighter, faster and more energy efficient robots

KUKA says its QUANTEC robots are up to 160kg lighter and 25 per cent smaller, making them the most compact and powerful in their class. The range comprises four models: Ultra for payloads up to 300kg; Prime for payloads of up to 240kg; Extra for payloads up to 210kg and Pro for up to 120kg […]

By September 3, 2010 Read More →
Vision technology brings flexibility to life sciences

Vision technology brings flexibility to life sciences

When Automated Systems of Tacoma (AST) was asked by a life science research company to develop an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical filling machinery having the capability to fill and finish all their small-scale clinical trial products with a single flexible platform, it turned to Cognex for a vision solution. Machines that are typically used to […]

By August 24, 2010 Read More →
Add a fifth axis to your SCARA robot

Add a fifth axis to your SCARA robot

New controller technology from TM Robotics makes the addition of a sliding fifth axis to its SCARA robots easier than ever before. As a result, end users will be able to extend the range of a SCARA robot or use the modified machine to transfer product from one workstation to another without human intervention or […]

By July 30, 2010 Read More →
Laser sensor for harsh food processing environments

Laser sensor for harsh food processing environments

Micro-Epsilon has launched a new version of its optoNCDT 1402 laser sensor. The new optoNCDT 1402SC sensor has a stainless steel housing and is protected to IP69K, making it ideal for measuring displacement, distance and position in harsh environments, including outdoor use, food processing and other harsh process manufacturing applications. The new sensor is available […]

By July 19, 2010 Read More →
Robot for machine and system builders

Robot for machine and system builders

A robot that can be mounted in a variety of orientations without modification and with an unobtrusive smooth exterior is the latest offering from FANUC Robotics. The M-10iA/10S is a 6 axes, 10kg payload robot with a hollow arm to completely remove tooling cabling from the work area. The FANUC Robotics M-10iA/10S provides a compact […]

By July 7, 2010 Read More →
Safe and reliable data transfer for robots

Safe and reliable data transfer for robots

Bus system problems can occur during twisting applications in energy chains, particularly with shielded data cables, because the shields can get damaged and open up. This is not the case with fibre optic cables: These do not have a mechanically vulnerable shield braid, and they are insensitive to EMC whilst transferring high-speed bus signals up […]

By July 6, 2010 Read More →
Robot sensor system monitors adhesive height and width

Robot sensor system monitors adhesive height and width

A new, innovative high-speed inspection system has been developed for the automotive industry, which monitors the quality of polyurethane (PU) beads as they are applied to glass during vehicle assembly. The BeadMonitor measurement system, developed by Abingdon-based Oxford Sensor Technology, measures the height and width of PU bead as it is applied to the edges […]

By July 1, 2010 Read More →
Robot performs intricate arm movements in confined spaces

Robot performs intricate arm movements in confined spaces

Mitsubishi Electric has added a new model to its robot line-up, designed to work in confined spaces and perform intricate arm movements. The RV-2SDB robot uses innovations in design and construction that allow the arm to reach items right next to its base. This means the space required for the working cell can be minimised, […]

By June 23, 2010 Read More →
Robots make early impact on MASS agreement at BAE Systems

Robots make early impact on MASS agreement at BAE Systems

A recently commissioned manufacturing facility for the machining of 105mm artillery shells has made an early impact on the aims of the MASS contractual partnership between BAE Systems and the UK MoD.  MASS (Munitions Acquisition – the Supply Solution) –aims to deliver increased supplies of ammunition to front line troops by modernising and ensuring sustainability […]

By May 25, 2010 Read More →