Robotics
The future of vision systems in manufacturing
With four times as many as colour receptors as humans, the Mantis shrimp has the most impressive eyes in nature. Manufacturers have long relied on human vision for complex picking and assembly processes, but 3D vision systems are beginning to replicate the capability of human vision in robotics. Here, Nigel Smith, Managing Director of Shibaura Machine, formerly Toshiba Machine, partner, TM Robotics, has given three rules to live by when choo...
Robots help firm embrace smart factory innovation
Harris RCS has taken delivery of its first two industrial robots to reap the benefits of smart factory innovation. The Automata Eva machines will drive the manufacturer’s digital transformation, automating more mundane tasks which will allow staff to develop new skillsets to support the company’s future growth.
Mitsubishi develops sustainable wrapping machine
Mitsubishi Electric has supported Mailroom Machines in the redesign of a Norpak mail wrapping machine to improve the environmental footprint of its activities. The new, versatile setup leverages the innovative FR-A800-R2R inverter with dedicated winding functions, to accommodate the use of sustainable packaging materials while eliminating waste.
Arrow debuts SAM car and SAM suit at Goodwood Festival
Innovative, ground-breaking technology was on show at the Goodwood Festival of Speed when paralysed racecar driver Sam Schmidt drove up the event’s iconic 1.86km hillclimb course with the Arrow Electronics Semi-autonomous mobility (SAM) Car as part of the ‘FOS Highlights and FIA Batch’.
Multiscope Rescue Hydra UGV firefighting robot at Sofins
Milrem Robotics and InnoVfoam, the specialist in foam extinguishing technology presented the Multiscope Rescue Hydra unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the Sofins exhibition held in France from June 29th until July 1st.
Increasing efficiency in EV battery box inspection
SmartRay has partnered with robotics specialist KUKA to deliver a solution for electric vehicle battery box inspection that has led to reduced customer quality claims.
Milrem Robotics demonstrates THeMIS Combat Support
Milrem Robotics has announced that it will demonstrate the THeMIS Combat Support unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with partners Glenair and FN Herstal at the Sofins exhibition held in France from June 29th until July 1st.
Robotic inspection platform ready for validation stage
A project led by Electrocomponents which uses robotics for non-destructive testing (NDT) petrochemical storage tanks has entered its validation stage.
How are drones helping farmers with crop monitoring?
Not even the agriculture sector can escape the hype of drone technology. The European drones outlook study reports 150,000 agricultural drones will be used across European farms by 2035, undertaking tasks such as soil and field analysis, crop monitoring and spraying. Here, Chris Johnson, Managing Director at SMB Bearings, explains the value of agricultural drones and advises on the importance of bearing selection for these devices.
Cobots enable effective high-mix, low-volume production
With increased competition, often on a global scale, manufacturers need to differentiate themselves by tailoring products more closely to customer demand. This carries with it an implicit reduction in batch sizes and has seen the rise of ‘high-mix, low-volume’ production. Cobots can enable manufacturers to effectively meet individual customer requirements with greater product variety in smaller batches.