Festo has created the Simplified Motion Series of electric drives for jobs requiring very simple motion or positioning, with the added bonus of being exceedingly easy to commission. These all-in-one units are alternatives for users looking for pneumatics-like simplicity – with all the necessary components and modules, including the motor and controller incorporated into the one unit, with no external controller, control cabling, or control cabinet.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced recently its newly developed KOTSUMON system uses the company's Maisart artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies to extract video data for the automatic identification and analysis of specific types of human motions, such as those of workers on production lines. The system simply requires a normal video to automatically measure work efficiency and detect omitted or mistaken motions, which manufacturers are expected to use to upgrade their line operations for improved productivity.
Zettlex position sensors (IncOders) use non-contact, inductive technology for precision angle measurement. Rather than the bulky transformers of traditional inductive sensors, Zettlex sensors use printed circuits. This enables compact, accurate, lightweight and robust position sensors with no contacts, no delicate parts, no maintenance, no hassle – just accurate measurements – all day, every day. IncOders are ideally suited to harsh environments – where potentiometers, optical or capacitive devices may prove unreliable.
Read more: Introducing the IncOder Inductive Angle Encoder...
As it continues to evolve, adding new capabilities and connectivity, the revolutionary Festo Motion Terminal (VTEM) is challenging machine and process engineers to look beyond the limits of conventional pneumatics to a world of new possibilities opened up by this software-driven valve terminal.
Read more: Festo’s newest motion app: motion profiling and...
Two fundamental development directions are currently discernible: On the one hand, the trend towards simplification, i.e. an easy introduction to robotics and intuitive operation of robots and assembly systems. On the other hand there is the trend towards smart solutions: More and more functions, sensors and intelligence are being integrated directly into gripper system components.
POSITAL’s new multiturn Hollow Shaft kit encoders mark a significant innovation for industrial motion control. Until now, almost all through- or hollow-shaft encoders have been limited to a singleturn measurement range, largely because fully satisfactory multiturn technology has been not been available.
The R16MTCPU, R32MTCPU, and R64MTCPU motion CPUs are dedicated motion control processors designed to execute advanced synchronous control functions and high speed registration, independent of PLC scan time, for maximum performance. The dedicated Motion SFC language and graphical mechanical editor tool are optimized for the toughest synchronous motion applications in the world, including high speed printing presses and large converting lines.
POSITAL’s new multiturn Hollow Shaft kit encoders mark a significant innovation for industrial motion control.
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of Sigma Trac II series linear servo motors stages to the Sigma-7 servo family. Sigma Trac II combines a Yaskawa SGLF2 series linear motor with linear bearings, high resolution absolute optical scale, cable management, and optional bellows to create a turnkey linear stage.
In response to high demand, SCHUNK has increased its product line of power-amplified 5-axis vises which are now equipped with an adjustable center: The maintenance-free SCHUNK KONTEC KSX-C is now available in four base body lengths (330 mm, 430 mm, 500 mm, and 630 mm) and two heights (174 mm, and 125 mm). The high-quality 5-axis vises have two jaws, which can be precisely moved by a laser-etched ruler.
