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ABB has launched an free programming tool for its IRB 1100 industrial robots that allows first-time users to implement robotic automation without needing specialist programming skills or knowledge of the Rapid programming code.
Linear actuator is ‘the first with IO-Link communications’
The Danish actuator manufacturer Linak claims to have produced the first linear actuator with built-in two-way IO-Link communications. The device, based on its LA25 actuator, promises to simplify installation, automate parameter setting, and expand diagnostics.
Vision system makes 3D inspection tasks as easy as 2D
Cognex has announced a “breakthrough” embedded vision system which, it claims, makes 3D inspections as easy to perform as 2D. The In-Sight 3D-L4000 camera uses a 3D laser displacement technology that allows users to conduct a variety on inspection tasks on production lines quickly, accurately and cost-effectively.
Servo safety functions protect machines, people and products
Omron has launched a series of AC servomotors and drives with built-in safety functions that can help to avoid machine stoppages, and to achieve zero-loss production due to synchronised emergency stops.
Wireless torque sensors promise ±0.1% accuracies
The UK sensor manufacturer Sensor Technology has announced a new generation of non-contact torque sensors based on four-element strain gauge bridges that complement its existing non-contact sensors which use surface acoustic wave (SAW) detection, but offer improved accuracy for the same price.
Ready-to-run vision system will cut costs and save time
The German sensor-maker Sick has announced a ready-to-use machine vision system that can perform code-reading, and 2D or 3D inspection duties. It says that the MQCS (modular quality control system), which combines hardware with pre-written software, will cut the cost and time needed to set up automated quality inspection and logistics applications. The package makes it easy to configure even complex 2D and 3D image-processing applications, including upgrades to existing machinery.
$999 condition-monitoring kit uses Wi-Fi
Flir has announced a “low-cost” industrial condition-monitoring kit that combines vibration and temperature monitoring to maximise output, improve worker safety, and cut operating costs. The easy-to-configure system can be installed anywhere with connections to a Wi-Fi network. It can track changes in vibration and heat in real time, helping to predict potentially serious problems before failures occur.
Tool gives an instant diagnosis of Profibus problems
Procentec, the Dutch developer of industrial communications diagnostics products, has announced a tool that analyses live data on Profibus networks and gives instant diagnoses of the most likely cause of any faults. The Snap Analysis tool eliminates the need to interpret complicated oscilloscope images and messages.
Smart sensors enhance servomotor condition monitoring
The German sensor-maker Sick has announced an intelligent add-on for its EDS/EDM35 motor feedback system that allows condition monitoring of servodrives down to individual machine axes. The sHub sensor hub has an integrated acceleration sensor and is said to pave the way for entry into the world of digitalised drive technologies and increasingly intelligent servodrive systems.
Servodrives are built into EtherCat I/O terminals
At the virtual version of the SPS exhibition, Beckhoff has announced a series of servodrives built into EtherCat terminals with output currents of up to 16A at 48V DC. The ELM72xx drives are built into metal housings that dissipate heat, even at high output powers, as well as shielding the drives against electrical interference. The drives can connect via front-panel connectors to motors, feedback and brakes using a one-cable technology. They can also connect directly to other EtherCat terminals, while additional I/Os allow the latching of position values.
Servodrives simplify machine design and optimise performance
Rockwell Automation has announced a family of servodrives designed to simplify machine design and optimise performance throughout a machine’s lifecycle. The Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5300 drives are aimed at global machine-builders looking to boost performance and adopt a single environment – Rockwell’s Studio 5000 – for control and motion programming of all of their drives. They will able to re-use code from other Kinetix drives, and to streamline the design and commissioning process.
All-in-one distributed drive system targets conveyors
Siemens has announced a compact integrated drive system aimed at horizontal conveyor applications. The Sinamics G115D system combines a motor, frequency converter and gearbox, and is available in either wall-mounting (0.37–7.5kW) or motor-mounting (0.37–4kW) versions.
Raspberry Pi-based computer built into a keyboard costs $70
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced an all-in-one personal computer based on its low-cost Raspberry Pi 4 board-based computing platform which it launched last year. The new Raspberry Pi 400 computer, which is built into a keyboard, costs $70 and needs only a power supply, monitor cable, and possibly a mouse, to operate.
Dedicated pump drive includes energy-saving functions
Control Techniques has announced an easy-to-install dedicated pump drive with built-in functions designed to achieve optimum pumping performance out-of-the-box. The F600 drive forms part of CT’s new Specialist range of industry-specific drives, and spans the power range from 1.1kW to 2.8MW.
Machine safety system is ‘the fastest and smallest’
Bosch Rexroth has announced a machine safety control technology which, it claims, is the fastest and smallest on the market. The scalable ctrlX Safety system can be used in variety of ways, from drive-integrated SafeMotion in Rexroth’s ctrlX drives, to the complete safety controls. The company predicts that it will “set new standards for safe automation”.
