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28 March, 2024

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Bolt-on device can link remote assets anywhere in the world

08 June, 2020

HMS Networks has announced a device that delivers reliable cellular-based Internet connections for remote assets almost anywhere in the world. The Anybus Wireless Bolt IoT uses Low Power Wide Area Network (LP-WAN) technologies with frugal power needs, limited bandwidths (25-300 kbit/s), and low connection costs.


Tool can slash enclosure configuring times by up to 95%

08 June, 2020

The enclosure manufacturer Rittal has announced a tool for configuring its small enclosures that, it says, can cut the time it takes to choose, configure and purchase a compact enclosure by up to 95%. The Rittal Configuration System (RiCS) allows users to browse through an online catalogue of more than 250 accessories, but only shows them components that are suitable for a chosen cabinet. Once selected, the accessory can be positioned in an online 3D model of the enclosure.


Efficient motors comply with new Ecodesign Directive

21 May, 2020

The German drives and automation specialist Lenze is launching a new motor platform that complies with the Ecodesign Directive that is due to come into force in Europe in the summer of 2021. The m500 motors are designed to be future-proof and can be used worldwide. They are intended primarily to be combined with Lenze’s g500 gearboxes and i500 inverters.


Intuitive software speeds cobot set-ups and cuts costs

17 May, 2020

Mitsubishi Electric in Japan has announced a series of collaborative robots (cobots) designed to be deployed quickly using intuitive programming software. It says that the combination will help to achieve more efficient production, and cut the total cost of ownership (TCO) of robotic systems


Pocket-sized thermal camera sends images straight to the cloud

14 May, 2020

Flir Systems has announced a pocket-sized thermal camera that uploads thermal images and videos directly to the cloud via WiFi, allowing maintenance personnel to store and back up the files, and to share them with other people. The Flir C5 – the first camera in the company’s Cx series to support its Ignite cloud services – is designed to speed up electrical and mechanical testing, energy auditing, and other applications.


Graphical software allows novices to program cobots

06 May, 2020

ABB has announced a graphical programming aid for its single-arm YuMi cobot (collaborative robot) that allows users with no prior knowledge of robot programming to create programs quickly without needing specialised training.


IIoT platform gathers data to help move to smart factories

06 May, 2020

Fanuc has announced an open-source IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) platform that can connect a wide range of Fanuc and third-party production technologies – including legacy models dating back to 2000. The aim of the Field (Fanuc Intelligent Edge Link and Drive) system is to provide fast, centralised access to all production data in a plant and to help users to move towards smart factories.


‘First smart camera with deep learning’ tackles complex tasks

23 April, 2020

Cognex has announced what it describes as the world’s first industrial smart camera to be powered by deep learning. The self-contained In-Sight D900 embedded vision system incorporates the company’s ViDi deep learning software and is aimed at complex in-line inspection applications such as optical character recognition, assembly verification and defect detection.


IE5 synchronous reluctance motors can halve losses

17 April, 2020

ABB has announced that its SynRM synchronous reluctance motors now comply with the IEC’s new IE5 ultra-premium energy efficiency class, with energy losses that are up to 50% lower than those of IE2 induction machines. ABB introduced the SynRM technology in 2011 and applications have demonstrated energy savings of up to 25%.


Modules cut energy used by any make of drive by up to 40%

15 April, 2020

A German company, Michael Koch, has developed a series of active energy management devices for VSDs (variable-speed drives) that, it claims, can cut energy use by up to 40% when used with drives of any make. The devices, which are connected to the drive’s DC link, store excess electrical energy, largely independently of the grid.


Three-finger gripper grasps hard-to-handle objects

15 April, 2020

The Danish manufacturer of robotic end-effectors, OnRobot, has developed a three-finger electric gripper that, it says, will simplify previously difficult-to-automate precision handling of cylindrical parts, and will accept a wide range of object sizes. The compact 3FG15 gripper has a 15kg payload, a maximum stroke length of 150mm, and can handle parts from 20–150mm. It provides a strong grip for both form-fit (internal) or friction-fit (external) applications.


Flexible rotary encoder adapts to the application

15 April, 2020

The German sensor-maker Siko has developed an absolute magnetic encoder comprising a sensor and rule that can be adapted to suit the position and shape of an application. The MSAC200 flexCoder is aimed at rotary applications that cannot be implemented using off-the-shelf components, and which need high resolution and precision, and the ability to adapt to users’ designs. Examples include motor feedback, automated handling and assembly, and robotic systems.


Compact IP65/67 IPC can be installed directly on machines

15 April, 2020

The German automation manufacturer Beckhoff has announced an ultra-compact multi-core industrial PC with IP65/67 protection that can be installed directly on machines or other equipment. When used as a control computer, the C7015 edge device also reduces the need for control cabinet space, and simplifies machine designs as well as later system expansions.


Wireless mesh sensors monitor rotating machines

27 March, 2020

SKF has announced a compact vibration and temperature sensor that monitors the condition of rotating parts on heavy industrial machinery automatically. It says that the SKF Enlight Collect IMx-1 sensor will allow users to cut both unplanned downtime and maintenance costs. They will also be able to collect data more frequently – over hours and days, instead of weeks and months – from locations that were previously inaccessible, using fewer technicians.


Cloud-connected logic module will be ‘a paradigm shifter’

20 March, 2020

Siemens has announced a “paradigm-shifting” new version of its Logo! logic module that connects directly to the cloud, opening up a wide range of new control and monitoring possibilities – such as energy management and predictive maintenance – and simplifying networking. The new version (8.3) is due to be launched at the Hannover Fair (recently postponed until July) and is planned to be available in late 2020.


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