Automation Systems

Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) reached production capacity for its new MiR500 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in its first month. With plans in place to deliver all current orders by the end of 2018, including the 40 percent purchased by U.S. manufacturers, the Denmark-based robotics manufacturer announced it would double production of the MiR500 in November by hiring additional resources and optimizing production.

PI's new A-341 hybrid gantry XY/XYZ positioning stage provides the framework for controlled precise overhead motion that is often sought after for 3D printing, assembly, pick-and-place, alignment, inspection and industrial automation applications. The A-341 HGS hybrid gantry is designed to combine maximum throughput with smooth and highly accurate motion in a compact envelope.

Fastems LLC offers a comprehensive range of automated robotic finishing solutions including grinding, polishing, deburring and brushing processes. Robotic finishing eliminates variations common in hand finishing operations and maximizes output of precisely finished parts. Fastems robotic systems provide speed and flexibility through a combination of control and software technology, spindle choices, and a variety of process tools and accessories.

Epson Robots announced the new high-performance Force Guide integrated force guidance solution, which takes robot automation to the next level with amazing precision and outstanding rigidity. Epson Force Guide is a tightly integrated force control system that allows Epson Robots to sense and make precision moves using force feedback data.

Epson Robots announced the expansion of its award-winning T-series with the Synthis T6 All-in-One SCARA robot. The new robot offers a way to automate factories without wasting time or money on expensive, complex, slide-based solutions. Available at the low price of $9,495, this innovative alternative installs in minutes and virtually eliminates any space-constraint issues.

The V-738 XY translation stage is designed to meet high positioning accuracy demands, for applications such as industrial automation, laser processing and flat panel display test and manufacturing. The mechanical design is based on a three-piece arrangement for improved geometric performance. In contrast to XY-stage assemblies where two single-axis translation stages are bolted together, the integrated, planar design of the V-738 provides better orthogonality (<100µrad) and straightness/flatness (2µm).

An exciting development in the area of robotics is the development and growing popularity of so-called collaborative robots, or “cobots”. Cobots, in contrast to traditional industrial robots, are designed to interact with human workers in a shared workspace. They are typically smaller and less powerful than traditional factory robots and are equipped with a variety of proximity sensors, load sensors and other features designed to avoid dangerous collisions between the robots and the people working around them.

Universal Robots pioneered the collaborative robot and continues to evolve its ground-breaking, collaborative automation technology with the introduction of its new flagship line the e-Series cobots: UR3e, UR5e and UR10e robot arms.