Automation

GF Machining Solutions LLC expands distributorships

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. – GF Machining Solutions has announced that it will expand distribution channels and regional sales to further invest in its capability to deliver advanced manufacturing technology to customers throughout North America.

Schunk Intec Inc.'s grippers now assembled in US

SCHUNK will now be assembling grippers in the US.

Okuma America Corp. completes smart factory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Okuma America Corporation, a builder of CNC machine tools, announces the completion of the company’s newest production facility Dream Site 3 (DS3) located in in Kani, Japan.

Gripping systems with skilled hands

The human hand is still regarded as the benchmark when it comes to flexibility of gripping tools. Humanoid manipulators that enable the widest variety of gripping variants will be more and more in demand in future, particularly when it comes to service and assistance robotics. In addition, the factor of economical viability is increasingly important.

Ibag North America appoints Midwest sales representative

North Haven, CT …IBAG North America announces the appointment of Mr. Srinvasa Prasad of Engineering Solutions Shop to represent IBAG high speed spindle and the Witte vacuum workholding systems product lines in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Teaching robots to build and use tools

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed robots that have the ability to reason about shape, function and attachment of unrelated parts. This lets the robots build basic tools by combining objects. The breakthrough is a significant step toward enabling intelligent agents to devise tools that could prove useful in hazardous situations.

Record sales of cobots reveal increasing demand for end-of-arm tooling

For the first time, the annual World Robotics report includes a specific analysis on the market for collaborative robots, documenting a robust 23% growth worldwide. The International Federation of Robotics’ report indicates that a substantial part of the adoption will be driven by more intelligent components, such as smart grippers, “plug and play” interfaces and programming by demonstrations.

Automatic Guided Vehicles

While we still a way to go to achieve autonomous driving on the road, but factories are miles ahead: AGVs (automatic guided vehicles) are already being used in the area of production. They are responsible for intralogistical tasks in production transporting workpieces from unfinished parts to finished parts between the respective stages of production. Here’s how raw material makes it into a fully automated production system finished parts exit the system with Liebherr solutions.

Finger Gate Pick Module Impact Gate

Wildeck Inc. announces the launch of a new pick module impact gate, the Finger Gate. This durable steel gate easily integrates into any facility and provides a strong, protective barrier at elevated work levels, helping facilities achieve their automation goals.

Halter CNC Automation and Fastems to join forces

Halter CNC Automation B.V. from the Netherlands and Fastems Oy Ab from Finland have an intention to establish a joint venture, the Halter Group. Relevant parts of Fastems Systems GmbH related to R&D and production of the Halter LoadAssistant product range will be transferred to the newly founded Halter CNC Automation GmbH. This company will be located in Issum, Germany, and, together with Halter CNC Automation B.V., it will form the Halter Group.