Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently developed a temperature sensor that can harvest and store the energy from the magnetic field that exists in the open air around a wire. As a result, this could allow sensors to operate in the most remote settings and — importantly — without batteries.
While automating processes using robots is a reliable way to increase production throughput and productivity, the savings in floorspace can vary depending on the type of robot chosen. Where space is at a premium, a ceiling-mounted orbital robot can offer a suitable solution.
When testing wheelchairs, manufacturers play it safe for understandable reasons. That is why three aspiring mechanical engineers took no risks when they developed a drop test construction for wheelchairs on behalf of the renowned German company MEYRA. They relied on miniature shock absorbers made by ACE to protect the inner life of their construction.
Monitored changeover is an opportunity to optimise machines, reduce sources for potential errors and making them intuitive and quick to operate.
It is not a revelation to anyone in the industry that energy is the largest operating expense, accounting for the majority of utility costs. In manufacturing processes using compressed air, air compressors consume approximately 12% of the total electrical energy, and over the lifespan of an air compressor, 80% of the cost is energy use, and 20% is the cost of the unit including maintenance. Energy...
For lightweight robots, modular designs are increasingly popular thanks to the flexible deployment they enable for specialised tasks. Modular robots also enhancing the potential for system integrators and end users to develop their own designs. As part of an in-house robot build, optimising the drive train that powers and controls each joint is vital to the robot’s performance. The most effective way of achieving this is by developing the drive train as a complete module. This approach can also improve the efficiency of robot development overall.
In the realm of embedded computing solutions, Raspberry Pi has emerged as a pioneering force, offering a diverse range of compact modules tailored for industrial and commercial applications. Here we take a look at the differences between the foundation’s Compute Module 4 (CM4) and Compute Module 3+ when it comes to developing embedded projects.
Smaller manufacturers are the fastest-growing area of industrial robotics today, driven by the need for new collaborative robotics systems.
Today, every large event includes an elaborate laser show. Laser projections are used at trade fairs, in advertising, art, and at architectural events. The magically glowing light patterns are made possible by highly complex technology, and at many of the most spectacular installations this technology is provided by Berlinbased LaserAnimation Sollinger. When it comes to the alignment of beams and the creation of effects, motors from FAULHABER play an important role for their laser projectors.
To meet net zero CO2 emission goals, the building sector needs to modernize its communication infrastructure. This article shows how single-pair Ethernet, specifically 10BASE-T1L, enables the easy retrofitting of buildings using legacy links like RS-485 to improve digitization, enable automation, improve security, and substantially lower energy consumption to achieve greater sustainability. Author: Meghan Kaiserman, Strategic Marketing Director for Sustainable Buildings at Analog Devices
LEWA, a manufacturer of metering pumps and systems, relies on IE5+ motors from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS for high precision applications. They combine a wide control range with outstanding energy efficiency.
Grasping and plugging cables is child's play! For us humans, yes. However, automated processing of such flexible parts presents robots with considerable challenges. Nevertheless, the potential is huge; in terms of efficiency and quality as well as in terms of relieving employees, for instance when it comes to handling large, heavy cables.
With the rapid advancements in technology, there is increasing consumer demand for innovative, smart, and connected products that need to get to market more quickly, cost effectively and sustainably. Today, manufacturers must deliver on these expectations as they deal with increasing design and production complexity, as well as global supply-chain issues that impact time-to-market.
Air traffic and shipping are no longer conceivable without radar technology. Their electromagnetic waves provide extremely reliable signals for object detection and collision protection. What has proven itself over long distances at sea and in the air is just as useful at near range: radar also ensures precision and safety when controlling autonomous vehicles and machine booms. The new radar sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs are optimized for use in the intralogistics and material handling sections, among others.
The measurement of low flow is becoming widely used in many industries. However, the smaller the flow, the trickier it is to control and measure, and finding a suitable flow measuring technology at reasonable cost can prove challenging for both users and flow sensor manufacturers.
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are making their presence felt in ever more applications, working alongside humans wherever production requires the decision making and discrimination abilities of humans, combined with unceasing production, dexterity and precision of cobots.
Smart connectors facilitate the remote digital monitoring of installations. TE Connectivity (TE) and tacterion have partnered to develop these cutting-edge components. The first joint steps involve designing outstanding connectors for modular machines used in smart factories. Taking into account early customer feedback, the portfolio will undergo continuous expansion and enhancement.
High performance servo drives, motion controllers and servo motors from Inovance equip the world’s largest 3D concrete printer for construction.
From treatment of narrowed arteries to circulatory support, miniature motors are at the heart of medical devices used to treat cardiovascular disease. When selecting motor solutions for such applications, compact size and precision control are key factors.
Digital Edition Download PDF
