Robotics World articles from January 2004

Robotics World archives from January 2004

Adept Technology Inc.(People)
January 1, 2004... Adept Technology Inc. has reorganized its management team. The restructuring process began with Adept's recently announced $10 million financing and the appointment of Robert Bucher as Adept's new chairman and CEO. In addition, Brian Carlisle,...

Bennett Nussbaum, Dr. Frederic Moll and Dr. Russell Hirsch have resigned from the board of directors of Intuitive Surgical Inc.(People)
January 1, 2004... Bennett Nussbaum, Dr. Frederic Moll and Dr. Russell Hirsch have resigned from the board of directors of Intuitive Surgical Inc. Following these resignations the Intuitive Board will be composed of seven members, including Robert Duggan and Eric...

Lincoln Electric Holdings.(People)
January 1, 2004... Lincoln Electric Holdings has appointed Beau Barsotti as managing director, greater China.

StockerYale Inc.(People)
January 1, 2004... Ricardo Diaz has been appointed chief operating officer of StockerYale Inc.

The Automation Partnership.(People)
January 1, 2004... Andy Morffew has joined The Automation Partnership as CEO. He succeeds Richard Archer, who is stepping down in February.

Roper Industries.(People)
January 1, 2004... Roper Industries has appointed Michael Gioseffi to the newly created position of director, accessories and aftermarket, for Redlake, its Scientific and Industrial Imaging segment.

Lincoln Electric Holdings.(People)
January 1, 2004... George Walls Jr., chief deputy in the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor and a retired Marine brigadier general, has been elected to the Lincoln Electric Holdings board of directors.

Wolf Robotics has purchased the assets of ABB's Welding Systems Division in Fort Collins, Colo.(Quick Takes)
January 1, 2004... Wolf Robotics has purchased the assets of ABB's Welding Systems Division in Fort Collins, Colo. The new company is part of the Rimrock group, ABB's largest strategic partner for robotic automation. Wolf Robotics will offer a full range of...

Cognex Corp.(Quick Takes)
January 1, 2004... Cognex Corp. has formed two new product teams within its Modular Vision Systems Division to focus on new markets and applications that are in the early stages of adoption. The first new product team will work on ID Products, and it will be...

To realize the SCHOTT goal of achieving a consistent worldwide strategy for North America.(Quick Takes)
January 1, 2004... To realize the SCHOTT goal of achieving a consistent worldwide strategy for North America, SCHOTT Fostec is now SCHOTT North America Inc., and is part of the global fiber optic segment of SCHOTT.

ActivMedia Robotics and RMT Robotics plan to collaborate on a new smart Automated Guided Vehicle based on ActivMedia Robotics Control Systems.(Quick Takes)
January 1, 2004... ActivMedia Robotics and RMT Robotics plan to collaborate on a new smart Automated Guided Vehicle based on ActivMedia Robotics Control Systems. The new AGV, to be released in June, will target flexible manufacturing, package delivery and...

Prodosyst Automation, a supplier of automated systems for medical device manufacturing.(Quick Takes)
January 1, 2004... Prodosyst Automation, a supplier of automated systems for medical device manufacturing, has standardized on Adept Technology robots,vision systems and controls for its TrueFlex automated medical device assembly system.

White Systems has signed an agreement with Pacific Integrated Handling.(Quick Takes)
January 1, 2004... White Systems has signed an agreement with Pacific Integrated Handling, making PIH its exclusive distributor in 13 western U.S. states.

After successfully landing on Mars, the Mars Exploration Rover "Spirit" has been transmitting high-resolution color images of the planet.(Quick Takes)
January 1, 2004... After successfully landing on Mars, the Mars Exploration Rover "Spirit" has been transmitting high-resolution color images of the planet. The CCD image sensor chips, designed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, were manufactured at DALSA's...

Norstat Inc. has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Mechan Controls Ltd.(Agreements)
January 1, 2004... Norstat Inc. has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Mechan Controls Ltd., a supplier of electronic, non-contact safety systems in the United Kingdom.

Sarla Technologies.(Agreements)
January 1, 2004... Sarla Technologies, a part of the Parekh Group of India, announced that its U.S. subsidiary has acquired the business of Pittsburgh-based Synapse Systems LLC, formerly the engineering division of Gray Matter Systems and a North American...

Hyde Park Electronics is now the exclusive sensor supplier.(Agreements)
January 1, 2004... Hyde Park Electronics is now the exclusive sensor supplier to SIDEL Canada, a packaging equipment manufacturer.

Salvagnini and LVD Co. are jointly developing a new generation of robotic press brake bending cells.(Agreements)
January 1, 2004... Salvagnini and LVD Co. are jointly developing a new generation of robotic press brake bending cells, based on Salvagnini's ROBOformER.

Hunkar Technologies is now a reseller of Avalon Vision Solutions' VisionScope.(Agreements)
January 1, 2004... Hunkar Technologies is now a reseller of Avalon Vision Solutions' VisionScope, QualityStation and ProcessRx product lines.

Heidenhain Corp. is now the exclusive distributor for Leine & Linde encoders.(Agreements)
January 1, 2004... Heidenhain Corp. is now the exclusive distributor for Leine & Linde encoders in the United States.

Through a marketing agreement aimed at the injection molding industry.(Agreements)
January 1, 2004... Through a marketing agreement aimed at the injection molding industry, ACS Group will sell Injectech Engineering's Revolution system under AEC's Automation division and Sterling's Sterltech Robotics division, and Injectech will offer ACS...

Trade shows.(News)
January 1, 2004... IMTS is scheduled for Sept. 8-15 at Chicago's McCormick Place. For information, visit www.imtsnet.org.... Plastics USA 2004 is set for Sept. 28-30 on Level 3 of the East Building of McCormick Place. For information, visit...

2004 robot safety conferences.(RIA update)
January 1, 2004... Two major robot safety conferences are slated for the spring and fall of 2004: one co-sponsored by RIA and CSA in Toronto from March 24-26, and RIA's National Robot Safety Conference in Ypsilanti, Mich., Oct. 18-21. Both conferences...

New Canadian Safeguarding Machinery standard.(RIA update)
January 1, 2004... Among the highlights is a new (second) edition of CSA's Z432 Safeguarding Machinery standard in 2004, which gives users a methodology for the performance of a comprehensive risk assessment, advice on the basic principles of safeguarding and...

Pre-Start Health and Safety Review Workshop.(RIA update)
January 1, 2004... Another workshop includes a comprehensive look at the Ontario Section 7 requirements for machinery and workcell review. A team of instructors will discuss all aspects of a PSHSR, from the Ministry of Labour perspective through the PE...

Introduction to OHSAS 18001--management system for occupational health & safety.(RIA update)
January 1, 2004... This is a one-dayworkshop for the critical business issues relating to OHSAS 18001 and the implementation of this specification. Attendees leave with an understanding of the principles and benefits of an OHSAS 18001 program, including the basic...

U.S. robot safety standard.(RIA update)
January 1, 2004... Over the last 16 years, RIA has sponsored all three of the U.S. robot safety standards (plus helped write the Canadian one), and is nearly ready to unveil the 16th National Robot Safety Conference. Attendees will hear robot case studies from...

Robots 2004: leveraging new & emerging technologies.(RIA update)
January 1, 2004... New from RIA is "Robots 2004," a two-day conference set for June 9-10 that high-lights new and emerging robot technology and applications. Among the topics on the agenda are lean manufacturing, advances in robotic packaging and palletizing and...

Association events.(RIA update)(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... 35th International Symposium on Robotics March 23-26 Paris North American Robot Safety Conference March 24-26 International Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre Toronto, Ontario The Vision Show East May 4-6 ...

Robotics Industry Directory slated for June.(RIA update)
January 1, 2004... Regarded by many as "the bible of the industry," the Robotics Industry Directory publishes in June. The directory is produced by Robotic Industries Association, and insertions and listings are limited to members only ensuring it contains only...

Promoting a culture of safety.(RIA Safety Column)
January 1, 2004... When offered an opportunity to discuss safety in Robotics World, I usually use the forum to discuss some aspect of robot safety. This time I want to expand the conversation to a more general thought on machinery safety. Oh, yes, we are still...

Assembly robots help U.S. companies stay competitive, retain jobs .(Feature Story)
January 1, 2004... Despite encouraging economic indicators over the past few months, employment in the United States continues to lag. To remain competitive in the global marketplace, many companies continue to send jobs overseas. But others have found that...

Machine tending.(Robotics Case Studies)
January 1, 2004... One of the largest employers in Dixon, Ill., is Allied Locke Industries. Founded in 1965 by Robert Crowson, Allied Locke (known then as Allied Chains Inc.) manufactured steel detachable chains for the agricultural market. In 1978, Allied Chains...

Robotic sealing.(Robotics Case Studies)
January 1, 2004... Lamson & Sessions, which produces thermoplastic conduit, enclosures, wiring outlet boxes and accessories and large-diameter pipe for the wastewater market, manufactures millions of injection-molded PVC electrical wiring boxes and junction boxes...

Technology in motion--trends in electromechanical and motion control systems.(Motion Control)
January 1, 2004... With signs that the economy may be turning around and signs that a recovery in the manufacturing sector is, in fact, happening, it is appropriate to take a look at recent developments in motion control and electromechanical systems: What is...

Brushless DC motors.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Moog Components Group has designed a new line of high-performance brushless DC motors with integrated drive electronics. The motors' built-in electronics provide a compact package size while offering quiet, efficient and smooth operation. The...

Bypass AC drive.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Yaskawa's new P7/Bypass AC drive provides three-contactor bypass control, permitting motors to be run from either the drive or line current in critical industrial applications that require continuous operation. Control logic provides...

Stepper motor.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Lin Engineering has introduced a new, smaller addition to its line of size 14 modular motors. The 3609Z stepper motor measures 36mm in diameter and is 12mm thick. It weights a mere 1.7 ounces and has a holding torque of up to 4 oz-in. The...

Rotary encoder.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Heidenhain Corp.'s ERM 2x0 series of magnetic, modular rotary encoders for use on large shafts has been redesigned to benefit even more applications. The new scanning head features a compact design and has been reduced from 40mm to 20mm. The...

Microstepping drive.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Danaher Motion's new Pacific Scientific P7000 Series microstepping drives feature advanced functionality supported by industry-standard communications options, which allows the drive to provide true servo-like performance at a lower cost than...

Safety sensor.(Component spotlight: sensors)
January 1, 2004... JOKAB SAFETY North America has introduced the Eden, a machine safety sensor that uses Dynamic Signal Technology. The Eden is a two-part (Adam and Eva), non-contact, non-magnetic, non-mechanical safety sensor switch for application on...

Smart sensor.(Component spotlight: sensors)
January 1, 2004... SensComp's new 600 Series Smart Sensor combines the company's electrostatic transducer with complete on board drive electronic circuitry. The Smart Sensor features the company's flagship electrostatic transducer with a dedicated, integrated...

Weld-immune sensor.(Component spotlight: sensors)
January 1, 2004... Pepperl+Fuchs' stainless steel Pile Driver Series of inductive sensors is now available in models that are resistant to weld slag. Pile Driver sensors feature a thick metal sensing face in a stainless steel housing coated with Black Armor....

Laser sensors.(Component spotlight: sensors)
January 1, 2004... Banner Engineering has introduced the Q60 Series Laser Adjustable-Field Sensors. Available in both Class 1 of extended-range Class 2 laser formats, the sensors feature a mechanically adjustable sensing cutoff point that allows them to reliably...

Pressure sensors.(Component spotlight: sensors)
January 1, 2004... The Pneumatic Division of Parker Hannifin Corp. has introduced a complete line PARKER/CONVUM Pressure Sensors designed for use in packaging, factory automation, process control, silicon chip manufacturing and other applications requiring...

Sensor connectors.(Component spotlight: sensors)
January 1, 2004... The time-consuming task of assembling field-wireable connectors to sensors or cordsets is eliminated with the new Quickon-One from Phoenix Contact. Quickon-One is a two-piece, screwless connection system that uses industrialized IDC contacts....

Pressure sensor.(Component spotlight: sensors)
January 1, 2004... Festo Corp. has introduced new generation of intelligent pressure sensors, Type SDE5, which offer many characteristics common to high-end sensing devices and use the latest technology in microprocessor control and programmability. The unit is a...

Weld process control.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Servo-Robot Inc.'s new process control and weld inspection systems provide users with the ability" to ensure that all products are within tolerance. The simple programming and user-friendly graphical interface makes it useful for operators,...

Cable carriers.(Products)
January 1, 2004... The E-Z Triflex cable carrier from Igus Inc. combines two patented designs into one product for the most flexibility and quickest, easiest assembly available. E-Z Triflex carriers are ideal for robotic applications and other space restricted,...

Linear actuator system.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Robohand, a De-Sta-Co Industries company, has introduced a new Smart Linear Actuator (SLA) Modular Automation System using Smart Motor technology. The SLA series features a modular design that allows for a multitude of system configurations in...

SCARA robots.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Jamac Inc., a distributor of Janome Industrial Equipment, is introducing a servo motor-driven version of its Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm device. The new JS250/350 Series multipurpose SCARA, designed primarily for automating and...

Welding workcell.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Genesis Systems Group has introduced the Versa FT (Fixed Table) robotic welding workcell, which is ideal for small and medium parts that require no positioning or manual progressive processing. This workcell features one or two fixed tables and...

Material-handling systems.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Arbor Automation's industrial material-handling systems feature modular design and multiple levels. Customized system integration allows line components to operate as one system, ensuring top productivity and maximum throughput. All systems are...

The Fredricks Company.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Affordable True Tilt MCL Series Tilt Sensors are available in two models and feature arc-second resolution, outstanding repeatability, a patented, field-proven metal design for durability and superior dimensional tolerances. The singe axis...

Robotic Rotary Joint.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... ATI Industrial Automation has just released a new product that allows unlimited rotation of end-of-arm tooling without tangling of twisting robot lines. By utilizing advanced slip-ring technology the Rotary Joint passes electrical and pneumatic...

Dynetic Systems is please to announce ...(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... A smooth running, quiet, right angle gearmotor. These powerful, compact units boast highly efficient (up to 91%) worm gearing coupled with high torque DC motors to reach new levels of performance. Speeds from 260 rpm and torque up to 385...

Introducing the QuadStep[R].(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Your solution for controlling up to 4 stepping motors simultaneously. The QuadStep is a 4 axis stepping motor controller. It is designed for high performance microstep control of four (4) two phase stepping motors simultaneously in both...

Aerotech, Inc.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Aerotech is pleased to announce the availability of our new brochure Automation Solutions for the Automotive, Machine Tool, Assembly, and Packaging Industries. The 40 page, color brochure presents Aerotech's multitude of motion control and...

Hollow Shaft/High Torque/High Precision Gear Head.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... The New RD-C Series Gear Head provides High Precision (less than 1 arc-min), High Torque and a Large Center Thru-Hole in a completely sealed and ready to mount package. The patented design and integrated support bearings provide extreme...

Delta's new RMC70 Series motion controllers: offer more value for one- and two-axis applications.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Targeting hydraulic, pneumatic and electric servo motion applications, the new RMC70 Series motion controllers from Delta Computer Systems, Inc. (Vancouver, WA) offer attractive price/performance for one- and two-axis systems. The initial...

JR3 force-torque sensors & receiver/processors.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... JR3 produces a wide range of six axis force-torque sensors for use with robots and industrial automation. DSP based Receiver/Processor boards are available for PCI bus, cPCI bus as well as the ISA bus and VMEbus versions. Analog output sensors...

Right Angle Bevel--Planetary Servo Gearheads: for economical drive solutions.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Neugart USA, LP extended the product range of its Right Angle level Planetary Servo-Gearheads "WPLE". This product is now available in 4 sizes from 40 mm (NEMA 17) to 120 mm (NEMA 42), 22 ratios from 3:1 to 512:1) The WPLE gearheads are...

VFD Lean TR is a flexible, shielded motor supply cable designed specifically to help reduce problems related to voltage spikes, harmonics and power distortions frequently associated with variable frequency drives.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... VFD Lean TR is a flexible, shielded motor supply cable designed specifically to help reduce problems related to voltage spikes, harmonics and power distortions frequently associated with variable frequency drives. 600V UL Type TC for tray cable...

Lin Engineering & Trinamic.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Lin Engineering & Trinamic introduce a microstepping motor driver that features a sensorless load measurement function, which detects motor stalling and mechanical overload conditions before a step-loss occurs. The TMC246 is a...

Attica Hydraulics Exchange Corporation: servo & proportional lab.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Attica stocks an inventory of over 1000 units, consisting of several product lines including Atchley, Abex, Atos, Bosch, Moog, Pegasus *, Rexroth, Vickers, Dyval, Parker, Oilgear, and more. The following are test capabilities and features of...

Fluorescent sealed linears (SL series).(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Designed for use in industrial environments, StockerYale's fluorescent fixtures are completely sealed to meet NEMA 12 specifications. Units are available in Twin 4 Watt, Twin 6 Watt, Twin 8 Watt, Twin13 Watt, Twin 26 Watt and Twin 35 Watt...

Compact electromechanical linear actuators.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... The MINILINE[R] is the most compact linear actuator in its class. The piston rod "telescopes" into the center of the motor, minimizing both the length and cross-section of the actuator. Ratings from 20 to 5800 lbs-force and strokes from 4 to 40...

The PriMetric precision planetary gearhead.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... CGI's celebrated high performance and quality are built into our new metric package. With the addition of the PriMetric family, CGI Inc. provides the widest range of standard gearhead ratios available. CGI offers a complete range of planetary...

Trio's award winning MC206 Motion Coordinator[TM] provides up to 5 axes of servo or stepper control (8 on SERCOS); full interpolated motion with camming, gearing, and contouring.(Robotics World Showcase)
January 1, 2004... Trio's award winning MC206 Motion Coordinator[TM] provides up to 5 axes of servo or stepper control (8 on SERCOS); full interpolated motion with camming, gearing, and contouring. All 24Vdc-isolated I/0 is easily expandable via CANbus. User...