Robotics World articles from May 2004

Robotics World archives from May 2004

Cognex Corp.(People)
May 1, 2004... Cognex Corp.'s three founders, Robert Shillman, Bill Silver and Marilyn Matz, have been selected by Fortune Magazine as "Heroes of Manufacturing" for 2004....

Motoman.(People)
May 1, 2004... Kazumasa (Kazu) Okabe, a 30-year veteran at Yaskawa Electric Corp., has joined the Motoman team as senior vice president. At Motoman, Kazu will serve as a board member and officer. His direct responsibilities will include sales to Japanese...

Great Lakes Air Systems.(People)
May 1, 2004... Steven Nagle has joined Great Lakes Air Systems as account manager and will be responsible for maintaining and acquiring new customers in the Michigan and Ontario areas....

WAGO Corp.(People)
May 1, 2004... Tad Richardson has been named regional sales manager for WAGO Corp., covering Utah, Arizona, Las Vegas, parts of Idaho and Wyoming....

Dynatech Technology.(People)
May 1, 2004... Jonny Nichols has been named Eastern regional sales manager for Dynatech Technology, the North American distributor for Samsung Techwin SMT equipment. Nichols will be responsible for managing Dynatech's rep network from Canada through Puerto...

Nachi Robotic Systems.(Integrator News)
May 1, 2004... ATR-Strothmann has been selected by Nachi Robotic Systems as a key integration partner. ATR-Strothmann, a vision and automation system supplier, will focus on Nachi applications such as stamping, machine tool, material handling and other...

ABCO Automation Inc., a systems integrator specializing in custom automation solutions, robotics and machine vision.(Integrator News)
May 1, 2004... ABCO Automation Inc., a systems integrator specializing in custom automation solutions, robotics and machine vision, has joined the group of systems integrators that make up Rockwell Automations Solution Provider Program....

Brooks Automation Inc., which creates manufacturing efficiency for the semiconductor and other complex manufacturing industries, has completed a licensing agreement with TDK Corp.(Integrator News)
May 1, 2004... Brooks Automation Inc., which creates manufacturing efficiency for the semiconductor and other complex manufacturing industries, has completed a licensing agreement with TDK Corp. that permits TDK the use of Brooks' patented load port module...

Robert Bosch Verpakkingsmachines.(Acquisitions)
May 1, 2004... Robert Bosch Verpakkingsmachines has acquired SIG Pack from SIG Holding AG, subject to approval by regulatory authorities. SIG Pack manufactures packaging machines and systems, including horizontal bag forming, filling and sealing machines,...

Orbitform.(Acquisitions)
May 1, 2004... Orbitform has acquired Milford Fastening Systems/Milford Rivet of Milford, Conn.

Trade shows.(News)
May 1, 2004... Assembly Technology Expo 2004 Sept. 28-30 Rosemont, Ill. www.atexpo.com Plastics USA 2004 Sept. 28-30 McCormick Place, Chicago www.plasticsusa.org NEPCON Texas 2004 Oct. 20-21 Arlington, Texas ...

Automated Assemblies Corp., designer and manufacturer of robotic and work-cell solutions for the plastics industry, is forming an alliance with six-axis robot manufacturer Staubli Corp.(Quick Takes)
May 1, 2004... Automated Assemblies Corp., designer and manufacturer of robotic and work-cell solutions for the plastics industry, is forming an alliance with six-axis robot manufacturer Staubli Corp. The alliance means that Automatic Assemblies' work-cell...

Rockwell Automation.(Quick Takes)
May 1, 2004... Rockwell Automation's five worldwide Technical Support Centers have achieved certification under the Support Center Practices Certification program. SCP Certification quantifies the effectiveness of customer support based on performance...

Schunk.(Quick Takes)
May 1, 2004... Schunk has redesigned its website (www.schunk-usa.com) with intuitive navigation to everything from company information to in-depth technical information on automation components, toolholding components, stationary workholding systems and lathe...

Palomar Technologies, a manufacturer of automated assembly systems, has integrated Cognex's MVS-8000.(Quick Takes)
May 1, 2004... Palomar Technologies, a manufacturer of automated assembly systems, has integrated Cognex's MVS-8000 machine-vision system into its new Model 8000 thernmsonic wire bonder....

In a recent decision by the Federal Court of Ohio, Genesis Systems Group was awarded an injunction prohibiting Worker Automation Inc. from infringing Genesis'.(Quick Takes)
May 1, 2004... In a recent decision by the Federal Court of Ohio, Genesis Systems Group was awarded an injunction prohibiting Worker Automation Inc. from infringing Genesis' U.S. patent that relates to its unique line of ferris-wheel positioners used in its...

Robotic Industries Association.(Quick Takes)
May 1, 2004... Alvey Systems, an FKI Logistex company and robotics integrator for material-handling applications, has joined the Robotic Industries Association....

Rockwell Automation has created the Rockwell Automation Center for Integrated Condition Monitoring in Houston.
May 1, 2004... Rockwell Automation has created the Rockwell Automation Center for Integrated Condition Monitoring in Houston. Developed as a resource for process and petrochemical manufacturers, the center will help companies improve performance metrics by...

RIA & AIA sponsor Robotics & Machine Vision sessions at ATE 2004.(RIA update)
May 1, 2004... RIA has developed the "Robotics in Assembly" conference sessions at this year's Assembly Technology Expo, Sept. 28-29, in Rosemont, Ill. Sessions will include "Getting Started With Robotics" presented by Bob Rochelle, Kawasaki Robotics; and...

Robots 2004: learn how robots save jobs and improve business.(RIA update)
May 1, 2004... If you use or plan to use robots, it helps to know how others have succeeded. Robots 2004, North America's largest robotics conference of the year, introduces attendees to many different applications and industry success stories. The...

30th anniversary directory nears publication.(RIA update)
May 1, 2004... To celebrate its 30 years of service to the robotics industry, RIA's 2004-05 edition of the "Robotics Industry Directory" will feature a special, pull-out commemorative poster. An enhanced "User's Guide to Robot Systems integrators" section is...

AIA to hold second Machine Vision for Robot Guidance Workshop.(RIA update)
May 1, 2004... The second "Machine Vision for Robot Guidance Workshop" will be held Oct. 56 in Nashville, Tenn. Sponsored by the Automated Imaging Association, the work shop focuses on new applications of machine-vision technology in robot guidance...

Association events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... Robots 2004 Conference June 9-10 Ypsilanti (Mich.) Marriott at Eagle Crest Resort Assembly Technology Expo: Robotics in Assembly Sept. 27-30 Rosemont (Chicago), Ill. Machine Vision for Robot Guidance Workshop ...

Learn to safeguard your work environment at National Safety Conference.(RIA update)
May 1, 2004... The 16th Annual National Robot Safety Conference is set for Oct. 18-21 at the Ypsilanti (Mich.) Mariott at Eagle Crest Resort. Attendees will hear robot case studies from leading U.S. companies, gain hands-on experience performing a risk...

Robots' capabilities stack up well in palletizing operations.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... The use of robotics in material-handling applications, which includes palletizing, continues to be a growth industry for several reasons, not least of which is the narrowing gap in cost between robotic palletizing systems and traditional...

Robotic deburring.(Robotics Case Studies)
May 1, 2004... At L.E. Jones Co., which manufactures precision valve seat inserts, two workers used to deburr salt cores for gallery-cooled pistons manually using stationary dremel tools. This process was labor-intensive and non-ergonomic, which caused a...

Assembly of fiber optic patch cords.(Robotics Case Studies)
May 1, 2004... The manual assembly of fiber-optic pigtails requires operators to work with extremely small parts that have sub-micron assembly tolerances. Improper component assembly causes misalignment of the fiber cables, which greatly reduces the output...

Pneumatics integrated in welding application.(Robotics Case Studies)
May 1, 2004... In the fall of 2001, Festo Corp. was contacted to develop a solution for automating a tack-welding application for a Grove City, Minn., fabricator. The application required that a robot position carbide holders on a drum, which were to be tack...

Drive units.(Product Roundup)
May 1, 2004... Danfoss Drives has released a redesigned version of its VLT 5000 series. The new 90-200kW/125HP-300H P drive units have been optimized to provide increased reliability, higher performance, lower installation costs and lower overall costs of...

Motion controller.(Product Roundup)
May 1, 2004... The new RMC70 Series motion controllers from Delta Computer Systems offer attractive price and performance for one-axis and two axis systems. The initial version, the RMC75S-MA1, is oriented toward linear motion control and includes RS232/485...

Planetary Gearheads.(Product Roundup)
May 1, 2004... Precision Planetary Gearheads from Parker Hannfin's Daedel Division are characterized by smooth, quiet operation and feature a robust gearhead design built upon precision-honed gearing and a superior bearing system. The planet gears are...

Linear Cable Encoder.(Product Roundup)
May 1, 2004... Flexibility, versatility and maneuverability are the major benefits of the new Linear Cable Encoder from Encoder Products Co. With its retractable, stainless steel cable, the LCE is much more flexible than typical rotary shaft encoders. This...

Harmonic gearhead.(Product Roundup)
May 1, 2004... Oriental Motors has used new harmonic gear technology for its AlphaStep series of stepping motor and driver packages with built in feedback devices. The new HG gearhead offers highly precise, zero-backlash performance, while providing extremely...

Cantilever Slides.(Product Roundup)
May 1, 2004... PHD Inc. now offers longer travel lengths for its Series SxH Cantilever Slides. Previously available with up to 3 inches of travel, the slides now are available with travel lengths up to 8 inches. Series SxH slides feature precision-machined,...

Steel Spline Shafts.(Product Roundup)
May 1, 2004... Kerk Motion Products has expanded its Spline Shaft Series with the introduction of its new Steel Spline Shafts. Featuring three times the stiffness of Kerk's Aluminum Spline Shafts, the Steel Spline Shafts are designed for heavier side loads...

Monochrome Camera.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... JAI PULNiX Inc. has introduced the TM-6710CL, a Camera Link version of the company's popular TM-6710 high resolution, monochrome camera. The new camera features quad-speed, 120-fps video at full VGA resolution, and utilizes a Kodak KAI-311 CCD...

Programmable camera.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... Matrox Imaging recently introduced the Matrox Iris P-Series, a new line of programmable smart cameras designed for professional developers and OEMs. The Matrox Iris P-Series smart camera supports the flexibility of PC-based machine-vision...

Low-angle ringlight.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... Among StockerYale and StockerYale Canada's lighting solutions for machine-vision applications is the CLAR low-angle ringlight. Using chip-onboard technology to provide low-angle, diffuse lighting, the CLAR is ideal for applications that require...

High-speed vision sensor.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... DVT Corp. has introduced the Legend 550 series, which features DSP technology and increased memory and operates at speeds up to eight times faster than DVT's high speed Legend 540. The 550 series incorporates a Texas Instruments DSP processor...

Area-scan camera.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... DALSA has introduced the Pantera TF 1M60, a 12-bit, 1024 by 1024 area scan camera capable of frame rates to 60 fps with dynamic range that exceeds 66dB without the need for cooling. The Pantera TF 1M60 is built around DALSA's TrueFrame CCD...

3-D vision technology.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... Canesta introduced its low cost electronic perception technology for industrial machine vision applications during The Vision Show East in early May. The technology uses tiny CMOS-based sensors that are capable of seeing in three dimensions,...

Progressive-scan camera.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... Toshiba has introduced its first progressive-scan color camera, the IK-TF5. Optimized for machine vision applications such as factory automation, robotics, image processing and inspection, the one-piece camera eliminates image jitter through...

Intelligent camera.(Component spotlight: machine vision)
May 1, 2004... PPT Vision has expanded the family of products for its Impact machine-vision micro-systems with the introduction of the Impact T10, a compact, self-contained intelligent camera solution that is easy to use and program, and designed for low-cost...

Multi-axis gantry.(Products)
May 1, 2004... Jamac Inc., a subsidiary of Janome industrial Equipment, plans to introduce a multipurpose gantry system, Janome JSG Series, as a flexible, multi-axis, overhead positioning system for high-precision manufacturing. The JSG Series uses an...

Robot operator station.(Products)
May 1, 2004... Motoman's new MotoHMI operator station provides an advanced PC-based, human machine interface for robot systems and programmable logic controllers. An intuitive touch-screen interface allows the user to control the robot system, view production...

Linear drive module.(Products)
May 1, 2004... The new HLE-Z, from Parker Hannifin's Daedal Division, is a quiet-running linear drive module that can quickly and accurately position large payloads over very long travels. It is ideal for overhead gantry robots, storage and retrieval systems...

Rivet monitoring system.(Products)
May 1, 2004... The WatchDawg Monitoring/Control System from Orbitform ensures consistency and uniformity of orbital-formed rivets. It can precisely monitor and control the forming process, including all aspects of the forming tool and workpiece. The WatchDawg...

DC motors, gearmotors.(Products)
May 1, 2004... PITTMAN LO-COG Series 9000 brush-commutated DC motors and gearmotors are ideal to power a wide range of equipment, whether used in data storage, medical/biotech, semiconductor, automation, commercial aviation or countless other industries. The...

Linear motion brochure.(Products)
May 1, 2004... A new 14-page brochure, "Precision in Motion," from the Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies business unit of Bosch Rexroth Corp., provides an overview of the company's linear motion solutions. The Rexroth portfolio of components offers a...

Framing system.
May 1, 2004... mk Automation Inc. has introduced the new Series 60 aluminum flaming system, designed for use in heavy duty machine supports, frame building, linear-motion and material-handling applications. The Series 60 framing system challenges steel usage...

Dynetic systems is please to announce ...(Robotics World Showcase)
May 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 in/lbs...

JR3 force-torque sensors & receiver/processors.(Robotics World Showcase)
May 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...

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

Delta's new RMC70 Series motion controllers.(Robotics World Showcase)
May 1, 2004... Offer More Value for One- and Two-Axis Applications Targeting hydraulic, pneumatic and electric servo motion applications, the new RMC70 Series motion controllers from Delta Computer Systems, Inc. (Vancouver, WA) offer attractive...