Robotics World articles from November 2006

Robotics World archives from November 2006

Knowing when to choose custom end-of-arm tooling.(Feature Story)(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... Robotic cells for material handling, packaging, and automation applications all have one thing in common: the robot is only as good as its end-of-arm tooling (EOAT). Robotic EOAT can range from a simple vacuum cup tool to sophisticated...

Robot sales off 36% in North America through September.(ria UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... Softening of automotive sales has a major impact on the robotics industry, as new orders received by North American based robotics companies were down 36% through the first nine months of 2006. On a positive note, orders not related to...

Be in the know: new 2007 Robotics Industry Directory is now available.(ria UPDATE)(Directory)
November 1, 2006... The much-anticipated RIA 2007 Robotics Industry Directory is now available, with members-only listings of suppliers, integrators, and consultants, plus a new "Product Showcase Finder" section. The new edition has 198 company profiles and...

2007 Robots & Vision User Recognition Awards nominations are open.(ria UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) and the Automated Imaging Association (AIA) will honor outstanding user companies during the 2007 International Robots & Vision Show in Rosemont (Chicago), IL, June 12-14, 2007. The recognition award...

2007 Engelberger Robotics Awards nominations sought.(ria UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... The world's most prestigious robotics honor, named after the founding force behind industrial robotics, Joseph F. Engelberger, will be presented to outstanding individuals to honor excellent achievements in technology development, application,...

Safety brief: 2007 North American Robot Safety Conference.(ria UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... The 2007 North American Robot Safety Conference (NARSC) will be held at the Holiday Inn Select Toronto International Airport, March 26-28, 2007. The NARSC is co-sponsored by RIA and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This annual spring...

RIA in-house seminars: creating your safer workplace in 2007: ideal for multiple employee training.(ria UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... Your training session selections include R15.06 Safety Standard Compliance, Risk Assessment, or a custom course, such as Fundamentals of Robotics. Courses currently start at $2,500 (custom start at $2,900) plus textbook and instructor travel...

2007 International Robots & Vision Show update.(ria UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... The 2007 International Robots & Vision Show and Conference is coming to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), IL, June 12-14, 2007. It is North America's leading event for seeing all the latest robotics and...

Association events.(ria UPDATE)(Calendar)
November 1, 2006... 15TH ANNUAL AIA BUSINESS CONFERENCE January 31-February 2, 2007 Disney Yacht Club Resort Orlando, FL AIA MISSION TO CHINA March 22-24, 2007 Shanghai, China 2007 NORTH AMERICAN ROBOT SAFETY CONFERENCE March...

The premier employer electronic recruitment resource and job seeker career showcase.(ria UPDATE)
November 1, 2006... The Robotics Online Career Center is the one career and recruiting resource dedicated to the robotics and factory automation industry! JOB SEEKERS--Get directly in front of employers in the industry: * Job search control--Quickly and...

Palletizing robot puts Putter's pickles in their place.(Robotics Case Studies)
November 1, 2006... Aliments Putter's Food, Inc. (Sainte-Sophie, Quebec, Canada), a well-known eastern Canadian producer of a wide variety of pickled vegetable products, found themselves in a bit of a production pickle. Their manual end-of-line palletizing...

The Motion Control Association.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... The Motion Control Association (MCA) has announced a new Motion Control Online website at www.motioncontrolonline.org. The association is also seeking new members who will enjoy the benefit of having their firms appear on the Motion Control...

Kerk Motion Products, Inc. (www.kerkmotion.com) has introduced a new linear actuator designed for positioning requirements in electronics, semiconductor, medical, packaging, assembly equipment, automotive, and other challenging applications.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... Kerk Motion Products, Inc. (www.kerk motion.com) has introduced a new linear actuator designed for positioning requirements in electronics, semiconductor, medical, packaging, assembly equipment, automotive, and other challenging applications....

SICK STEGMANN, Inc.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... SICK STEGMANN, Inc. (www. stegmann.com) has introduced the DRS61 CoreTech[R] line of incremental encoders. Using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection and programming software, users can easily program these 60-mm-diameter incremental...

Danaher Motion (www.DanaherMotion.com) has announced that its Stockholm office has been awarded first prize in Sweden's prestigious Posten Logistics Award contest.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... Danaher Motion (www.Danaher Motion.com) has announced that its Stockholm office has been awarded first prize in Sweden's prestigious Posten Logistics Award contest. In competition with over 30 companies and organizations, Danaher Motion won the...

Amacoil (www.amacoil.com) personnel have found that the UH5 software program from Uhing Company (www.uhing.com) helps quickly analyze linear motion application requirements and ensure selection of the correct size Uhing rolling ring drive.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... Amacoil (www.amacoil.com) personnel have found that the UH5 software program from Uhing Company (www.uhing.com) helps quickly analyze linear motion application requirements and ensure selection of the correct size Uhing rolling ring drive....

TURCK (www.turck.com) has introduced its Q12 Uprox[R]+ sensors with a full 5-mm metal-sensing range when flush mounted.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... TURCK (www.turck.com) has introduced its Q12 Uprox[R]+ sensors with a full 5-mm metal-sensing range when flush mounted. They measure just 12 x 40 x 26 mm and feature an integrated 45-degree connector to facilitate use in tight spaces. The Q12...

Baumer Electric (www.baumerelectric.com) has introduced the new MagRes Profibus, a highly compact, self-contained multiturn absolute encoder designed to fit easily into space-restricted environments.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... Baumer Electric (www.baumer electric.com) has introduced the new MagRes Profibus, a highly compact, self-contained multiturn absolute encoder designed to fit easily into space-restricted environments. The encoder's high-density housing features...

Velmex, Inc. (www.velmex.com) has developed the XSlide[R] compact linear stages for incrementing or scanning applications.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... Velmex, Inc. (www.velmex.com) has developed the XSlide[R] compact linear stages for incrementing or scanning applications. They are constructed of hard-coat anodized, aluminum dovetail ways and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bearings for...

HEIDENHAIN (www.heidenhain.com) has unleashed their new LS XX7 Series sealed linear encoders.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... HEIDENHAIN (www.heidenhain. com) has unleashed their new LS XX7 Series sealed linear encoders. These new scales are available up to 3 m in length, come in two different mechanical profiles, and offer unparalleled resistance to contamination and...

Laser Design, Inc. (www.laserdesign.com) has introduced the new model SLP-2000 three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning probe with an extra-long laser line and dual CMOS receptors.(New Products In Motion Control)
November 1, 2006... Laser Design, Inc. (www.laserdesign. com) has introduced the new model SLP-2000 three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning probe with an extra-long laser line and dual CMOS receptors. The probe has an 8-inch laser line length and captures 50,000 to...

Cognex names Eric Ceyrolle Executive VP.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2006... Cognex Corp. (www.cognex.com), a leading supplier of machine vision sensors and systems, has promoted Eric Ceyrolle to the position of Executive Vice President of World wide Sales and Marketing. He will be responsible for managing Cognex's...

TURCK appoints Dean McCaskill President of North American operations.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2006... TURCK, Inc. (www.turck.com) has appointed Dean McCaskill as President of the firm's North American operations. The company provides sensing, connectivity, and network products to help manufacturers improve their automated processes. Mr....

DYMO Corp. partners with US Federation of Small Businesses.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2006... DYMO Corporation (www.dymo.com) has announced a partnership with the United States Federation of Small Businesses (USFSB, www.usfsb.com) to introduce its members to DYMO Stamp[TM], the new desktop postage solution from DYMO. The partnership...

Catalog improves safety of metal turning machines.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2006... Rockford Systems, Inc. (www.rockfordsystems.com) is offering a new "Safeguarding Cutting and Turning Machines" catalog free of charge. The full-color catalog includes a complete line of products to protect operators from injury while operating...

Free catalog features 1000 pages of parts.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2006... 80/20, Inc. (www.8020.net) has released its massive "Big Book of Solutions" parts catalog, with 1,104 pages with over 6000 components and accessories, mechanical drawings, and performance data. The catalog features a large variety of aluminum...

Pepperl+Fuchs launches automation newsletter.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2006... Pepperl+Fuchs (www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com) has introduced a process automation newsletter called Green Planet in recognition of the firm's commitment to global excellence. Writ ten by the company's employees, the newsletter promises to take...

Danaher motion signs two AGV partners.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2006... Danaher Motion (www.DanaherMotion.com) has signed two new Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) technology partners: Jervis B. Webb Co. from Farmington Hills, MI and TTS Port Equipment AB from Sweden. As part of the partnership, Danaher Motion's NDC8...

Steinmeyer, Inc.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... Steinmeyer, Inc. (www.steinmeyer.com) has developed the model PMT 160- DC single-axis precision positioning stage. It is available in five sizes and with strokes ranging from 50 to 300 mm; the stage has an overall height of only 40 mm. The...

SAS Automation.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... SAS Automation (www.sasgripper.com) has expanded the options for its end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) assemblies by re-engineering its GRF size 20 product line for longer operating lifetime. The pneumatically controlled spring-return gripper secures...

LPI Lift Systems.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... LPI Lift Systems (www.lpi-inc.com) is now offering customized material handling pick vehicles for large distribution centers. The company's flexible designs can be customized for a wide range of stock-picking applications. The platforms...

ifm efector, inc.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... ifm efector, inc. (www.ifmefector.com) has announced a new line of self-verifying temperature sensors designed for sanitary process control applications. The TAD line of temperature sensors provides continuous drift monitoring to eliminate the...

ifm efector, inc.
November 1, 2006... ifm efector, inc. (www.ifmefector.com) has also introduced the PDM 360 Smart Human Machine Interface (HMI) with a graphic display that is suitable for mobile machines. The 2.5-inch integrated display provides 128 x 64 pixel resolution and is...

Omron Scientific Technologies, Inc.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... Omron Scientific Technologies, Inc. (www.sti.com) has introduced the SR103AM Dual Channel Safety Monitoring Relay. This fixed terminal relay provides control reliability and maximum configuration flexibility, allowing them to be applied with...

Stafford Manufacturing Corp.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... Stafford Manufacturing Corp. (www.staffordmfg.com) has announced a universal positioning system that can be supplied with special end effectors for securely mounting and holding all types of devices. It allows operators to position and lock...

Sandvik Coromant.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... Sandvik Coromant (www.coromant. sandvik.com/us) has recently added a new, positive rake cutting geometry insert to its CoroMill 210 line of milling tools. The new sharper and lighter cutting geometry features a cutting edge designed for...

FKI Logistex.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... FKI Logistex (www.fkilogistex.com) has launched the GS 100 family of low-price, entry-level case palletizers. The GS100 series provides a cost-effective, fully automated palletizer for those organizations looking to convert from manual...

REGO-FIX.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... REGO-FIX (www.rego-fix.com) has expanded its line of Zero-Z short tool-holders to include BT 30, BT 30 with no drive dog, BT 40, and CAT 50 models. BT 30 taper models are capable of clamping tool shanks ranging from 0.5 mm (0.0197 inches) to 13...

COMITRONIC.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... COMITRONIC (www.comitronic.com) has expanded its machine safety switch range with the Massimotto, a tamperproof, contactless, coded, magnetic switch with an integrated M12 connector. It is rated category 3 or 4 under the European standard EN...

Orbitform.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2006... Orbitform (www.orbitform.com) now offers the HP2000 hydra-pneumatic impact riveter with extremely smooth operation. The system is available with a throat as large as 24 inches and can autofeed and quickly set solid rivets are large as 7/16-inch...

American Sensor Technologies, Inc.(SPOTLIGHT on sensors and software)
November 1, 2006... American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (www.astsensors.com), specialist in micro-electromechanical-systems (MEMS) pressure sensors, has launched the model AST4100 pressure sensor for high performance at low cost. It measures 0.875 inches in...

Automation Products Group, Inc.(SPOTLIGHT on sensors and software)
November 1, 2006... Automation Products Group, Inc. (www.apgsensors.com) has unveiled their IRU 2000/3000 Ultrasonic Sensors. They offer a detection range from 1 to 35 feet (0.3 to 10.67 m) and provide a noncontact method of presence/absence detection, proximity...

Baumer Electric.(SPOTLIGHT on sensors and software)
November 1, 2006... Baumer Electric (www.baumerelectric.com) has introduced a unique family of five laser sensors in the OBDM 12 family designed to recognize a target regardless of its distance from the sensor or any uncontrolled wobbling, movement, or elevation...

Macro Sensors.(SPOTLIGHT on sensors and software)
November 1, 2006... Macro Sensors (www.macrosensors.com) has introduced a line of 24-V single-ended DC-LVDT position sensors that provide 0-to-10-V outputs for use with PLCs, digital indicators, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), computer-based data processors,...

Renishaw, Inc.(SPOTLIGHT on sensors and software)
November 1, 2006... Renishaw, Inc. (www.renishaw.com) has developed a line of 13-b magnetic sensors for position-feedback applications. The new sensors provide 8192 counts per revolution. They are available in chip, chip-on-board, and ready-to-mount packaged...