Robotics World articles from September 2005

Robotics World archives from September 2005

Assembly trends.(Feature Story)(Cover story)
September 1, 2005... The use of robots in assembly applications has never been greater and is expected to keep growing, both here and abroad, for multiple reasons. Here are some of them: * Competitive Advantage Economically, robots make good sense. Most...

How robots helped Peterson manufacturing remain competitive--and remain in the United States: this medium-sized manufacturer turned to robots seven years ago to help its assembly operation compete against foreign labor. Its "do-it-yourself" attitude has paid off.(Assembly Success)
September 1, 2005... When Steve Ham picked up two old robots at an auction after a Sunbeam Co. closing several years ago, he didn't realize he was changing the future course of his company. "My boss thought they were neat, and said 'let's get into robots,'"...

2005-06 Robotics Industry Directory from RIA offers details on industry leaders in a growing market.(ria UPDATE)(Directory)
September 1, 2005... A new edition of the Robotic Industries Association's (RIA) supplier directory is now available, with members-only listings of suppliers, integrators and consultants, plus a new section with researcher listings. The 2006 Robotics Industry...

Robotics Online Career Center surpasses 100 resume postings.(ria UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... Employers... Since debuting earlier this summer, the Robotics Online Career Center has proven very popular, with more than 100 resumes now posted. While the service is available to all, RIA members can post jobs and search resumes at discount...

Association events.(ria UPDATE)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... International Robots & Vision Show and Conference Sept. 26-29, 2005 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont (Chicago), III. 4th International Safety of Industrial Automated Systems (SIAS) 2005 Conference Hyatt...

RIA ... celebrating 30+ years of helping companies during 2005 International Robots & Vision Show.(ria UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... This year's International Robots & Vision Show traces its roots back to its fledgling beginnings as a small show held at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1975. Stop by the RIA booth (#1345) on the show floor and share some of your own...

National Robot Safety Conference XVII: guidepost to a safer workplace.(ria UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... This Conference is highly regarded as the authority on robot and machine guarding training, with a program designed by the sponsor of the ANSI standard for robot safety (ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999). The conference ncludes in-depth coverage of machine...

R2-D2, the Robotics Industry Forum and you!(ria UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... Past attendees and RIA members, join some 150 robotics industry leaders at the 13th Annual Robotics Industry Forum, Nov. 9-11, 2005, in Orlando, Fla. Insightful talks, outstanding networking, beautiful surroundings, and a meeting with R2-D2,...

North American robotics market up 36 percent in first half of 2005: second quarter is industry's best ever.(ria UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... North American robotics suppliers saw orders leap 36 percent in the first half of 2005, putting the industry on pace for a record year, according to recently released statistics by the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). A total of...

ANSI/RIA remains widely accepted standard for safety.(RIA Safety Column)
September 1, 2005... As summer slips away to fall, calendar items for safety-related activities increase. So far, 2005 has been a very productive year for progress toward better safety. The American National Standard for robot safety, ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999,...

Robotic palletizing leads to 55 percent productivity gain at JTM Products: robotic solution adds staffing and production flexibility, reduces worker injuries and saves on floor space.(Robotics Case Studies)(Company overview)
September 1, 2005... AS president and CEO of Solon, Ohio-based JTM Products, Inc., Dan Schodowski knew his company was ready to grow and that making wise investments in new technology would be critical. Perhaps best known as the remaining piece of the original...

New autoracking system by SHAFI helps auto makers move parts: modular automated tooling ensures robot-reliable material handling.(Robotics Case Studies)
September 1, 2005... An increasingly cutthroat environment in the automotive industry has prompted a high demand from top manufacturers to come up with the most cost-efficient engineering processes. This pressure for innovation has automotive suppliers scrambling...

AmpFlow Inc.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... AmpFlow Inc. announces the AmpFlow microcontroller-based motor controller. It supplies up to 180 amps open channel at 12 to 40 volts. It features multiple command input modes for use with either radio control receivers or analog devices such a...

Pulse Research Lab.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Pulse Research Lab announces the PRL-444 four channel, high-input Impedance, 50-ohm TTL line driver. Its compact, self-contained buffer pod drives for TTL/CMOS signals into 50-ohm loads. With a 10 k-ohm input impedance, the new, ready-to-use...

Red Lion Controls Inc.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Red Lion Controls Inc. has enhanced the functionality of its Modular Controller Series with the release of a new master controller module. The new master allows users to create a "virtual HMI," allowing machines to be controlled and monitored...

Gee Plus Inc.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Gee Plus Inc. is introducing a high-torque NEMA 42 1.8-degree step 2 phase hybrid step motor. The holding torque reaches 180 inch/pounds in a 4.3-inch square by 5.91-inch long package size. The Gee Plus hybrid step motor is supplied with 8...

Elmo Motion Control, Inc.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Elmo Motion Control, Inc., is introducing a network-based multi-axis motion supervisor, Maestro. It provides for synchronized motion control, interpolated 2-D/3-D. The Maestro operates as an Ethernet-CAN gateway. Connectivity to a host PC or...

Trust Automation.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Trust Automation announces its TA821 copper reduction modules convert electrical encoder. Fiber-optic transmission of command signals and encoder feedback in distances up to 1,000 feet reduces cost and adds reliability to motion control...

KUKA Controls.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... KUKA Controls recently announced a successful integration of VxWin with Real-Time Innovations' (RTI's) open-architecture Network Data Distribution Service (NDDS). Out-of-the-box integration enables developers to take full advantage of VxWin...

Polytec Inc. and The Micromanipulator Co. have combined their advanced technology expertise to provide a powerful, consolidated MEMS work station for proof-of-design and prototype testing.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Polytec Inc. and The Micromanipulator Co. have combined their advanced technology expertise to provide a powerful, consolidated MEMS work station for proof-of-design and prototype testing. Now a single workstation can provide MEMS assembly,...

TOL-O-MATIC.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... TOL-O-MATIC's new SW Series Servo Welding Actuator has achieved a performance threshold once thought impossible. Roller screw models are rated for 10 million cycles and ball screw models offer 5 million cycles. The patented new design offers...

Ifm efector.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Ifm efector introduces the AS-I Smartlink Profibus DP Gateway with a reduced housing depth of 57 ram. With its redesigned compact housing, the AS-I gateway utilizes smaller enclosures, thus saving space and reducing cost. Powered through AS-I,...

Thales Computers.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Thales Computers has introduced a line of 3U Compact PCI-embedded computers, starting with the rugged conduction-cooled PowerEngineC7. The PowerEngineC7 is the first member of Thales' new family of rugged 3U Compact PCI embedded computers. This...

THK.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... THK is introducing its new Type CRES High Thrust Rod Actuator as compact, low cost and versatile. The Type CRES's high thrust produces maximum operating efficiency, while a low voltage DC motor (DC12V [+ or -] 15%) contributes to reduced energy...

Saelig Co. Inc. (NY) and LCR Capacitors Ltd. (UK) recently announced a distribution agreement for LCR Capacitors' unique precision polystyrene capacitors in North America.(New Products in MOTION CONTROL)
September 1, 2005... Saelig Co. Inc. (NY) and LCR Capacitors Ltd. (UK) recently announced a distribution agreement for LCR Capacitors' unique precision polystyrene capacitors in North America. Even though raw polystyrene material is now no longer available, LCR...

EPSON recognized by Frost & Sullivan.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... EPSON Robots recently received the prestigious 2005 Technology and Market Leadership Award from Frost & Sullivan. The Award recognizes EPSON's pioneering role in the development of powerful, easy to use PC based controllers for robotics. Frost...

KUKA partners with Nercon.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... KUKA Robotics Corp. recently announced it has signed Nercon Engineering and Manufacturing Inc. of Oshkosh, Wis., as its newest system partner. The companies will work together to deliver expanded automation offerings to the packaging and...

Adept hires new vp.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Adept Technology Inc. recently announced that Janine Roth has joined the Adept executive management team as vice president of marketing and corporate development. Roth joins Adept with more than 22 years of experience in technical and business...

FANUC emphasizes support services.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... FANUC Robotics America Inc. will showcase its Customer Resource Center's support services during the 2005 International Robots and Vision Show Sept. 27-29. At the show, Customer Resource Center specialists will demonstrate a variety of...

Staubli increases manufacturing.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Following Staubli's successful acquisition of Bosch Rexroth's robot activity in December 2004, production of SCARA robot arms has been transferred to Staubli's manufacturing base in Faverges, HauteSavoie, France. This is the latest move in...

Toshiba Machine.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Toshiba Machine introduces its new TH1050 Scara Robot, built to perform high-speed operations. Featuring a low-profile, duct-less design, and a heavy-duty housing, the TH1050 offers the stability and configuration to achieve rapid performance....

Redlake.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Redlake announces the launch of its newest camera, the MegaPlus II EC11000, an actively cooled industrial camera. The EC11000 separates and isolates the camera's primary electronics from the sensor's cooling path. It features a fan-optional...

SCHUNK Precision Workholding Solutions.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... SCHUNK Precision Workholding Solutions has introduced the new FTC compliant force-torque sensor to provide a solution to problems that, up to now, seemed unsolvable. The FTC sensor was designed to address the ever-increasing demand of industry...

BTM.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... BTM's line of lightweight pneumatic grippers can be used for a variety of material handing applications including Robotic Part Handling and Sheet Metal Die Transfer. Models PG38 and PG45 are designed to lock securely and remain locked if air...

PIAB Vacuum Products.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... PIAB Vacuum Products will feature the P3010 AVM at the International Vision Show Sept. 27-29, booth 1132, in Chicago. Based upon PIAB's patented COAX ejector technology, the P3010 AVM is a mini-sized compact, compressed air driven vacuum unit...

The Fredricks Company.(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... Affordable TrueTilt[pounds sterling][TM] 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...

Save time with 3D motor downloads.(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... Dynetic Systems and Solid Works 3D CAD modeling software have developed a web page, offering configurable, downloadable 3D models of fractional horsepower DC Brushed and Brushless motors. Downloads are available in almost any format from CAD to...

I&J9000 gantry "power" robots.(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... I&J Fisnar Inc. is proud to present a new series of high-power, Servo-Driven, Gantry dispensing robots with working areas up to 32" x 24". These robots use ball screw transmissions to ensure high repeatability. The I&J9000 Power series is ideal...

Deltron linear actuators are among the smallest lead-screw driven actuators available.(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... Deltron linear actuators are among the smallest lead-screw driven actuators available. Complete with beamed coupling and motor mount they provide precise reciprocating low friction motion for many types of automated industrial equipment....

2006 Robotics Industry directory debuts; provides details on industry leaders.(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... A new edition of the Robotic Industries Association's (RIA) supplier directory is now available, with members-only listings of suppliers, integrators and consultants, plus a new researcher listings section. Containing 191 company profiles, the...

BTM Corporation manufactures a comprehensive line of pneumatic products for the Robotic Material Handling and Automation Industry.(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... BTM Corporation manufactures a comprehensive line of pneumatic products for the Robotic Material Handling and Automation Industry. This line includes Toggle Presses, Sealed and Open-mechanism Toggle Clamps, Locking Grippers, Rotary Actuators,...

Intelligent servo Drive[TM].(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... The ISD is a concept more than it is a product. IIS has developed a series of building blocks that can easily combined a custom design to produce an intelligent motion control system for large volume OEM's. These building blocks, both hardware...

JR3 force-torque sensors & receiver/processors.(Robotics World Showcase)
September 1, 2005... JR3 produces a wide range of six axis force torque sensors for use with robots and industrial automation. DSP basedReceiver/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)
September 1, 2005... 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...