Robotics & Machine Automation Blog

- ElectroMechanical Motion Control
Direct Drive Servo System & Performance for the Same Price as a Precision Screw Actuator?
Akribis Systems Offers Solutions in Direct Drive Motors including Linear Direct Drive, Rotary & Compact Rotary Direct Drive, and Voice Coil Direct Drive Akribis is in the business of designing and manufacturing motors, stages, and precision systems that are used in high speed and precision equipment for manufacturing, inspection and testing. Their solutions are compatible with most servo drives manufactured today and offer exceptional performance at competitive pricing when compared to precision screw and traditional mechanical motion systems.
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- Automation
Using a Hand Crank for Automation Equipment
Using a hand crank for automation may sound like an oxymoron, but there are times when it makes sense. Sometimes an application requires the robustness, precision, and customization that is available from automation equipment, but it also requires manual control. The issue with this is that automation equipment is generally meant to be driven by a motor. Manufacturers of equipment such as linear actuators and gearheads make it very easy to mount any kind of servo motor you want, but if you ask them for a hand crank then you are usually met with confusion and resistance.
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- Robotics
Universal Robots and the Rise of the Machines
My customer Hirebotics was recently featured on the front page of the Washington Post. Read about 'How a Couple of Robots Came to be the Newest Hires at a Wisconsin Factory in Search of Reliable Workers.' It's very interesting and I thought you would want to read it too. Thanks, Karl. Article from Chico Harlan | The Washington Post | August 2017
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- Pneumatics
2-Pressure-Select Pneumatic Circuits
When designing pneumatic circuits, there are usually various ways to achieve your desired end goals. Some designs can be complex with many parts to consider, while other designs can be relatively simple; both can give you similar end results. I’d like to explore some options for designing a “2-Pressure-Select” pneumatic circuit. This type of circuit is typically used on an actuator when you need to quickly switch from a higher pressure to a lower pressure (or vice-versa) while moving in the same direction.
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- Partner: Omron
6 Lessons Learned From the Installation of Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
The implementation of Lean Manufacturing Systems, the drive to reduce waste along with human ‘steps’, and the need to connect islands of automation, have all increased the interest in and implementation of Mobile Robots such as Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs). AGVs are changing the game as they are becoming more affordable.
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- Pneumatics
Achieving Motion Control With A Pneumatic Actuator
Can true motion control be obtained with a pneumatic actuator? The ideal motion control motion profile has a trapezoidal shape and looks like the figure above. This is the typical profile desired by most engineers when programming a move controlled by servo motor moving a linear actuator. Can a move such as this be obtained when using a pneumatic actuator?
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- Partner: Omron
Programming Robots with PLCs
In today’s rapidly changing world of automation, it seems as though every year there is a new way to program or some new wrinkle in every manufacturer’s PLC or Machine Controller lineup. To keep up, this usually requires a software upgrade and some more training. In response to this, most integrators and OEM machine builders will lock onto one company and hold on for dear life.
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- Robotics
Universal Robots Application Programming: Segmentation and Organization
Series Introduction Universal Robots has come to be known as the leader in the collaborative robotics industry. They also have a strong reputation for being easy to implement and program. There is no doubt that, compared to other collaborative robot products and traditional industrial robots, Universal Robots has a very user-friendly interface.
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- Robotics
Universal Robots Application Programming: Machine Features
Series Introduction Universal Robots has come to be known as the leader in the collaborative robotics industry. They also have a strong reputation for being easy to implement and program. There is no doubt that, compared to other collaborative robot products and traditional industrial robots, Universal Robots has a very user-friendly interface.
- Read more about Universal Robots Application Programming: Machine Features