Robotics & Machine Automation Blog

• 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.

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• ElectroMechanical Motion Control

Yaskawa SigmaLogic7 Compact Is Rockwell AOI Compatible

Uncompromising Motion and Control performance are now available to OEM’s and Machine Builders as Yaskawa adds new Rockwell AOI-friendly servo amplifier solutions to the state-of-the-art Sigma-7 line.

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