Material Handling

Robotics December 28, 2019

Proximity-based safety improves robot movement and efficiency

Moving to proximity-based safety can release space and improve production efficiency by allowing robots and workers more freedom of movement on the shop floor.

By Oliver Giertz

Figure 2: An embedded air bearing system permanently mounted into the tool, machine or structure serves as its own permanent rigging gear. Courtesy: AeroGo Inc.

Material Handling December 13, 2019

How air casters optimize factory flexibility

Integrated air bearings make it possible to implement a reconfigurable system to improve or supplement manufacturing floor changes.

By Cole Miller, M.E.

Q: Which robotic devices, systems or services do you buy or specify? Check all that apply. (N=118) Seventy-one percent of respondents said they buy or specify robots, while 64% said they specify robot sensors or vision; 59% specify robot grippers; 52% robotic software; 50% robotics as part of a larger system; and 49% robotic control panels and enclosures. Courtesy: Robotics Research Report, 2019, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, CFE Media and Technology

Robotics December 13, 2019

Buying, specifying robotics

2019 Robotics Research Report: Respondents to the Control Engineering and Plant Engineering 2019 Robotics Research survey identified use, trends, and purchasing habits of industrial robots and related hardware, software, peripherals, robotic safety, training, installation, integration, and maintenance.

By Mark T. Hoske, Hemdeep Kaur, and Amanda Pelliccione

Magnetic grippers grasp utilizing magnetism. Courtesy: Magswitch

Robotics December 6, 2019

Five ideal robotic gripper features

Cover Story: The ideal robotic gripper should be flexible for multiple applications and easy to use. Manufacturers should also choose robotic grippers that can help with their long-term data needs.

By Michael Guelker

Robotics November 23, 2019

Design and control robots with stretchy, flexible bodies

MIT researchers have found a way top optimize soft robots to perform specific tasks with a new model that make their bodies flexible.

By Rob Matheson

Robotic waterjet system produces a stream of water traveling at supersonic speed to cut a variety of materials including superalloycomponents used in the aerospace industry. Courtesy: Shape Technologies Group/RIA

Robotics October 18, 2019

Collaborative robots bringing automation to aviation industry

Collaborative robots are improving aircraft construction, testing and maintenance as the aviation industry adopts Industry 4.0 and automates aircraft operation.

By Robotic Industries Association (RIA)

Snake-like rotots have been around for more than a decade and were initially used for search-and-rescue operations in challenging terrains. Their use is being evaluated for a range of industrial operationds, including gaining access to confined spaces. Courtesy: Sarcos Robotics

Robotics September 13, 2019

Keep workers safe, costs low

Why Ameren Missouri is leveraging the power of robotics.

By Kristi Martindale

Figure 2: Donaldson’s IIoT subscription service monitors industrial dust and fume collectors and provides owners with access to real-time information and maintenance alerts. The service connects industrial facilities with the manufacturer over the Internet, allowing an ongoing support relationship. Courtesy: Donaldson Company Inc.

Maintenance Strategy September 9, 2019

Maintain secondary equipment via IIoT

Nonproduction equipment like dust collectors compete for maintenance attention; IIoT can help identify issues before they become larger problems.

By Brent Nelson

Robotics August 23, 2019

Robots need to understand and think more

Robots, according to a paper from the University of Birmingham, will need to think in the right context as economies embrace automation, connectivity and digitization and as levels of human-robot interaction increase.

By Suzanne Gill

WVU Professor Powsiri Klinkhachorn, Derek Roesch, Bertrand Wieliczko Ian Hostottle, Nathan Owen and Karan (Kermit) Sah make up the MIDAS III team. Courtesy: West Virginia University

Robotics August 18, 2019

Robotics team wins NASA competition for second time in three years

West Virginia University’s robotic drilling team won NASA’s Moon to Mars Ice & Prospecting Challenge for the second time in three years with the Mountaineer Ice Drilling Automated System III (MIDAS III).

By Paige Nesbit