Sensors, Vision

Sensors, Vision August 5, 2019

Test smart process control valves in minutes

An automated loop calibration tool can screen valves and identify which ones require more testing and should be pulled.

By Jim Shields

Sensors, Vision August 2, 2019

For better burner management, focus on the flame

Five-step guidance for safer and more efficient combustion equipment performance.

By Jacob Swafford

Sensors, Vision July 30, 2019

Making things work as part of the IIoT

Sensors are on the front line of the data gathering process, which is vital for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

By Suzanne Gill

Figure 1: Kilns are used in curing ceramics, drying wood, cremations, drying malted barley for brewing and other fermentations and agricultural grains. Gas-fired kilns must comply with the same valve safety train safety requirements as other thermal processes. Courtesy: Rockford Systems

Sensors, Vision July 29, 2019

Prevent burner fuel delivery accidents

Valve safety trains require regular inspections, maintenance and training.

By Robert Sanderson, P.E.

The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) named Brian Larry, Jerry Gray and Tim Bieber to their international board for the 2019-2020 administrative year. Courtesy: EASA

Sensors, Vision July 22, 2019

Association names international officers for 2019-2020

The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) named Brian Larry as chairman of the board for the 2019-2020 administrative year.

By Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)

A new MIT-invented system automatically designs and 3-D prints complex robotic actuators optimized according to an enormous number of specifications, such as appearance and flexibility. To demonstrate the system, the researchers fabricated floating water lilies with petals equipped with arrays of actuators and hinges that fold up in response to magnetic fields run through conductive fluids. Courtesy: Subramanian Sundaram, MIT

Sensors, Vision July 18, 2019

Automated system generates robotic actuators

MIT researchers have developed an automated system that designs and 3-D prints robotic actuators, which are optimized and automatically created, which is almost impossible for a human to do.

By Rob Matheson

The first printer made by Inkbit, a startup out of MIT, uses machine vision and artificial intelligence to expand the range of materials it can print with, bringing all the benefits of 3-D printing to a slew of products that have never been printed before. Courtesy: Inkbit/Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Sensors, Vision June 7, 2019

Company uses machine vision and artificial intelligence to enhance 3-D printing

Inkbit, a startup out of MIT, is working to bring 3-D printing benefits to a slew of products that have never been printed before by pairing its multimaterial inkjet 3-D printer with machine vision and machine learning systems.

By Zach Winn

Sensors, Vision June 6, 2019

Overcoming predictive maintenance obstacles

There are several key barriers to the implementation of predictive maintenance technologies, but they can be alleviated.

By Jos Martin

A soft-actuating robot gripper and a collaborative conveyor system enable safer human-robot interaction. Courtesy: Shuttleworth, LLC/RIA

Sensors, Vision May 6, 2019

Fenceless safety methods embrace human-robot interaction

Human-robot collaboration (HRC) is becoming more common, but humans still need to be aware of their machine counterparts. Companies have developed techniques to make it easier for humans and robots to safely interact and improve plant floor productivity.

By Tanya M. Anandan

A new “particle simulator” developed by MIT researchers improves robots’ abilities to mold materials into simulated target shapes and interact with solid objects and liquids. This could give robots a refined touch for industrial applications or for personal robotics— such as shaping clay or rolling sticky sushi rice. Courtesy: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Sensors, Vision April 23, 2019

Particle simulator developed to help robots better predict and grasp objects

MIT researchers have developed a learning-based particle simulator, could give industrial robots a more refined touch and help them make predictions about interacting with solid objects and liquids.

By Rob Matheson