The Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics (ARM) Lab (http://mechatronics.eng.buffalo.edu) is a research laboratory in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences in The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. The lab combines an in-depth understanding of mathematical theory with experimental validation to develop a new generation of smart mechanical and mechatronic systems. Their work includes projects in haptic devices for surgical simulations, musculoskeletal simulation to refine human-machine interactions, cooperative payload transport by robot collectives, and omnidirectional wheeled robots. Several of their research projects have directly resulted in the creation of commercially available devices that are then used by labs around the world for education and further research.
REDEX ANDANTEX has the pleasure to announce the new evolution of its DualDrive rack and pinion drive. This evolution features a more compact size while maintaining the outstanding performances that have made the DualDrive innovative concept a perfect solution for extreme machine tool high precision positioning demands.
NORD Drivesystems extends its SK 500E series of compact frequency inverters for control cabinet installation, adding the top-of-the-line model SK 540E which features an integrated basic PLC functionality. Without the support of an external controller, the cost-effective inverter is able to control many demanding applications with sequences and links to counters, comparators and flags that are easily programmed in accordance with the industry standard IEC 61131-3 using the PC-based NordCon tool.
The refurbishment of the HVAC system of the Loden-Frey fashion store in Munich was particularly challenging as under no circumstances could the refurbishing work disrupt normal business operations or disturb the store’s customers. The project was made all the more difficult by the restricted clearance space above the suspended ceilings and the limited space available for a new plant room.
With its 60 mm RiLine60 busbar system, Rittal offers a safe and flexible power distribution system for the construction of low-voltage switchgear. Plant constructors now benefit from far easier assembly, thanks to numerous detailed design improvements that have a major effect on assembly handling. The clever integration of RiLine60 busbar systems and components in the Power Engineering 5.0 planning and configuration software means there is now an overall reduction in processing times so that project costs are optimised.
Just 10 years ago, options were limited for making a product, site or enclosure secure, but also readily accessible to a range of authorized personnel.
Beijer Electronics has signed an agreement to acquire a majority of the Taiwanese technology and industrial data communications company Korenix Technology Co. Ltd. Together with Westermo, a world-leading offering in the business area Industrial Data Communications (IDC) is formed.
SPAMI, a company forming part of the Stevanato Group, has developed an inspection system to improve the quality of glassware. It uses quality control technologies to screen the glass tubing on arrival at the plant as well as the final product. The system includes a visual inspection system (NoVIS), a system for continuous temperature measurement, and also a digital image processing system, called CLEANER, which is able to detect and remove defects in the glass as small as a few microns in the final product. The fully integrated process machinery provides measurement of glass tube diameter, wall thickness, and temperature using infrared pyrometers (Pyrometer Annealing control) for total quality control, and motorized burners provide close control of their positioning. The use of this system gives Stevanato their advantage in quality over other vial manufacturers. For this advanced system, S.P.A.M.I. uses HMS Anybus converters for the connection between remote visual inspection cameras and the PLCs controlling the production lines.
Once water has been cleaned and decanted, it is often necessary to dry the residual sludge. The SOLIA solar sludge drying process, proposed by MSE, uses an automated turner. The sludge is laid out in windrows, in a greenhouse, to accelerate water evaporation. The operation is automated, and there is no further need to enter the greenhouse to control the robots. These robots are radio-controlled, which provides a more robust solution than the traditional wired approach.