If I had to make a list of the 2012 hot topics of the year in automation and motion control, energy efficiency would be high on that list. In fact, last month I wrote about some new tools from several automation suppliers aimed at improving energy efficiency of machines and motion systems. It turns out […]
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Interactive Robotic Seal Shows Therapeutic Benefits
Most of us are familiar with robots in many different areas of life. They’ve long been a staple in factory automation and are increasingly found in homes as vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers as well as children’s toys. But robots can also act as therapeutic aides, helping improve people’s cognitive and psychological well being. Meet […]
Mitsubishi Electric Adds Simple Motion Module to PAC Platform
Mitsubishi Electric’s QD77MS simplifies programming of complex motion profiles, reduces engineering costs and minimizes learning curves. Other advantages of the QD77MS Simple Motion Module include: Programming and set up of both PLC and motion control using a single software program — GXWorks 2. Controller compatibility, assuring smooth migration to improved technology platforms using tools that […]
Securing Your Industrial Control System
Not a day goes by without news of a new computer security threat. Whether it’s the Stuxnet virus, a hacker gaining access to consumers’ credit card numbers or social security numbers, or companies and government agencies reporting network security breaches, our increasingly interconnected world makes us more vulnerable to these kinds of threats. But the […]
New Software Offerings Aid Energy Savings for Manufacturers
As mentioned in a previous blog posting summarizing the news from the recent Pack Expo, there is an ongoing and renewed interest in energy consumption in manufacturing plants. Plant managers and engineers are looking beyond some of the more obvious starting points such as lighting to the machinery in plants, specifically the motors and systems packed […]
maxon motor launches configurable DC drives
The new maxon DCX program offers high power and can be configured and ordered completely online. On maxon’s microsite, you can find brushed DC motors, planetary gearheads and sensors and now in addition maxon has rolled out all new configuration software: DCX motors, GPX gearheads and ENX encoders can be configured and ordered online. “We […]
Pack Expo 2012 Show Summary
Despite Hurricane Sandy’s best efforts, Pack Expo in Chicago carried on with healthy attendance the two days I was there (one of which was an extra unexpected day due to a cancelled flight.) The show draws thousands from all over the world and is the premiere event for packaging equipment and processing with over 1,800 […]
Kollmorgen AKM™ Motor and ACS Controller Drive Virginia Tech’s BOLT Electric Motorcycle to Victory
VT BOLT, Virginia Tech University’s entry to the 2012 all-electric TTXGP is a 100 percent electric racing motorcycle driven by a low voltage Kollmorgen AKM™ 74 AC permanent magnet motor and a Kollmorgen ACS80XL 80V Gen6 drive. The results have been impressive, with the AKM motor and ACS drive enabling VT BOLT to achieve top […]
Siemens Acquires Kineo CAM, Motion and Path Planning Software Company
Continuing the trend of integrating the many aspects of design and manufacturing into one comprehensive solution, Siemens has recently acquired the French firm Kineo CAM, specializing in computer-aided motion software. This acquisition expands the company’s PLM software line by adding motion system design capabilities. Already, Kineo CAM provides some key components for Siemens’ PLM core […]
Lenze High Efficiency Gear Motors and AC Drives Receive BNP Approval and Listing
UXBRIDGE, MA – Lenze Americas announces that its high efficiency gear motors and AC drives have achieved approval and listing with BNP Associates. BNP systematically tests and validates products for use in airport baggage handling systems. Lenze offers a portfolio of proven solutions for all airport baggage applications—from baggage check-in through reclaim. Gear motors and […]