In preparation for a recent feature on trends in robotics, we spoke with Skye Gorter, an Automation Specialist at Cowper Inc. Gorter has almost 20 years’ experience in the automation industry, specializing in motion control, machine vision, and custom robotics. He supports customers with technical expertise and recently began integrating systems for R&D setups. Here’s […]
Integrated Motion Systems
Tighter integration and programming take positioning stages into 21st century
Few motion technologies show more recent innovation than positioning stages. Their hardware and software are increasingly custom to fit specific output requirements, thanks in large part to tighter integration and advanced programming. No wonder that today’s positioning stages can make moves with incredible accuracy; synchronize complicated axis commands; and optimize travel from coarse and fine […]
New switch mount lets users add sensing to grippers
Now, there’s a new switch mount that lets users easily add position sensors to select jaw grippers. PHD Inc., a manufacturer of industrial automation components, sells the switch-mounting kits for its Series 8400 and Series 190/191 grippers. Here’s a PDF that details the sensor-mounting kit. The mounting kits include a switch plate with slots for either […]
Centralized or decentralized: Which motion architecture is best?
Decentralizing servo technology can lower costs in packaging and food and beverage applications. But centralized motion control has its advantages too. Sometimes the answer to which is better is neither one … but both. By Dr. Arne Linder | Product Management • Kollmorgen Decentralizing servo technology can bring machine and plant construction savings during installation. […]
New Family of Small, Flexible Robots from ABB
The ABB Robotics IRB 1200 is an entirely new family of small robots that features a compact footprint and a large work envelope, providing flexibility, ease of use and short cycle times to a wide range of material handling, machine tending and small parts assembly applications. The IRB 1200 is designed with no offset in […]
Kollmorgen drives the lightweight helpers of Universal Robots
Ian Young, Key Account Manager, Kollmorgen, Ratingen Universal Robots (www.universal-robots.com) developed the UR5 and UR10 models for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. The handling units lift a payload of five and ten kilograms, but only weigh 18 and 25 kilograms themselves respectively. This low weight makes it possible to move the units easily without […]
Piezoelectric Positioners offer Precise Control in Nanopositioning Applications
By Stefan Vorndran and Scott Jordan, PI, Physik Instrumente L.P. Ever-increasing requirements for more precise motion control has forced manufacturers of piezoelectric positioners to find ways to overcome their limitations, such as travel range and linearity, while preserving the unmatched speed, reliability and resolution capabilities of piezoelectric devices. Precision motion control in general, and nanopositioning […]
New SIL 3 Safety Encoders from HEIDENHAIN
Safety-related position encoders have been available from HEIDENHAIN for several years. However, those encoders have been rated to SIL 2, PL d, Category 3. While this meets the requirements of most applications, sometimes there is a need for SIL 3, PL e, Category 4-rated equipment. These applications involve high risks for the operator, such as […]
James Fisher Nuclear Selects Moog Motion Control System
Moog Industrial Group has supplied a motion control system and engineering services to James Fisher Nuclear Ltd (JFN) for the ModuMan 100 Manipulator Arm which will be used for nuclear decommissioning. A manipulator is used to grasp and move materials without direct human contact. Typically a manipulator is an arm-like device with a number of […]
What are Positioning Stages and Tables? Technical Summary
Updated May 2015. || Positioning stages and tables are used in motion control systems to hold down a work piece or position it for some operation. Stages or tables, whether linear or rotary, are most often complete motion sub-systems. That is, they are motion systems themselves comprised of components such as linear motion elements, motors […]
