Month: May 2019

Machine tool programmers and engineers that use Renishaw’s GoProbe macros could save significant time and labor with the use of Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.’s Interactive Cycle Insertion screens on its M8 Series of CNC controls. The new software screens can integrate Renishaw GoProbe macros with CNC controls. Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric

Mechatronics and Motion Control

Easier CNC programming, probe system integration

Omron Foundation, the charitable arm of the U.S.-based operations of industrial automation solutions provider Omron, donated a new laboratory complete with workstations and state-of-the-art equipment to give University of Houston students the opportunity to prepare for real-world engineering challenges. Courtesy: Omron Automation

Workforce Development

Automation company donates design and robotics laboratory

3D printing presents industry opportunities

Heavy-duty robot is ceiling mounted on a 7th axis positioner and equipped with a heat-resistant suit and other specialized equipment to handle the extreme operating conditions of this furnace tapping application. Courtesy: Specialized Analysis Engineering, Inc./Robotic Industries Association

Robots developed and designed for hazardous, extreme conditions

Dr. Alexander Broos, VDW, German Machine Tool Builders Association, spoke at OPC Day, Sept. 13, 2018, at IMTS in Chicago, explaining that non-standard connections are among machine builders’ challenges. With OPC UA from OPC Foundation, there already is connectivity, he said. Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media

Mechatronics and Motion Control

Standard interface simplifies CNC digitalization

Setup of a Universal Robots e-Series robotic system, with easily integrated hardware and software, is often within hours instead of days for more traditional robotics. Courtesy: Universal Robots

Why collaborative robots need plug-and-play peripherals

MIT researchers have developed a low-cost, sensor-packed glove that captures pressure signals as humans interact with objects. The glove can be used to create high-resolution tactile datasets that robots can leverage to better identify, weigh, and manipulate objects. Courtesy: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Vision and Discrete Sensors

Sensor glove developed to learn human grasp signatures for robotics, medical applications

Image courtesy: Chris Vavra, CFE Media

Vision and Discrete Sensors

Four ways embedded vision systems are used to enhance robotics

As human-machine interfaces (HMIs) have modernized in the last decade, they can now control and monitor multiple machines at once, to provide a complete overview of a production facility. Courtesy: EU Automation

It’s time the mobile HMI caught up

Seeq, an advanced analytics application, was used to predict the end-of-run date for a heat exchanger, eliminating a refinery’s unplanned production rate reductions due to heat transfer constraints. Courtesy: Seeq

Optimizing asset performance in refineries

Machine learning and other advanced technologies are embedded in advanced analytics software to empower engineers and other experts. Courtesy: Seeq

AI and Machine Learning

Refineries need machine learning to improve operations

Courtesy: Chris Vavra, CFE Media

AI and Machine Learning

Framework developed to help deep neural network performance