A thorough understanding of the mechanical load is crucial to successful motion applications. Gear designers are experts in understanding the mechanical load. Not just the RMS power requirement, but other issues such as impulse loads, the impact of heat on part geometry and life expectancy. Gear design, like electric motor design, has continued to evolve as clever designs have been […]
System integrators, KEB America partner in new program
KEB America, Inc. has announced the launch of their System Integrator Program for the North American market. The program will partner talented system integrators with KEB engineers and application specialists. The goal is to pair KEB’s extensive automation product line with trusted local integrators. “Historically, KEB has worked with machine builder OEM’s in our target […]
5 mythical robots and real versions to love on National Love Your Robot Day
February 7th is National Love Your Robot Day. Originally established 16 years ago by musician Victor Lams as a joke with a friend (and inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy and The Black Hole), today Love Your Robot Day still continues … even recognized by public school systems and the New York Public Library. So to celebrate, we robotictips.com editors pay homage to our favorite […]
The Heart of Mechatronics
One of the core principles of mechatronics is the ability to displace mechanical components where the functionality can be replicated by a blend of software in the control system and a good hardware strategy. The most commonly recognized application might be electronic line shafting. The mechanical problem is that mechanical loads are required to […]
Filling a need… or feeding a diversion
Today’s robotics industry could use some strategic guidance, particularly in the area of healthcare. By Frank Tobe, Editor and Publisher, The Robot Report It is clear to me that the next big markets for robotics are: SMEs (robot workers and co-workers in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) Medical and healthcare (nursing assistance, surgeon augmentation, operating room…
The Cost of Control
In the computer industry we hear interesting metrics about the ever increasing capabilities of processors and hardware. That capability is usually measured in a performance metric such as MIPS or Million Instructions Per Second. We don’t generally talk about capability per dollar spent. However, the cost of control is a major metric when evaluating control […]
Putting the “Mecha” into Mechatronics
Motion control, machine automation, mechatronics, actuator technology, whatever you want to call it, the thing you have to keep in mind is that in motion control, tasking is mechanically bounded. The boundary conditions of the system are defined by the mechanical solution. It is generally impossible for the control system and power electronics to cause […]
The changing, improving world of prosthetics
Recent, major improvements that eliminate numerous problems in the design of motion controlled limbs have come from a better understanding of users’ needs. Add to this knowledge base the application of aerospace materials, advanced motor designs, and special safety circuitry, and you have the latest generation of prosthetic devices. Motion-controlled wrists and hands have helped […]
Top 5 Electrical Considerations for Mechanical Engineers
Previously, we covered mechanical considerations for electrical engineers. Now, we give the other side a chance to speak. Here are five targeted pieces of advice for mechanical engineers responsible for electromechanical systems, from the perspective of an electrical engineer. Mechatronics systems intelligently integrate mechanical and electrical elements to perform increasingly complex and demanding functions. When […]
Motor Positioning Controller Offers Wide Range of Functions
Dual loop position and speed controller for almost any application Maxon’s EPOS (Easy to use Positioning System) is being expanded again in its second generation. The EPOS2 70/10 drives DC brush motors with encoders or brushless EC motors with Hall sensors and encoders, from 5 to 700 watts power. The unit is packed with a […]
B&L Designs Shaftless Press Which Cuts Time In Half
Located in Effingham, Ill., B&L Machine & Design specializes in the remanufacturing of various printing presses and ancillary equipment. Its particular expertise is on the Harris M-1000 and M-110 series presses, as well as splicers, infeeds, chillers and folders. By redesigning all the electrical and mechanical components and subsystems, B&L exceeds customer expectations for the […]
Yaskawa Releases MotionWorks IEC Pro and MP2310iec
Waukegan, IL – Yaskawa Electric America, Inc. announces the release of MotionWorks IEC Pro and MP2310iec, important additions to the MotionWorks IEC / MP2000iec Product Series. MotionWorks IEC Pro MotionWorks IEC Pro is a new Integrated Development environment based on the IEC61131-3 international programming standard. MotionWorks IEC Pro is built upon the same code as […]