Batteries / Power Supplies

Waypoint Robotics, which was formerly known as Stanley Robotics, launched at MODEX 2018 its EnZone wireless charging system for autonomous mobile robots. EnZone is based on the Adaptive Wireless Charging standard from WiBotic, a Seattle, Wash.-based startup that partnered with Waypoint. Unless they’re tethered, robots don’t typically have great battery life. So improving the battery life…

The new Murrplastik R-TecLiner self-contained dress pack system is designed to guide energy packs from the third to the sixth axis on industrial robots. Murrplastik will showcase its robotic dress pack lineup at ATX West 2018 (booth #4355) at the Anaheim Convention Center — February 6 to 8, 2018. R-TecLiner’s unique spring return mechanism effectively…

The very purpose of using a robot to automate a process relies on the robot being accurate and repeatable. As robots move from environments where they were traditionally used behind cages to open environments, it is important that their power solutions keep up. Here, Michele Windsor, global marketing manager at global battery specialist Ultralife Corporation,…

  MEMSIC Inc. combining proprietary MEMS technology with advanced mixed-signal processing and systems solutions now sells VG380 inertial modules. These new vertical gyros provide highly accurate pitch and roll (with respect to gravity), in both static and dynamic conditions, at a very attractive size and price points. The static and dynamic accuracy is specified at […]

More than any other form of power, electricity has the virtue of portability. Compared to steam, hydraulic or any other form of power, electrons are easier to move than anything else, even when there are lots of them.  In the ‘War of the Currents’ we discovered that alternating current was even more portable than direct […]

Wieland Electric Inc. has expanded its wipos series of DIN rail power supply modules with a new compact design for control cabinet applications. The new wipos PS series power supplies carry worldwide agency approvals, including UL, CSA, CE, as well as approvals for hazardous locations (Class 1, Div. 2) and shipboard installations (Lloyd’s Register). The […]

By Frank Tobe, Editor and Publisher, The Robot Report Max Nisen of Business Insider wrote recently of a list of seven stock picks discovered in a Credit Suisse report on long term trends. One of those trends was increasing global automation (particularly in China) and the seven picks relate to companies poised to benefit from…

Tesla and Edison were both right.  The “war of the currents” was really not about whether alternating current was superior to direct current.  It wasn’t really about Edison’s creation of the power utility as an enterprise to generate and sell electric power versus Tesla’s idea to make electricity free and transmit it through the air.  It […]

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 […]

TUALATIN, OR – CUI Inc’s power line, V-Infinity, announced the addition of 10 and 15 W models to their VOF series of low cost open frame ac-dc power supplies. The VOF series has a low no-load power consumption of <0.5 W and efficiencies up to 83%. The combination of efficiency and competitive pricing makes this […]

The field of motion control is heavily dependent on the feedback device.  There are a world of issues encompassed in this statement.  But I will skip the majority of them and jump to the conclusion that magnetic encoder technology has long been a favorite of mine as a potentially ideal solution for a number of […]

A new digitally controlled 300W TDK-Lambda power supply, designed specifically for medical applications, is now available from RS Components. With a 4kVAC reinforced input to output isolation and other specifications such as an output-to-ground isolation of 1500VAC, the EFE300M meets the rigorous international safety standards of IEC 60601-1 for medical equipment, making it suitable for […]

Animatics Corporation has published a new 145 page catalog on their expanded line of Motion Systems Products and Peripherals. This comprehensive catalog includes eight product segments fully detailing SmartMotor™ specifications, FieldBus Protocols, Brake Options, Connectivity, Peripherals, Power Supplies, Gear Heads, and Software. Included is an expanded, dynamic fold out selection chart comparing all the different […]

The SPS Drives show in Nuremberg Germany is one of the best attended shows in the world.  And one of the reasons why has to the with the outstanding technical effort and preparation that all the vendors put forward.  Demonstration systems are sophisticated and perform flawlessly.  Exhibitor personnel are all very professional and technically astute.  […]

Applying mechatronics’ principles to traditional mechanical components can result in a more sophisticated and cost-effective control By Reston Condit, Microchip Technology Inc. Most countertop cooking appliances like electric ranges, skillets, and fryers have an adjustable mechanical thermostat to vary the heat output of the range. This solution is inexpensive, but there are several drawbacks to […]