SafeMove2 Robot Monitoring Software from ABB
ABB Robotics has recently announced the launch of SafeMove2, the latest generation of its safety certified robot monitoring software.
SafeMove2 is designed to deliver greater flexibility, space savings and commissioning tools for greater productivity at a lower total investment cost. This, combined with safety, enables closer collaboration between robots and factory workers.
Like the original SafeMove, first introduced in 2008, SafeMove2 includes a host of safety functions, including safe speed limits, safe standstill monitoring, safe axis ranges and position and orientation supervision. The new generation functionality encourages the development of innovative robot applications by integrating safety features directly into the robot controller.
SafeMove2 allows for the creation of efficient and flexible production scenarios, and provides tools that speed the commissioning workflow for faster setup and validation. It also integrates safety fieldbus connectivity into ABB’s IRC5 robot controller family as well as the IRC5 Single, Compact and Paint controllers.
For more information, visit www.abb.com.
TMF-5 Trackmotion Floor for Industrial Robots from Güdel
Güdel, Inc., the US subsidiary of Swiss-based Güdel Group, has recently announced the TMF-5, TrackMotion Floor, for heavy industrial robots.
The TMF-5 is a linear motion product that can move an articulated robot with a payload of over six metric tons. The TMF-5 is specially designed for the latest generation of heavy weight robots from FANUC, ABB and KUKA.
Available in standard lengths from 4 meters to over 100 meters, the TMF-5 frame is an all steel uni-body construction that is designed to deliver stiffness and repeatability in a compact footprint.
The TMF-5 carriage is a precision fabrication rather than a simple plate. Robot specific adaptor plates can be designed to accommodate any robot brand and exist today for the FANUC M-900iB family, the ABB IRB-8700 family and the KUKA KR 1000 Titan family.
A single TMF-5 module can be configured with multiple independently driven carriages and robot risers are available in 100mm increments.
Working as a seventh axis for robots, the TMF-5 opens new possibilities in production processes. The TMF-5 is built with Güdel components, including guideways, helical gear racks, gearboxes and the Güdel exclusive roller bearing cartridge system that delivers MTTR.
For more information, visit us.gudel.com.
Machine Vision Tools for the MicroHAWK Platform from Microscan
Microscan, a global manufacturer of miniature barcode imagers and machine vision smart cameras for industrial automation, recently announced its new, full range of machine vision tools to the ultracompact MicroHAWK platform, releasing the world’s smallest fully-integrated machine vision systems.
Paired with Microscan’s browser-based WebLink UI, simplified AutoVISION Machine Vision Software, or the advanced Visionscape Machine Vision Software, MicroHAWK Smart Cameras (MV-20, MV-30, and MV-40) expand the concept of industrial imaging from barcode imaging alone to the universal imaging of any code, text or part feature to accomplish any automation task based on visible data.
MicroHAWK now provides users a single hardware solution with options to meet any decoding or inspection task, in any integration space and at any experience level.
With the addition of machine vision, the MicroHAWK platform gains scalability beyond its selectable hardware configurations. Now users can also choose their device’s software capability to accomplish barcode reading, machine vision, or a combination of the two on a single platform.
The browser-based WebLink interface provides MicroHAWK cameras with industry-leading X-Mode decoding technology for reading any code, from high-contrast 1D to the most challenging direct part marks (DPM).
This interface offers intuitive controls and does not require software installation, enabling users to integrate MicroHAWK into any system.
Alternately, AutoVISION software provides MicroHAWK with Auto ID+ capability for the barcode reading performance of WebLink plus a range of inspection tools offered through Microscan’s machine vision library, scalable to Visionscape for complex inspection.
The launch of MicroHAWK machine vision also ushers in the latest revision of Microscan’s AutoVISION 4.0 software, featuring an expanded toolset in a simplified interface for basic to mid-range machine vision applications.
AutoVISION 4.0 adds a Circle Measure Tool for measuring features like drill holes; color tools for detecting and matching colored objects like test tube caps; support for autofocus in the MicroHAWK MV-30, MV-40, and Vision HAWK smart cameras; and support for Microscan’s PC-based GigE (gigabit Ethernet) machine vision cameras.
With unrestricted software capability now available for MicroHAWK, users are able to address applications in image-based ID, measurement, gauging, defect-detection, and guidance.
To learn more, visit www.microscan.com/microhawk.
Motion Box Cartesian Robot System from Rollon
Rollon Corporation will be demonstrating its pre-engineered cartesian robot system, Motion Box, at this year's IMTS.
Designed to deliver users six different motion profiles that can be set-up and running in a couple of hours, Motion Box includes everything from the human-machine interface (HMI) on one side to the output of reliable motion on the other end, including cable management.The initial system setup is already complete so end-users can get parts moving in a reliable and repeatable manner. Motion Box has six pre-programmed motion profiles to suit more than 80 percent of all Cartesian motion applications from 12x12x12 inches up to 60x40x20 inches.
Rick Wood, Managing Director, Rollon Corporation, commented, "Even if you start with a basic set up, gantry systems often require more than 100 hours of engineering activity, including specifying dozens of parts across many vendors. With countless failure points and a multitude of suppliers, it’s hard to know who to call when something goes wrong. Generally, the end user calls the system integrator or distributor, hoping for adequate post-sale technical support and troubleshooting.
"Our alternative is a pre-engineered Cartesian robot with the mechanical system and controls already in place and ready to go. Using an out-of-the-box Cartesian like Motion Box enables users to work with a single vendor for advice and troubleshooting needs, with just one part number per item. Buying a part and buying a robot become a similar task, making both initial specification and setup fast and easy."
For more information visit www.rollonmotionbox.com