September 2019

65 www.drivesncontrols.com September 2019 n NEW PRODUCTS DESIGN DATA n The AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement has published its directory for 2019/20. The 135-page brochure provides information on suppliers of sensors, measuring technologies and services, in two languages (English and German). The guide lists around 1,000 product and service categories in which the Association’s 450 members from industry and research are active. Readers can search by measurement parameters, keywords or members’names, which are listed alphabetically with contact details and their product ranges. The 2019/20 AMA Directory can be downloaded from the Association’s Web site, viewed online, or ordered in a hard-copy format from the AMA. www.ama-sensorik.de/branchenfuehrer Document explains confusing encoder terms US Digital has published aWhite Paper explaining encoder resolution, accuracy, and precision. It has produced the 13-page document to help solve the widespread confusion over these terms. More than a dozen pictures and diagrams are used to explain the concepts, and practical examples are used when discussing both incremental and absolute encoders. The focus is on the most common type of encoder – optical incremental encoders. Encoder models from various manufacturers are described, without emphasising any brand. Logical questions are raised to help discover which specifications are most important for an application. The three concepts (resolution, precision and accuracy) are addressed at both the encoder and system levels. https://cdn.usdigital.com/assets/general/usd-encoder-precision.pdf Paper explores the future of adaptive robots and automation Flexiv , a US robotics and AI company that claims to have created the world’s first adaptive robotic arm that combines direct force control with advanced AI, has released aWhite Paper that reviews the current status of industrial robots, and investigates the potential impact of new technologies. Called Adaptive Robots and the Future of Industrial Automation , the paper argues that the real potential of AI in robotics has not been fully exploited, and it may not be long before adaptive robots can understand the world and solve practical problems beyond relying on machine vision. It argues that there are two key factors crucial to achieving adaptivity: force control technology with high accuracy and fast response; and“hierarchical intelligence”. http://flexiv.com Integrating six-axis hexapod robots via EtherCat A newWhite Paper from PI (Physik Instrumente) explains how to integrate its six-axis Hexapod robots into precision industrial automation systems using EtherCat communications. Hexpaods are becoming increasingly popular for precision alignment and positioning applications. They can handle loads from a few 100g to several tonnes. The latest generation of hexapod controllers have EtherCat interfaces, making it easier to integrate the parallel-kinematic robots into automation systems without needing to perform complex coordinate transformations. www.pi-usa.us/en Sensors guide covers 1,000 categories MULTIMEDIA n Brammer Buck & Hickman , the distributor of MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) products and services, has launched a newWeb site and online shop that combines the previously separate sites of Brammer, and Buck & Hickman. This follows the merger of the brands – both members of the Rubix Group – as in 2017. The newWeb shop is powered by Rubix and carries the Rubix brand. It gives access to two million stocked products and more than 15,000 brands in areas such as bearings, power transmission, pneumatics, hydraulics, tools, PPE and industrial consumables. There are 25,000 new products. The site offers improved search functions and real-time stock updates, as well as pictures and videos showcasing the products and their applications. The responsive design allows users to order items from any desktop PC, tablet or phone. Further enhancements are planned, including product recommendations. www.bbh-rubix.com Online tool speeds up the design of linear guides NSK has launched an online tool for creating customised linear guides. The Click!Speedy tool can design bespoke guides based on specifications such as size, length, seals and lubricants. The resulting part numbers, datasheets, PDF drawings and CAD data can be downloaded or sent by e-mail. The tool covers NSK’s random-matching linear guides (NH/NS/LW/RA/PU/PE) in normal and precision grade. Users can request prices, delivery and purchase information. It offers three starting points: cross-referencing competitor part numbers with NSK’s; creating custom designs from existing NSK guides; or importing specification/CAD data, based on existing NSK part numbers. www.nskeurope.com/en/services/technical-tools.html Product finder helps to choose braking resistors REO has launched an combined performance calculator and product finder for its braking resistors, including compact, air- and liquid-cooled, damping and loading types, ans well as resistors for aggressive environments. The online REOhm tool can also be used for customised designs. REO says that users often specify resistors that are too big or too small. The site calculates correct resistor values in real time, and offers suggestions for suitable products. REO also offers in-depth calculations where its experts carry out the calculations and tell the user their conclusions. www.reohm.de Configurator tool simplifies machine vision selection Balluff has announced an online tool for configuring machine vision systems, helping users to choose the best combinations of products to create complete vision systems. Based on parameters such as working distance and image size, and the configurator finds combinations of cameras, lenses, filters, lighting devices and accessories that have been proven to work together. Once a system has been built, users can add the items to a Web cart, where they can view availability and pricing, or export the list as an Excel or CSV file. www.balluff.com/en/de/productfinder/#/machine- vision 15,000-brand site unites two giant MRO names