October 2019

TECHNOLOGY n ROCKWELL AUTOMATION has announced a range of distributed motor controllers with built-in safety functions that can be mounted directly onto machines, allowing functional safety to be implemented with fewer components and saving cabinet space. The Allen-Bradley ArmorStart ST is the first networked, safety-enabled on- machine system that integrates with Rockwell’s Allen-Bradley Logix controllers and is programmed using its Studio 5000 software. Rockwell says that using the same EtherNet/IP network and a single software tool will help to streamline applications. The controllers are safety-rated up to PLe / SIL 3 and Cat 4. The STO (safe torque- off ) function is built in, allowing rotational power to be removed from a motor but not its drive. This can enhance safety and improve uptime by allowing faster start- ups after safety incidents. It can also reduce wear caused by repeated start-ups. The new motor controls offer automatic device configuration, helping to maximise uptime and reduce mean-times-to-repair. They avoid the need for an extra enclosure near motors or machines, leading to shorter cable runs. And when combined with other machine-mounted products, they can cut design, commissioning and installation costs compared to traditional designs. www.rockwellautomation.co.uk Motor controls with built-in safety can mount on machines Phone 01480 408 500 – www.leuze.co.uk SMARTER PRODUCT USABILITY easy handling . Sven-Philipp Abraham, Product Management – Product Center Ident + Vision IT’S NOW EASIER THAN EVER TO READ CODES—CAMERA-BASED CODE READER DCR 200 i Using the setup wizard, the new DCR 200i is ready for operation in just a few minutes and can detect 1D- and 2D-codes quickly and reliably even with demanding reading tasks. Rockwell Automation’s ArmorStart ST starters are the first networked, safety-enabled on-machine systems that integrate with Logix controllers UNIVERSAL ROBOTS has announced its most powerful cobot (collaborative robot) to date – a machine with a payload of 16kg, that has a reach of 900mm and a repeatability of ±0.05 mm. The UR16e cobot is designed for tasks such as handling heavy parts and  tendingmachines. “In today’s uncertain economic climate, manufacturers need to look at flexible solutions to stay competitive,”says UR president, Jürgen von Hollen.“With UR16e, we meet the need for a collaborative robot that can tackle heavy-duty tasks reliable and efficiently. This launch significantly expands the versatility of our product portfolio and gives manufacturers even more ways to improve performance, overcome labour challenges, and grow their business.” Programming and integrating the robot is said to be easy, regardless of the user’s experience. It can be unpacked, mounted and programmed to perform a task within less than an hour. Like UR’s other e-Series cobots, the UR16e has built-in force sensing, 17 configurable safety functions and an intuitive programming flow. www.universal-robots.com Universal Robots unveils its most powerful cobot to date