June 2020

TECHNOLOGY n p Yamaha Motor Europe has launched a vision systemwith a new“blob detection” capability for presence recognition, picking, and high-speed counting of multiple irregular- shaped objects, such as foods and clothing.The RCXiVY2+ systemhas a high-performance camera and improved processing capability, resulting in 45% faster detection than the previous iVY2 system. It is designed to integrate withYamaha’s RCX3multi-axis robot controller. www.yamaha-motor-im.eu p The German sensor-maker Siko has developed an absolutemagnetic encoder comprising a sensor and rule that can be adapted to suit the position and shape of an application.TheMSAC200 flexCoder is aimed at rotary applications that cannot be implemented using off-the-shelf components, andwhich need high resolution and precision, and the ability to adapt to users’designs. Examples includemotor feedback, automated handling and assembly, and robotic systems. www.siko-global.com/p/msac200 p OnRobot , the Danishmanufacturer of robotic end-effectors, has developed a three- finger electric gripper that, it says, will simplify previously difficult-to-automate precision handling of cylindrical parts, andwill accept a wide range of object sizes.The 3FG15 gripper has a 15kg payload, amaximum stroke length of 150mm, and can handle parts from20–150mm. It provides a strong grip for both form-fit (internal) or friction-fit (external) applications. www.onrobot.com p Vishay Intertechnology has launched a precision position sensor that, it says, offers more robust performance than existing absolute encoders and better resolution and accuracy than Hall-effect sensors for robots and other demanding applications.The self-calibrating and self-monitoring, 60mm-diameter RAMK060 rotational absolutemagnetic encoder uses advanced contactless technology to achieve >13-bit accuracy, 19-bit resolution and >16-bit repeatability, while resisting external magnetic fields, moisture, pollution, vibration, mechanical shock, and changes in temperature. eat air/w NEW er hang cx r heat e gienic Design Hy : u maxim t The Rit eh Compr „ o e pr Mor „ Significa „ oductivity m pr giene stand y al h co em solution stye s ensiv educe o r thanks t , ductivity ents a ger vings on det nt sa orfdsar ised of an mpr leaning times d c ectants nd disinf er r eat Gr „ y egor cat losur enc o DGUV thanks t , eliability of IP 54 and IP 69K up t ol, e contr limat e plus c , esting t ection ot o a pr UCTURE TRAS IT INFR SOFTW tal. it .r www VICES ARE & SER co.uk IGUS HAS COME UPWITH with a new design of energy chain that does not need a guide trough, and is claimed to cut assembly times by up to 88%. The autoglide 5 system is aimed, in particular, at horizontal applications such as cranes and intralogistics systems, where it could replace conventional busbar systems. It can guide horizontal cables at speeds of up to 4m/s over travel lengths of up to 80m. Instead of a conventional trough, the new chain is guided by a steel rope held in place in grooves in its outer radius. The maintenance-free system can be installed in less than hour and can carry both power and communications cables. Alternatively, the chain can be guided using a plastic rope or profile. Conventional busbar technologies can be costly to maintain, need regular cleaning to avoid contact faults, and can usually be used only to carry power. “The autoglide 5 can easily be installed in the aisle on a rope or a profile,” explains Christian Strauch, igus’ intralogistics industry manager. It offers “a real alternative to the busbar systems”, he adds. Unlike busbars, the new e-chain system, has no open contacts, and is said to be easy to clean. To install the new energy chain, the metal rope is first stretched on the floor. The underside of the chain links incorporate a guide element that allows the chain to rest safely on the rope. To achieve wear-resistant and precise gliding of the upper and lower runs, the system uses comb-like injection-moulded crossbars that prevent the chain from slipping out. This avoids the need for a guide trough. Conventional busbar systems – or pantograph contacts – are susceptible to wear and may need be replaced after a year or two. igus believes that its new e- chain, made from high-performance polymers, will provide a durable, maintenance-free energy supply system. Lab tests have already shown that the new system operates quietly – at 2m/s, the measured noise level was 63dB(A). igus is now testing the e-chain’s lifespan. It will be offering the autoglide 5 system pre-harnessed as a readychain containing flexible chainflex cables. www.igus.co.uk No-trough energy-chain replaces busbars and slashes assembly times igus’trough-free energy chain system offers a low- cost alternative to busbars and can be installed in less than an hour