Necessity is the mother of invention. Currently, we have to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings. Masks help with this. But how can we make dispensing safer and easier? Creative minds and tinkerers from igus have designed a contactless mask dispenser. A Delta robot from igus is used together with the igus Robot Control. In addition, a D1 motor controller is used to drive a linear axis.
The Low Cost Automation mask dispenser now receives visitors at igus and distributes respiratory masks at the push of a button.
Delta Robot – Pre-Assembled, with Control Unit
Based on a modular system, users can choose between a compact self-assembly modular kit or pre-assembled in a transport frame. Now new with calibrating pin for easy positioning at the zero point. It is directly fixed to the mounting hub and simplifies the initial calibration process. The cable clip for the delta robot was developed for the secure guidance of lines, e.g. individual pneumatic hoses, along the coupling joint. Easy to fit, lightweight.
In diesem Video seht ihr, nur leicht beschleunigt, wie schnell sich der Rotrics DexArm Roboterarm anschließen, einrichten und in Betrieb nehmen lässt. Für einen ersten Test, lasse ich den Roboterarm mein RobotsBlog Logo zeichnen.
Zuvor habe ich die neueste Firmware und Software installiert, sowie mich mit dem TouchPanel auseinandergesetzt und dessen Funktion getestet. Rechnet man diese Zeit heraus, so dauert es vom Auspacken bis zur erstens Verwendung des Roboterarms höchstens fünf Minuten.
Verzichtet man auf die Anbindung an den Computer oder das Verwenden eines eigenen Logos zu Testzwecken, kann der Roboterarm komplett über das Touchpanel eingerichtet und direkt ausprobiert werden. So könnte man sogar noch schneller mit dem Rotrics DexArm starten und benötigt noch nicht einmal einen Computer.
Insgesamt ist die Bedienung sehr einfach und die Software führt einen am Computer durch alle notwendigen Schritte. Hier sind keinerlei Vorkenntnisse erforderlich. Das Schreiben von Text oder Zeichnen von Grafiken mit dem Roboterarm könnte wirklich nicht einfacher sein.
Stretch is designed to make warehouse operations safer and more efficient
Waltham, MA – March 29, 2021 – Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, has revealed Stretch, its new box-moving robot designed to support the growing demand for flexible automation solutions in the logistics industry. This debut marks the company’s official entrance into warehouse automation, a fast-growing market fueled by increased demand in e-commerce.
Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ first commercial robot specifically designed for warehouse facilities and distribution centers, of which there are more than 150,000 globally, according to analysts. The multi-purpose mobile robot is designed to tackle a number of tasks where rapid box moving is required, first starting with truck unloading and later expanding into order building. Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in robotics to create a flexible, easily-integrated solution that can work in any warehouse to increase their flow of goods, improve employee safety in physically difficult tasks and lower expensive fixed automation costs.
The robot’s small, omni-directional mobile base allows Stretch to navigate loading docks, maneuver in tight spaces and adapt to changing facility layouts, eliminating the need for costly fixed automation infrastructure. It is equipped with a custom-designed lightweight arm and a smart-gripper with advanced sensing and controls that can handle a large variety of boxed and shrink wrapped cases. Stretch also includes Boston Dynamics’ computer vision technology that enables it to identify boxes easily and without extensive training for each customer. Its vision system works in tandem with pick & place activity, enabling high pick rates.
Traditional warehouse automation approaches require either installation of fixed infrastructure or mobile robots that convey goods but struggle to meet productivity requirements to be an attractive investment for warehouse operators. Stretch offers logistics providers an easier path to automation by working within existing warehouse spaces and operations, without requiring costly reconfiguration or investments in new fixed infrastructure.
“Warehouses are struggling to meet rapidly increasing demand as the world relies more on just-in-time delivery of goods,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Mobile robots enable the flexible movement of materials and improve working conditions for employees. Stretch combines Boston Dynamics’ advancements in mobility, perception and manipulation to tackle the most challenging, injury-prone case-handling tasks, and we’re excited to see it put to work.”
Boston Dynamics is currently seeking customers to pilot test deployment of Stretch with truck unloading tasks ahead of its commercial deployment in 2022. Interested parties can apply to join the Stretch Early Adopter Program by visiting: https://www.bostondynamics.com/stretch
About Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest robotics challenges. Our core mission is to lead the creation and delivery of robots with advanced mobility, dexterity, and intelligence that add value in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces and positively impact society. We create high-performance robots equipped with perception, navigation and intelligence by combining the principles of dynamic control with sophisticated mechanical designs, cutting-edge electronics, and next-generation software. We have three mobile robots in our portfolio – Spot®, Stretch™ and Atlas® – as well as Pick™, a machine learning vision solution for warehouse automation. Founded in 1992, Boston Dynamics spun out of the MIT Leg Lab and is one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces of 2020. For more information on our company and its technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.
Pittsburgh, PA, March 31 – IAM Robotics is breaking boundaries in the midline autonomous mobile robot (AMR) market with its new robot, Bolt™. Making its debut April 12, 2021 at ProMat DX, Bolt gives you the power to do more in material handling—faster, longer, and farther.
Packed with high-tech features, Bolt is built to thrive in warehouse and manufacturing environments. It elevates productivity and efficiency to new heights and stands out as an autonomous mobility solution for more than just a few reasons:
● Adaptability – Bolt allows you to retrofit various tops to serve your needs, from piece-picking arms to pallet movers. Choose from standard solutions or customize a unique top. No other AMR has this flexibility.
● Smarter Safety – Bolt uses 360-degree vision and a combination of state-of-the-art sensors and direct-drive wheel motors to ensure complete safety. Direct-drive wheel technology means Bolt’s entire body acts as a bump sensor. And for this to work, Bolt offers the same type of power-force-torque limiting as collaborative robot arms.
● Unmatched Power and Efficiency – Bolt is powerful, with a battery 3.5X the size of similar AMRs and 20-hour runtime that exceeds any other AMR. The patented hot swap battery makes it easy for one person to change in ten seconds or less. Plus, with a best-in-class 661-pound payload capacity, customers never compromise.
Bolt is completely autonomous, is compatible with conveyor and material handling systems, and scales easily for any size application.
Founder and CEO, Tom Galuzzo, reflected on developing the robot. “When we built our AMR, we thought, ‘How can we make this the most powerful, flexible, and collaborative solution?’ Bolt expands on our AMMR, Swift™, by turning its base into a standalone AMR. We applied what we learned with Swift, honing in on battery power and direct-drive wheels to ensure Bolt has the power to operate safely and efficiently—even with top modules attached.” He continued, “Bolt is already opening new doors for IAM Robotics because it introduces us to a faster-growing market with general AMRs.”
IAM Robotics knows AMRs are in high demand because of their benefits to businesses over existing automation and human labor. AMRs have a low barrier to entry because they’re relatively affordable, and they deploy in as quickly as a matter of weeks—so businesses can hit the ground running. But they’re also flexible. AMRs provide the power of autonomous mobility, so you’re not limited by stationary conveyors, and they’re designed to collaborate with and complement human workers and existing automation. Bolt is certainly no different, doing all this and more.
For more information about Bolt, explore the product online or get in touch with IAM Robotics to discuss specific applications.
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About IAM Robotics
IAM Robotics is the future of material handling. Our mobile robotics platform powers operational excellence in an on-demand world.
We are dedicated to building adaptable and safe robotics solutions that seamlessly integrate into any operational environment. Our team of robotics engineers and supply chain veterans work closely with partners to model, simulate, and configure optimal solutions that keep their businesses competitive.
IAM Robotics was founded in 2012 and is proudly based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company is home to over 50 employees and supports customers worldwide.
What would you do with your own robot arm? How can it support me at work? What can you automate, just for fun?
I have collected answers to these questions and ideas for projects over the last few years. If you have ideas or wishes for what a robot arm should do for you, please contact me. In the near future you will find various projects and results on Robots-Blog and our social media channels. I am supported by a Rotrics DexArm, which was kindly provided to me in the Luxury Kit version.
This version comes with a wide range of tools that make the maker’s heart beat faster. The Rotrics DexArm is supplied with the following tools:
– 1 x Rotrics DexArm – 1 x pen holder module – 1 x 3D printing module – 1 x laser module – 1 x safety goggles – 1 x pneumatic module – 1 x Air pump housing – 3 x suction cup – 3 x soft gripper – 1 x touch screen – 1 x extruder – 1 x construction plate – 5 x print stickers & wooden plates – 1 x DC Y power divider – 1 x power supply – 2 x Dual Type-C cables – 1 x Type-C cable – 1 x tweezers – 1 x spare nozzle
The packaging of the Rotrics DexArm deserves special mention. It comes in a great reusable hard foam case that makes the arm and its accessories safe for transport.
Here are the hard facts for the technology fans among you:
What do all electronic devices have in common today? They have a touchscreen. What do all touchscreens have in common? They must be subjected to extensive quality assurance before delivery so that the customer receives quality and is satisfied.
Since one touchscreen is not the same as another in terms of size and user interface, it is important to have a testing system that is flexible in terms of dimensions and movement patterns. This application shows a room linear robot from igus®. That xyz gantry can be flexibly controlled via the igus Robot Control. In addition, the dimensions of the portals can be adapted to fit your QA needs as desired.
This allows you to carry out your quality assurance process without complex retooling.
Linear robots have several linear axes combined in order to implement a multidimensional movement. igus supplies flat, linear and room linear robots for a multitude of different tasks. igus linear robots include harnessed drylin linear modules/axes with NEMA stepper motors as well as all the components needed to build your own robot. Application examples for room linear robots: Measurement and testing, handling and assembly technology, identification in microelectronics and medical technology, tasks in the handling of small parts and simple handling tasks.
Munich/Shenzen – Rotrics announces the market launch of its new multifunctional robotic arm, DexArm. The robotic arm has a modular design and has tremendous versatility. The DexArm has a variety of attachments, making it as easy as possible for manufacturers to paint and label objects, to 3D print and, as an optional feature, laser engrave products. The attachments can be quickly and easily exchanged with just one move.
The DexArm features a high repeatability of 0.05 mm, a high speed of up to 300 mm/s and a payload capacity of up to 500G. The robot arm can be expanded via modules, including a pen holder, a suction cup, a soft gripper, a 3D printer and optionally also, a laser engraver. To ensure user safety, a protective cover for the DexArm is also available for laser engraving. With the help of the user-friendly software, projects of all kinds – from labeling and engraving to 3D printing – can be easily realized. „Its precision, blend of innovation, as well as its technology make our new DexArm a unique and versatile robotic arm for any industry. It makes it easier than ever to bring ideas to life as never before. The DexArm helps manufacturers draw, write, laser engrave and 3D print, in the easiest possible way. Its greatest strength is its versatility. Thanks to its modular design, it offers the exact functions needed for every industry,“ explains Wang Yong Xu, CEO of Rotrics.
About Rotrics Rotrics (a brand of Shenzhen Saiwenbote Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.) is a tech startup based in Shenzhen, China. The team consists of dedicated engineers and designers who have extensive experience in robotics, open-source hardware, industrial design, and 3D printing. The founders of Rotrics wanted to understand how students play and learn with robots to be able to assist in learning and making the next generation ready for the digital future. Learning has always been part of our corporate philosophy. That is why we develop inspiring, engaging, and effective solutions for students and robotics enthusiasts which change the way we learn. Developing products, that help our customers and bring their ideas to life is our passion.
München/Shenzen – Rotrics gibt die Markteinführung seines neuen multifunktionalen Roboter-Arms DexArm bekannt. Der Roboter-Arm ist modular aufgebaut und verfügt über eine enorme Vielseitigkeit. Der DexArm verfügt über verschiedene Aufsätze und macht es Herstellern dadurch so einfach wie möglich, Gegenstände zu bemalen und zu beschriften, 3DDrucke anzufertigen und als optionales Feature Produkte mit Laser-Gravuren zu versehen. Die Aufsätze lassen sich schnell und einfach mit nur einem Handgriff austauschen.
Der DexArm verfügt über eine hohe Wiederholgenauigkeit von 0,05 mm, eine hohe Geschwindigkeit von bis zu 300 mm/s sowie eine Nutzlastkapazität von bis zu 500 G. Der Roboter-Arm lässt sich über vielseitige Module erweitern, darunter ein Stifthalter, ein Saugnapf, ein Soft-Greifer, ein 3D-Drucker sowie optional ein Lasergravurgerät. Um die Sicherheit der Benutzer zu gewährleisten, ist für die LaserGravuren auch eine Schutzhülle für den DexArm erhältlich. Mithilfe der nutzerfreundlichen Software lassen sich Projekte aller Art – von der Beschriftung über Gravuren bis hin zum 3D-Druck, ganz einfach verwirklichen.
„Seine Präzision sowie die Mischung aus Innovation und Technologie machen unseren neuen DexArm zum einzigartigen und vielseitigen Roboter-Arm für jede Branche. Mit ihm lassen sich Ideen so einfach zum Leben erwecken wie nie zuvor. Der DexArm hilft Herstellern auf einfachste Weise beim Zeichnen, Schreiben, Lasergravieren und 3D-Drucken. Seine größte Stärke ist seine Vielseitigkeit. Durch den modularen Aufbau bietet er für jede Branche passgenau die benötigten Funktionen“, erklärt Wang Yong Xu, CEO von Rotrics.
Über Rotrics Rotrics (eine Marke der Shenzhen Saiwenbote Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.) ist ein Technik-Start-up mit Sitz in Shenzen, China. Das Team besteht aus engagierten Ingenieuren und Designern, die über umfangreiche Erfahrung in den Bereichen Robotik, Open-Source-Hardware, Industriedesign und 3DDruck verfügen. Die Gründer von Rotrics wollten verstehen, wie Schüler mit Robotern spielen und lernen, um so die nächste Generation fit für die digitale Zukunft zu machen. Lernen ist seit jeher Teil unserer Unternehmensphilosophie. Deshalb entwickeln wir inspirierende, fesselnde und effektive Lösungen für Schüler und Robotik-Fans, die die Art des Lernens verändern. Produkte zu entwickeln, die unseren Kunden helfen und ihre Ideen zum Leben erwecken, ist unsere Leidenschaft.
Image processing is a complex and very extensive topic. In order to be able to use the multitude of different application possibilities and functions optimally, EVT has been offering training courses on various topics of image processing for several years. The participants will learn how to use it correctly, as well as the numerous functions and possible uses of the innovative EyeVision software.
EVT now also offers the first free certification program in addition to free knowledge sharing. The webinar participants can participate and benefit from the advantages. After successfully completing a test that is independent of time and location, the participants receive a certificate and are allowed to bear the title “certified Eye Vision Technology professional in image processing”. The certification comes with numerous advantages, such as saving 10 percent with every order via EVT, the permission to use prioritized support via an exclusive acceptance point and an entry as a certified professional in image processing on the highly frequented Eye Vision homepage.
Certification not only benefits companies, but also customers. Because the certificate enables transparency about the knowledge of the person responsible in the field of image processing and the use of image processing software.
You can find out more about the criteria and registration for the free certification program at www.evt-web.com.
St-Sulpice, Switzerland, February18, 2021 – BlueBotics, the global leader in natural feature navigation, has announced its Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT®) is now estimated to have driven automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) over 10 million kilometers, in applications ranging from warehousing and manufacturing to commercial cleaning services, UVC disinfection and more.
Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics, said, “The timing of this milestone is perfect as it comes the same month that we celebrate the company’s 20-year anniversary. It is amazing to think that our customers’ ANT® driven vehicles have driven over 10 million kilometers, almost 250 times the circumference of the globe. This achievement really speaks to the robustness of our industry-proven ANT® technology.”
ANT® navigation is popular with manufacturers and end users of AGVs, automated forklifts and AMRs, since it simplifies and shortens vehicle installation times as well as providing flexible, accurate and user-friendly operation. The technology suits a myriad of vehicle types and kinematics, from small 100 kg AMRs to 30-ton heavy load transporter AGVs. In addition, with BlueBotics’ accompanying ANT® server software, users whose vehicles are driven by BlueBotics’ ANT® lite+ product can create and operate a synchronized fleet of ANT® driven vehicles, no matter what the type or even brand. All of these vehicles are able to interact seamlessly with on-site equipment and machinery, including an organization’s existing WMS/MES/ERP software, using ANT® server’s simple API.
Dr. Tomatis continued, “In arriving at our 10-million-kilometer milestone, we conservatively estimate that AGVs driven by ANT® technology have worked more than one million days – over 2,500 years – of commercial operation.”
“It is exciting to see the impact ANT® technology is having, both on the AGV market and – most importantly – on the efficiency of those companies that operate ANT® driven vehicles. With our continuing strong growth, it shouldn’t be long before ANT® driven products will have circumnavigated the globe 500 times!”
About BlueBotics
BlueBotics is the reference in natural feature navigation and has the mission to help companies meet the challenge of vehicle automation. With its 20 years of industry experience, the company provides the autonomous navigation technology (ANT®) and expert support customers need to bring their AGV, automated forklift or mobile robot successfully to market. Today, there are more than 2,000 ANT® driven vehicles in operation worldwide. https://www.BlueBotics.com
