Machine Building

News

New for mobile platforms - contour-based nav system for AGVs

If you're designing or using AGVs this may be for you: with the SICK LiDAR-LOC solution for mobile platforms, users can implement contour-based localisation on any automated guided vehicle, cart, forklift or service robot fitted with SICK 2D LiDAR sensors or safety scanners. The SICK LiDAR-LOC (Localisation On Contour) system enables free navigation of automated transport, stacking and loading systems based on the pre-mapped contours of shop floors and warehouses without the need for reflectors or other physical markers.

6th August 2020

Schaeffler extends motorsport involvement

Schaeffler is once again partnering with BMW M Motorsport in the DTM series, and is using know-how gained from motorsport to incorporate directly into the development of components and systems. Schaeffler says it is continuing to concentrate on combustion engines and gearboxes, as well as electromobility, with the goal of increasing their efficiency which in turn helps provide customers with tailored solutions.

5th August 2020

New network infrastructure catalogue from Panduit

Panduit is launching its Network Infrastructure Catalogue, which it says provides online access to reliable, scalable, high-performance network infrastructure solutions for industrial networks, enterprise and data centres.

4th August 2020

Harting UK awarded IRIS Silver Quality Performance Level

Harting UK has been awarded a prestigious Silver Quality Performance Level award from the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS), a globally recognised organisation which evaluates management systems for the railway sector. Silver Performance is currently the highest level issued by IRIS, and is a significant achievement for Harting UK, making them one of just 60 companies worldwide to receive Silver status: the award puts them in the top 3 per cent of all IRIS certified companies, worldwide.

4th August 2020

New Video: PROFIBUS vs. PROFINET comparison

This short video answers one of the most common PROFIBUS and PROFINET questions posed by manufacturing personnel: what is the difference between PROFIBUS and PROFINET? Watch the video and get a complete answer with technical details from the people who know - the PROFIBUS Group. Watch now ...

3rd August 2020

New industrial gear unit sales and service centre for Scotland

SEW Eurodrive has opened a new sales and service centre in Cumbernauld, to meet growing demand for its range of maintenance and service options as well as new industrial gear units in Scotland. The location was selected for strategic reasons as it is no more than a 2-hour drive away from the majority of machine builders and users in the country. The company's sales office, previously based in Stirling, will relocate to the new site. The new 4,300 square foot service centre has the capability and expertise to service and repair any industrial gear unit regardless of its age or original manufacturer. It features a fully equipped workshop with all the latest tooling for assembly and testing and has a large stock of genuine spare parts.

3rd August 2020

Cobot training centre reopens in Bedfordshire

As the UK lockdown begins to ease, RARUK Automation is preparing to reopen the UK's first Universal Robots Authorised Training Centre at its headquarters in Shefford on the 4th August 2020. RARUK Automation has issued a statement on "Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020", confirming that it has complied with the Government's guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19 at the site. Social distancing will continue to be standard throughout the building, and visitors or attendees can expect to see no more than two people training at any one time. There will be a temperature check for everyone on arrival before being escorted to the designated training area.

31st July 2020

Relec adds Cotek Systems SR-1600-Plus inverter series

New from Relec Electronics is the SR-1600-Plus Series of DC-AC inverters from Cotek, consisting of 1600VA inverter modules for either 24V or 48V inputs, bespoke 2U subrack and a system controller. There are also options for remote control and maintenance bypass switches.

30th July 2020

Further investment for Inovo Robotics

Foresight Group, an independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager, and Williams Advanced Engineering have announced a £1.45 million follow-on investment from the Foresight Williams Technology EIS Fund into Inovo Robotics. The investment will allow the company to grow sales internationally and brings the total invested by the fund to £2.95 million, having originally invested £1.5 million in October 2018 to support the Inovo's first product to market.

30th July 2020

HMS unveils second generation Anybus Communicator

20 years after its original release, HMS Networks has this week announced the arrival of its second-generation Anybus Communicator - a line of high-performing gateways for connecting devices and machines to industrial networks. Anybus Communicator for EtherNet/IP is now available and versions covering additional networks will be released later in this year and into 2021. The first version for EtherNet/IP will be followed by versions for Modbus TCP, PROFINET and PROFIBUS. The new Communicators are said to be modern, high-performing gateways which incorporate all experience gained by HMS Networks from interaction with users about the original line across the last two decades. The two generations will co-exist according to a separate product life cycle plan, says HMS.

29th July 2020