Robotics and Automation White Papers

Interoperability is the key to increasing efficiency in modern intralogistics. It allows seamless communication and collaboration between different systems, such as autonomous mobile robots (AMR), automated guided vehicles (AGV), and warehouse management systems. With interoperable solutions, companies can optimize their processes, minimize downtime, and significantly boost productivity.

Mechatronic components, such as feedback devices, motors, and drives, often use various communication interfaces to interact with control systems and other devices. These communication interfaces have evolved over time to meet specific needs and standards in the industry. Let’s explore some of the common communication interfaces and provide a simplified overview of their history, purpose, and usage.

Reducing warehouse headcount and improving inventory accuracy are just a few of the benefits warehouses achieve with AI-enabled computer vision. Whether you are new to this technology or looking to stay up to date, this 22-page primer provides you with the knowledge and data points you need to better understand its value and evaluate how your warehouse can benefit from computer vision.

Encoders are often used in harsh industrial environments. Encoders can be exposed to the same contaminants other machinery is, including: high volumes of dust, an abundance of moisture, caustic chemicals, even physical damage, where the encoder is knocked around by other equipment.

The growing shortage of skilled workers is increasing the pressure on industrial companies to automate their processes. Flexible, cost-effective and easy-to-implement robotics solutions such as autonomous mobile robots and collaborative robots are therefore in demand. Mobile manipulators connect both robot systems, but often cannot be used economically due to insufficient battery power. The solution: the Wireless Power Kit from Wiferion, which enables wireless charging for both systems simultaneously.

The time required to re-configure a robot for a new task, without the aid of an automatic robotic tool changer, can often result in lengthy periods of downtime for the robot. In addition, there is the added uncertainty of whether the operator performing the changeover has completed all of the required tasks correctly. Failure to do so could result in damage to the system, costs to repair or replace damaged items, a significant period of unplanned downtime, not to mention the potential for injury to the operator. This informative White Paper explains how our automatic robotic tool changer systems both contribute to personnel safety, whilst at the same time safeguarding a number of different production and efficiency related factors.

The machine safety standards that evolved over the past few decades simplified and accelerated the machine design process. This article gives an overview of the relevant safety standards and discusses how the new servo drives with built-in certified functional safety can further facilitate machine design and increase safety.

Effective motion control is key to achieving Industry 4.0 goals. For example, smart servo technology can enable machinery that is smaller, safer, greener, more efficient, and cost-effective. This article reviews how by embedding sophisticated, compact drives in machines, manufacturers can achieve “pure power” control and improve machine performance.

In this Design Guide, the editors of Design World detail the most common DC motor types as well common ways to quantify their output during the design engineering process.

Material verification is a crucial aspect of the quality control process in optical component manufacture. But when a material takes on different guises, identifying it can become a challenge. So, is there a solution?

In this study, we have extensively examined the opportunities and potentials arising from the use of humanoid robots. Discover which tasks they can already effectively perform today and how this will look in 2030. Additionally, we shed light on how costs, ROI, and quality will develop in the coming years.

In a tight labor market, companies are under pressure to figure out how to do more with less—less headcount, less overhead, and in less time. Our white paper, “Robots to the Rescue: How Material Handling Automation Battles Persistent Labor Shortages,” shares solutions to these challenges and more.

Select The Perfect Panel PC With Our Buyer's Guide And Checklist This guide will help you: Identify the exact panel PC requirements of your project, Understand the variables that could impact the performance and longevity of your panel PC, Establish how your application, software, and configuration needs may influence your choice of system

The introduction of robotic welding into the manufacturing world several decades ago solved some problems, but also introduced new ones; the need for a programmer, perfect parts, and other challenges. However, today’s robotic welding cells are armed with artificial intelligence and vision systems that have revolutionized welding technology and are true solutions.

The introduction of robotic welding into the manufacturing world several decades ago solved some problems, but also introduced new ones; the need for a programmer, perfect parts, and other challenges. However, today’s robotic welding cells are armed with artificial intelligence and vision systems that have revolutionized welding technology and are true solutions.

The introduction of vision systems in manufacturing has led to robots being able to react more flexibly to unforeseen situations, as the recorded and analyzed image data can be used for more precise control of robot movements. In an environment where adaptability and precision are key, a groundbreaking solution emerges: vision systems powered by artificial intelligence.

Warehousing has changed to provide specific value-added services. There are several market forces at work today that have accelerated the drive towards the more sophisticated warehouse of the future. These market forces have created the requirement for change, but the result is the benefit of more efficient processes.

Learn how Harmonic Drive® can help you improve productivity with our wide variety of lightweight gears and new line of integrated actuators. Our new integrated actuators, some of which are offered with a dual absolute encoder feature, are extremely compact and eliminate the need for an external servo drive. They are ideal for use in robotics where precision, weight and reliability are essential. All Harmonic Drive® actuators feature zero backlash, high accuracy, fast response times and are available in a wide range of sizes.

Have you wondered how to boost the performance of your 3D Time of Flight imaging application and at the same time cut your integration time and cost? Our hands-on guidebook describes how you can optimize the benefits of Time of Flight by considering various factors such as the environment of the application and the target object properties in the scene.

Learn how to get started building a SCADA solution. A SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, is designed to collect, analyze and visualize data to help inform actions. We’ve created this guide to highlight the significant benefits of modern SCADA and help you identify the key features of SCADA hardware and software. In this guide we also provide a few tips to help you get started implementing a smart SCADA solution of your own.

Protect Your Computer From Particulate Rich Environments. Got dust? Most production environments do. If it isn’t dust, it’s grease, corrosives, or other particulate that harms electronic components and makes IT challenging in the manufacturing space. Airborne hazards break down computer fans and coat motherboards. The end result is system breakdown and production line downtime.

This webinar details the fundamental flaws in using drones in warehouse environments, the dangers, added costs and hidden dependencies on your workers. After spending 5 years deploying warehouse drones in some of the busiest facilities in North America, Vimaan has collected countless amounts of flight hours documenting the benefits and challenges of warehouse drones.

Starting at wafer level, every silicon photonic chip needs to be tested. PI's Fast Multichannel Photonic Alignment (FMPA) controller algorithms were the breakthrough necessary for prober-industry leaders like FormFactor and MPI to deliver tools for fast and economical characterization and validation. For Silicon Photonics (SiPh) test and assembly applications such as wafer probing, alignment time is the primary cost driver. This is true for both engineering probers and even more so for production probers, where uptime and throughput are especially critical. With their advanced autonomous alignment functionality and fab-qualified mechanics, PI photonics alignment subsystems meet the demanding needs of the industry. Hence, they provide unmatched throughput and accuracy not restricted to silicon photonics probing, but including any type of precision optical alignment.

We invite you to explore the world of optimized Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design in our white paper, "Improved PCB Design with Hardware Description Languages (HDLs): What to Know". Dive deep into the mechanics of digital circuit design, as we unravel the immense potential of Hardware Description Languages in achieving more efficient and innovative PCB layouts. Explore a comparative analysis of the two most popular HDLs - VHDL and Verilog, delve into the intricacies of mixed-language design environments, and get a glimpse into the emerging technologies in digital design. This paper is a treasure trove of insights that will empower you, whether you're an experienced electrical engineer or a novice PCB designer. Don't miss the chance to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of digital design.

To excel in the fast-paced electronics industry, you need not just adaptability, but a cultivated expertise to discern the far-reaching impact of your design decisions. This eBook is your key to building such expertise. "Engineering Essentials: The PCBA Design Handbook" equips you with the skills necessary to create exceptional PCBAs that consistently surpass expectations while keeping to stringent deadlines and budgets. From the basic principles of PCBA design to the most sophisticated techniques and best practices, this 75-page resource is your secret weapon to conquer even the most intricate design challenges.

Edge computing is becoming more common across industries. A growing number of cutting-edge technologies, including 5G, augmented reality, and virtual reality, depend on edge devices. This PDF will provide you with: A look at why edge devices are becoming increasingly popular; Perspectives on edge applications currently in use and those to come Edge devices' primary benefits; The three factors driving edge device adoption; The four most important factors to consider when designing edge computing devices;