Robotics and Automation White Papers

This paper discusses how machine vision can bring cost and performance benefits to Internet of Things applications, while enabling new machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities,

AI and machine learning promise to bring new cost and process benefits into inspection systems. Our latest whitepaper explores how smart sensor and imaging devices help overcome bandwidth and networking challenges while providing a first step towards integrating AI in automation systems.

Integrating servo drives into motion systems forces engineers to make decisions that will ultimately affect the entire machine build. Specification choices include picking between analog and digital servo drives; torque-mode or linear servo operation; PCB-mount or fully enclosed standalone construction; and partially to fully distributed drive topologies.

This white paper addresses the most difficult challenges facing manufacturers and OEMs as they compete to reach their production targets. With their equipment running at maximum loads, how can they avoid breakdowns in pneumatic components? What are the smartest and most economical approaches available to assure optimal performance? Recent advances in sensor technology make it possible to obtain performance-related data from which more informed decisions can be made about the need to replace failing components. This paper analyzes the different maintenance strategies for pneumatic actuators and the role sensors can play in each.

The latest generation of PI hexapod controllers with integrated EtherCAT interface now make it very easy for users to integrate hexapods into automation systems without the need for to perform challenging kinematic transformations.

When you’re choosing an encoder for a motion control system, you’ll be faced with numerous technical terms. The amount of data available can be overwhelming. Which critical terms should you focus on first, and which can be deferred? This paper looks at three important concepts that deserve your attention: resolution, accuracy and precision.

Demanding throughput pressures, labor challenges and more. Distribution centers (DCs) need a solution to keep up with explosive e-commerce growth. Are robots the answer? This On The Move webinar explores a new generation of smart, increasingly capable robotics solutions that have emerged as key productivity enablers in the DC.

At MMP, we are actively engaged in the design, manufacturing and distribution of standard and custom motion control equipment, including fully reversible brushed and brushless DC gearmotors, motors with failsafe brakes and servomotors with feedback devices such as analog tachometers and encoders. We also provide fully-sealed IP-65 motor speed controls @ 12/24/48 VDC, AC~DC power supplies and a wide variety of 12/24 VDC linear actuators. If you need a sample right away, we can be a project saving convenience for you. We offer a wide variety of finished goods, directly from stock and available for your immediate prototype needs.

PI’s 6-DOF alignment technology, integrated in many telescopes, is part of this success story. PI precision motion components (piezo mechanisms) were also involved, when the first merger of black holes was detected by the LIGO collaboration in February 2016, proving the existence of gravitational waves.

The extensive collection with illustrations and descriptions includes formulas, terminology and explanations of the calculations that are relevant for drive systems. A flow chart provides assistance in selecting the right drive for each purpose. Author: Jan Braun; 60 pages.