Automation Control System
Yushin America in Cranston, R.I. demonstrated the power of integrated robotics by building a sophisticated cell that combined two injection presses—each equipped with a servo‑driven linear robot—with a seven‑axis collaborative robot (cobot). The system is designed to showcase how diverse robotic fun
At NPE2018, Star Automation of Menomonee, Wisconsin, showcased a robot equipped with a new three‑axis servo head that masterfully performs Japanese calligraphy. The robot loads the brush with ink, creates a precise figure, and rinses the brush—all controlled by programming alone, without the aid of
Wittmann Battenfeld’s U.S. office in Torrington, Connecticut, has expanded its Primus series of pick‑and‑place robots, offering new models that balance simplicity, affordability, and versatility.Derived from the robust W8 platform, each Primus robot features three servo‑actuated axes and a streamlin
Mecademic, a Montreal‑based robotics pioneer, showcased its Meca500 at the recent ATS East conference in New York. The six‑axis robot is small enough to fit comfortably in your hand while still handling payloads up to 500 g (1.1 lb) with an advertised repeatability of just 0.005 mm. Unlike many indu
Two companies have unveiled cutting‑edge grippers specifically engineered for the new generation of collaborative robots, or “cobots.” Piab of Hingham, Massachusetts, introduced the Kenos KCS gripper, which claims to “handle just about anything, anywhere, at any time.” The device marries Piab’s prop
ATI Industrial Automation showcases a broad portfolio of robotic end‑effectors and end‑of‑arm tooling, including state‑of‑the‑art automatic tool changers. Designed to accommodate payloads ranging from the lightest micro‑components to heavy industrial loads, these changers deliver unrivaled durabilit
Displayed at the Negri Bossi booth, the Canbio sT servo‑hydraulic toggle line—capable of 180‑to‑500 metric‑ton force—has just entered the North American market. The line’s modular design is paired with a Tactus controller featuring a 21.5‑inch touchscreen and an integrated energy‑consumption monitor
On Robot Launches RG6: The Strongest Two‑Finger Gripper for CobotsOn Robot, the Danish pioneer in electric grippers for collaborative robots (cobots), has introduced the RG6. Designed to deliver higher payloads and a broader stroke, the RG6 surpasses its predecessor, the RG2, and outperforms competi
Igus— a German‑based manufacturer with a U.S. office in East Providence, Rhode Island—provides engineered plastic linear guides, bearings, energy supply systems, robotic components and 3D‑printing materials and services. These products were recently leveraged by two Pittsburgh high‑school robotics t
At the 2018 North American Industrial Automation Conference & Exposition (NPE), robots on display were noticeably faster, smarter, and more interconnected than their predecessors. Industry insiders highlighted three core trends: advanced control systems that accelerate cycle times, integrated robot–
Beyond measurable gains in productivity and quality, automation consistently raises a less tangible metric: employee anxiety. Robotics, amplified by advances in artificial intelligence, has become a frequent headline in mainstream media, sparking questions about which jobs are at risk. Robots:
Industry 4.0, the “smart factory” movement, dominated NPE2018’s exhibition floor. Manufacturers of core machinery, robots, and auxiliaries showcased how they are becoming “4.0‑ready,” illustrating the three pillars of Industry 4.0: self‑regulating “smart machines,” networked “smart production,” and
Universal Robots of Denmark, a pioneer in collaborative robotics, made its debut at the 2026 NPE, bringing a new wave of automation to plastics manufacturers. With three U.S. regional offices, the company focused on educating attendees about how collaborative robots—or “cobots”—can relieve workers f
At NPE2018, Sepro America highlighted its global reach and its laser focus on the North American market. “We have worldwide capability,” said CEO Jean‑Michel Renaudeau of Sepro Group in France. “Our Group operates 11 subsidiaries and works through 40 distributors across Europe, the Americas, Africa,
Yushin’s new FRA series linear servo robots deliver greater agility, intelligence, and speed. Three models serve presses ranging from 50 to 600 tons and feature the brand‑new E‑Touch V controller—ergonomically designed, gesture‑friendly, and equipped with a dual‑screen layout that separates core pro
CBW Automation has demonstrated its in‑mold labeling (IML) expertise by producing four rectangular containers in just 3.9 seconds on a Netstal Elion 3200 hybrid press. In addition, CBW unveiled two flexible automation systems that enable rapid product changeovers in only 10–30 minutes. By redesignin
Fanuc America today unveiled its first SCARA robots, the SR-3iA and SR-6iA, designed for assembly, testing, inspection, and packaging tasks. These robots combine an ultra-compact, lightweight frame with four axes of motion, a 360° work envelope, and ±0.01 mm repeatability, delivering unprecedented s
KraussMaffei will showcase a portfolio of presses tailored to the large packaging market, including IML, lightweight thermoplastic composites, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), rapid heat/cool molding, and Plastics 4.0 solutions. High‑speed medium‑size machines: The GX‑900, unveiled at NPE2018, offers
For the first time in North America, Engel unveiled a fully automated cell that implements its DecoJect in‑mold decorating technology, a system that was first showcased at K 2016. Designed specifically for automotive interior trim, the cell pulls a thin thermoplastic olefin (TPO) film from a continu
At NPE2018, Proco Machinery Inc., a leader in blow‑molding automation, showcased its cutting‑edge collaborative robot systems that cut automation costs by 50% compared to traditional setups. Key solutions include the Half‑Cube Palletizer and the Robo Packer Case Packer, both powered by six‑axis Univ
Automation Control System