Currently, there are more than 1.6 million industrial robots in service worldwide; will that number grow significantly in the next five years? According to the IFR (International Federation of Robotics), there have been approximately 2.7 million industrial robots shipped worldwide since the 1960s. With a potential service life of 15 years, that means thereRead More
Traditionally employed in heavy industrial applications, robots are moving into other industries. In the medical field, they are used for surgery, therapy, diagnostics, and much more. Robots for specialized medical applications such as surgery bring together robotics and biology, and we’re seeing an increase in the number of robots specifically designed and developed for thisRead More
Ideal for small, rugged applications such as non-industrial robotics, here are some tips for how to specify nano-D connectors. Nano-D connectors are often designed for use in small, rugged robotic applications beyond industrial environments. Within these applications, the emphasis on a smaller and lighter form factor intensifies. A key consideration is whether you can useRead More
A major concern in robotics applications, cables in motion experience fatigue that can cause failures whether or not that motion is constant. Cable and harness test systems can help identify the source. Cables in motion experience fatigue that can cause complete or intermittent failures, whether or not that motion is constant. Cable and harnessRead More
To launch its new “Empower Innovation Together” campaign, Mouser teams up with celebrity engineer Grant Imahara of Mythbusters fame. Mouser Electronics recently announced a new partnership with longtime Mouser customer Grant Imahara, a celebrity engineer best known for his role on Mythbusters. As a practicing engineer, Imahara understands the frustrations and inspirations that keep engineers challenging themselvesRead More
The connector industry grew in 2014, and that was a result of both evolving product lines and cutting-edge technology. Here, Bob Hult looks back at the year’s trends and products in the annual 2014 Connector Technology Review. Shrinking the size of electronic devices has always been a given in the world of electronic equipment. TheRead More
Binder-USA M12 eight-pin receptacles with right-angled PCB contacts are ideal for industrial network and robot applications. Binder-USA has extended its range of M12 A-coded four- and five-pin right-angled receptacles to include an eight-pin version. The new receptacles feature a two-piece design that allows for more efficient soldering and assembly to the panel. These connectors are ideally suitedRead More
Take a closer look at the effects contactless connectivity technology has had on the industry in this Q&A with TE Connectivity. Q: What market needs drove the development of contactless technology? A: The need for reliable connections in situations where traditional connectivity reaches its limits due to space restrictions, vibrations, dust, and dirt. In oil and gas, forRead More
We’ve reported often about robotics in the industrial arena over the last few years; now Bishop & Associates’s Arthur Visser looks at developments in industrial automation and robotics moving to the next level – service robots at home. “Where do I get the best robot deals?” In the not-so-distant future, you may ask yourself this question. SinceRead More
Rise of the Industrial Robots When Hon Hai Precision Industry Company Chairman Terry Gou announced in 2011 that Foxconn, its wholly owned subsidiary, would install one million robots over the next three years in its factories to replace workers and do “simple” work, he probably did not actually intend to install that many industrial robotsRead More
Swarm Robotics Technology at IPC APEX EXPO 2014 Roboticist and inventor James McLurkin will share his research and insights into the future of multi-robot systems (“swarm robotics”) during his keynote session at IPC APEX EXPO 2014 on Wednesday, March 26, in Las Vegas. In his presentation, McLurkin will explore how multi-robot systems can serve humanityRead More
September 2013 – Industrial robots are a common sight on the factory floor, particularly in automotive markets. They offer high-precision handling and speed, and reduce operator risk, such as worker exposure to hazardous materials, and to production dangers in general. In the near future, industrial robots will include those that cooperate with humans, instead of replacing them. This will open up new potential for utilizing robots in factories and in the agricultural market, as well as for domestic purposes.
