On the sensors scene: new components om around the industry

Edited by Mike Santora • Managing Editor

Bosch Rexroth

Smart Flex E ector makes robots more sensitive

Small component, significant impact: The Smart Flex E ector, a new, sensor-based compensation module from Bosch Rexroth, gives robots and Cartesian linear systems human-like sensitivity and thus o ers new opportunities for factory automation. Processes that are di cult to manage can now be automated, optimized, and monitored through simple retrofitting. Thanks to a kinematics system that works independently in six degrees of freedom, the tactile device with sensitive touch precisely records the position of the workpiece and passes the information to the robot control unit for active compensation purposes. Typical applications include joining processes with minimal tolerances, complex assembly work, or di cult handling tasks. Errors and rejects are minimized, and teaching and commissioning can be done more easily and quickly.

The Smart Flex Effector is designed for handling loads of up to 6 kg. For machine manufacturers and users, it opens a wide range of new applications which were difficult or not possible with previous equipment, such as passive compensation units, forcetorque sensors, and visual systems. The applications range from process automation and quality monitoring to teaching and the controlled handling of objects.

Quantum leap in process automation

With its differentiated kinematics, the Smart Flex Effector can correct processes with great complexity and tight tolerances, such as positional deviations between the tool and the workpieces or in complex joining processes with minimal tolerances. Thanks to this tactile sensitivity, tasks that were not automatable can now be performed by robots.

Quicker teaching

In another area, the Smart Flex Effector also reduces the time previously needed for teaching processes. Thanks to the 6D position recording, the robotic control system can read the exact coordinates for gripping and placing points directly. Repeated learning during operation is possible in an automated manner. Robots can also be taught manually — simply by moving them into position by hand.

Sensitive handling of objects

Even during sampling, the Smart Flex Effector can be used to recognize positional deviations and, with the help of the sensor system, determine the exact position of the object. The robot accurately picks up assembly or handling objects, positions them in a controlled manner, and places or sorts them reliably. Even parts made of glass or other fragile materials can now be handled safely. To ensure maximum productivity, the compensation module can be actively moved into the zero position and electromechanically locked for fast transfer runs.

Embedded within medical devices, NewTek linear position sensors play a critical role in the safe and accurate performance of healthcare equipment used in patient care.

Posital

A new generation of incremental encoders

POSITAL has launched a major upgrade to its IXARC family of incremental rotary encoders. These encoders feature new magnetic sensor technology and more energy-efficient embedded microcontrollers. While remaining mechanically and electrically compatible with earlier models, the new encoders will benefit customers by reducing power consumption — an important consideration in complex applications where multiple devices are connected to the control system.

These updated encoders are just the first of a series of products that POSITAL will be rolling out over the next year. “Our aim here is to improve the performance, ease-of-use, and availability of our encoders and inclinometers,” said Christian Fell, head of POSITAL’s American operations.“This program, labeled NeXtGen, will update the core technologies used in our products, both to improve performance and to strengthen our supply chains.”

The new IXARC incremental encoders use a TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) sensing technology in place of the Hall-effect sensors used on previous models. TMR sensors offer higher magnetic sensitivity, creating possibilities for improved resolution. TMR sensors are also less temperature sensitive and more energy-efficient than their predecessors. POSITAL will introduce TMR technology across its full range of rotary encoders, including absolute industrial encoders and its extensive line of kit encoders. The TMR sensors will be connected to a new generation of microcontrollers that offer a 60% energy consumption improvement over older components and can support new signal processing algorithms.

Another goal of NeXtGen is the simplification and rationalization of POSITAL’s supply chain. Fell continued: “The past few years have brought