A major highlight at the forthcoming Machine Building Drives & Automation show will be demonstrations of industrial robots undertaking pick-and-place tasks with the aid of vision systems.
Supported by BARA (British Automation and Robotics Association), the demonstrations will centre on three robots - one of which will be making its UK public debut - displayed by Motoman and Kawasaki Robotics.
Motoman will be showing two robots: the six-axis HP3 model that has a standard payload of 3kg (optional 5kg), and its latest Scara-type YS450 (see photo), a 5kg capacity model with 450mm stroke, a z axis travel of 170mm and a t axis repeatability of +/-0.015mm. The Motoman duo will be using vision systems in a typical pick-and-place scenario.
Kawasaki will be demonstrating the capabilities of its FS20N machine operating with a 3D vision system that identifies the product. The six-axis FS20N has a 20kg payload and a vertical reach of 2193mm, a horizontal reach of 1773mm and a repeatability of +/-0.1mm.
The Machine Building Drives and Automation show will feature dozens of industry-leading suppliers, all displaying the latest in industrial automation aids. There will also be a special Industrial Networks for Automation programme discussing the choice, design and use of AS-Interface products and networks - including functional safety systems - as well as an overview and practical demonstration of Profibus and Profinet systems, from configuration to data exchange.
Manufacturing-focused shows
The exhibition is co-located with five other manufacturing-focused shows at the Birmingham NEC on 13-14 February 2008, all presenting money-saving technologies and tools for more effective and efficient manufacturing operations: MEDTEC UK medical device manufacturing; MTEC Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation; IPOT - image processing and optical technology; 3C Contamination Control and Cleanroom Products; and Practical Vacuum and Semiconductor Processing.
Visit www.machinebuilding.co.uk for details, including up-to-date exhibitor lists and conference/education programmes, and to register for your free entry ticket as well gain as online links to all exhibition websites.
