In 2023, the automation expert Omron can look back on 90 years of innovative company history, in which many technological boundaries have been crossed and milestones set.

Bosch Rexroth continues to drive forward the development of durable linear technology. Thanks to an optimized manufacturing process, the segmented ball bushings with plastic cages used in a wide range of industries achieve a load rating that is up to 20 percent higher and a service life that is up to 70 percent longer.

AS-Interface is always the ideal complement to ASi Safety at Work from Bihl+Wiedemann when many safe and non-safe signals are to be used under one address.

Innovative technologies for minimally invasive surgery and more: Kuka and Siemens Healthineers are expanding their long-standing partnership. Kuka will supply 300 robots for the medical technology manufacturer's Artis phenography system this year and next.

Images

With a new 6,000 m² building, Balluff is expanding the production area at the Chengdu site by 75 percent and can thus double its production volume.

Images

With the CMS, Schunk is launching a user-friendly, manual change system for quick component replacement. In addition to its simple and convenient operation, the CMS also stands out with its extensive range of optional modules and complementary end effectors.

Images

Stein Automation presents the Stein 400 workpiece carrier system for parts weighing up to 80 kilograms and the C5G logistics control system.

Images

Where automation is involved, it must be ensured that even in the event of a control or power failure, unintentional movement sequences do not result in hazards or damage. The aim is to protect employees from injury and capital goods from destruction. This is where electromagnetic brakes from Kendrion come into play.

Images

Jacob Chandy takes over the management of Harting India on July 10, 2023.

The German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) is currently reporting fewer orders for the German electrical and digital industry. However, the order backlog remains high.

The hot phase of trade fair preparations for this year's EMO in Hanover has begun. On July 5 and 6, the EMO organizer VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) invited visitors to the big preview in Frankfurt am Main. 31 exhibitors at the EMO Hannover, which will take place from September 18 to 23, will allow a look behind the scenes of their trade fair innovations a good ten weeks before the major event.

Images

Schmalz's new VA-CL catalog provides an overview of all solutions for clamping wood with a vacuum. QR codes also make the ordering process easier: a scan takes interested parties directly to the desired product in the online store.

Data import, error correction and the generation of envelope geometries are now automated at SEW-Eurodrive. By using the 3DxSuite software, the company saves time and resources when optimizing 3D models.

Images

The Kuka Innovation Award 2023 was all about simple operation and maximum flexibility of robots. For the first time, the robotics competition was based on the new Kuka robot operating system and associated ecosystem iiQKA.

Images

Around 400 member companies took part in a VDMA survey on research and development (R&D) in mechanical engineering. While expenditure on R&D has increased, there is a shortage of personnel.

Images

Since 1 July 2023, Dr. Dirk Kristes, previously Managing Director Operations and member of the central Group Management Board, has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) and responsible for the areas of customer and production logistics, purchasing and prefabrication.

The digital transformation can only succeed with networked systems, consistent data and close cooperation between manufacturers. Eplan founded the Partner Network at the end of 2020, and Dassault Systèmes is a new addition. The interface between the Eplan platform and the 3DExperience platform from Dassault Systèmes is thus being systematically developed in a mutual exchange.

When manufacturing metal bellows couplings, the connections between the bellows and hub are a critical point. The flared press-fit process can be used here.

Fanuc Germany is still programmed for growth: The "Offensive 2022/2023" led to an increased business result. Turnover in the past financial year amounted to 236 million euros. Compared to the previous year, this is an increase of 22 percent. This means that the record year 2018 has almost been reached again.

The competition for the products of the year enters the next round. In fall and winter, readers of INDUSTRIAL Production will once again be able to cast their votes. But before the portal for reader voting opens, the application phase starts on July 1, 2023. Projects can be presented until October 31, 2023.