Latest Robotics Technical Articles

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Creating a More Sensible Industrial Robot: The Sense of Touch

Using advanced sensing technology, robotic skin allows grippers and manipulators to “feel” and handle objects without damaging them. While emulating human touch is still in its infancy, it does show promise for future applications.

November 08, 2022 by Seth Price

Robot Collision Recovery and Prevention

When a robot crashes, it needs to be put back into position. The steps in this process depends on the end user and the equipment manufacturer. Understanding why the robot crashed also helps prevent future failures.

October 20, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

Introduction to Safety Light Curtains: Operation and Installation 

Light curtains serve as an invisible barrier, keeping workers out of harm's way and protecting machinery from damage. Learn about safety curtains, how they are installed, and their programmable functions.

October 12, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Life on the Farm: Cleaning Stalls, Milking Cows, and… Robots?

Learn how one small farm in a rural community is upgrading production with advanced technology in several ways to overcome staff shortages, product demand, and regulatory compliance.

October 11, 2022 by David Peterson

Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn about these issues and some potential solutions to better ensure safety and quality.

September 21, 2022 by Seth Price

End of Arm Tooling: Power Sources and Sensors

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited possibilities. Learn about the five main methods of how EOATs are powered and the sensors that they use.

September 12, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Technology Differences: Stationary Robots vs Mobile Robots

Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the technology differences between fixed-location robots and mobile robots and why no one robot is like another.

August 18, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Automation on the Move: Mobile Robot Cells

Mobile robot work cells can move between workstations and tend to where demand is highest. These self-contained work cells offer more flexibility for manufacturers than industrial and collaborative robot cells we have previously talked about. 

August 04, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Automation Issues and Energy Usage in Environmental Extremes

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems. 

August 03, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

How to Define the Tool Center Point (TCP) on a Robot

Robots must be moved using cartesian frames to coordinate motion of all the joints. Properly defining the tool center point greatly simplifies teaching for any type of end of arm tool (EoAT).

July 30, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  

July 25, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with perhaps the most basic: how do you program industrial robots?

July 19, 2022 by David Peterson

Industrial Robot Cells: Designing for Safety and Effectiveness

Robot cells make for an efficient automation process, reduce labor costs, and increase worker safety. Learn about the common features, components, and safety requirements of industrial robot work cells.

July 18, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Singularity in Robotics: What Is It and How Can We Avoid it?

Singularity in robotics can be problematic for programmers and manufacturers alike. We will investigate the cause of singularities and how prevention can be considered in the design of a robot cell. 

July 07, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

High-Power Laser Diodes for Industrial Autonomous Mobile Robots

LiDAR and SLAM enable AMRs and drones to effectively navigate dynamic industrial environments. The right selection of high-power laser diodes is critical for accurate performance of LiDAR/SLAM systems

July 05, 2022 by George Lacanilao, ROHM Semiconductor

Methods of Performing Robot Tool Center Point Calibration

Industrial robots are a valuable investment because of their speed and accuracy. However, failing to establish the tool center point (TCP) can decrease the accuracy, effectiveness, and ROI for a robot workcell.

June 27, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

Plug and Play End of Arm Tooling for Cobot Applications

In the world of modern manufacturing, we want the tools to be effective, safe, and very easy to install and commission. But when we say ‘easy’, how easy can it really be to commission robotic tools?

May 26, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Controlling Hydraulic Devices with Open and Closed Loop Systems

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

May 23, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

Robots and CNC Machines - An Assembly Configuration Made in Heaven

Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop offering an application system from the Universal Robots UR+ series.

May 12, 2022 by David Peterson

Epson Robot Programming Example

Epson robot programming bears similarities to other industry-standard brands, but contains many unique features, including the ability to run background programs alongside the main function.

April 27, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich