As part of a drive to get robots into more and more workplaces, operating side by side with humans, a team of expert development engineers at global motion control specialist, NSK has come up with a novel way to improve the mobility of collaborative robots (cobots), the Active Caster. This innovative omnidirectional motorised drive unit, which is ready for use in a diverse range of cobot and service robot applications, could soon come to the assistance of countries facing ageing populations and labour shortages.
The Active Caster wheel unit is suitable for use in close proximity to people. Smart, quiet and compact, Active Casters fitted to service robots are currently undergoing field tests and could shortly play a role in workplaces around the globe. Service robots that interact with humans are in a very new field, one with direct benefits for a number of industries, including logistics and medical.
Hospitals and care facilities, for instance, require workers to perform many physically demanding tasks in a timely manner to aid the recovery of patients. Here, Active Casters could act as service robots by automating medical carts, transporting medical supplies, moving gurneys and reducing the overall workload in these busy environments. This capability could prove vital in many established economies around the world with ageing populations and labour shortages. In such locations, cobots and service robots taking advantage of Active Casters may soon become necessary to automate repetitive and manual tasks, enabling humans to focus on higher value work activities.
Potential applications also exist in wider society, helping people suffering with limited mobility, for instance. Active Casters could become part of a robot ‘suitcase’ to make it easier for people to travel, or a moving cart that doubles as a walker to help carry things around the house. The programmable walker could move out of the way and return when convenient, giving the user more space when sitting down, without having to worry about keeping it within reach.
At present, the Active Caster is undergoing repeated operational tests in a laboratory featuring various surface environments, such as uneven floors, carpets, bumps and slopes. The NSK team wants to ensure that the product can allow motion in all directions, carry heavy loads and traverse gradients over the most challenging of terrain. Active Casters feature two motors per wheel, and control steering and motion through the difference in their rotational speeds. Moving forward, the company’s development engineers will continue to evolve the design by applying NSK’s strengths in bearing and lubrication technology.
Balancing the performance to cost ratio is a key focus of the development process. Ultimately the team is using technology and know-how cultivated in many fields of research and development to drive this ambition.
NSK has been manufacturing bearings for more than 100 years, and has nurtured close ties in cutting-edge fields such as cobots and service robots. In the Active Caster project, like many projects before, NSK will continue to communicate closely with its customers and make every effort to devise solutions that add value to industry and society.
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.
Read more...SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...Inclination sensors for motion control ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...Drives cut energy use by up to 30% amid rising costs
Motion Control & Drives
Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 755TS variable frequency drives are delivering energy reductions of 10 to 30% in Africa’s industrial operations, with adaptive control and predictive maintenance features that cut downtime by up to 50%.
Read more...Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Motion Control & Drives
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
Read more...Keep your turbines spinning
Motion Control & Drives
No turbine is immune from wear and tear. Unexpected downtime or poor performance can quickly degrade its value and lifespan, but strategically maintained turbines can deliver decades of performance.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version