Ann de Beer, the cobot and Frederik Langenhoven share a moment after the presentation.
First of all, what is a robot? Dictionary definitions vary, but the gist is that it is a machine which takes the place of a human being (so those things at street corners are actually robots!). In a highly entertaining technology evening presentation, Frederik Langenhoven of Cobots defined it as: “a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically”.
So what is a cobot?
Collaborative robots serve as a tool for operators; not devices that replace human workers. Although robots can do most things that used to be the preserve of people, there are applications where the human touch is still required, but robots are useful to do the heavy lifting. However, what if a human hand (or head) gets in the way of this powerful machine? Fortunately, there are standards that cobots must adhere to where there is unobstructed human-robot collaboration: EN ISO 13849-1 and EN ISO 10218-1. To demonstrate how this is done, throughout the evening a drinks trolley was circulating, conveniently pausing whenever someone got in the way.
Also present, was another device looking more like what most of us probably imagine a robot to be: something with arms that move and rotate. Frederik demonstrated how this, too, can stop when a hand, for instance, is detected. He also showed how this cobot can be trained – very simply, by manually moving its actuator, hitting a key, and moving it to its next location, etc.
The 2019 committee (left to right): Andre Eybers, Eric Carter, Dean Floyd, Cheryl Hird, Laura van der Merwe and Ann De Beer.
From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
When South Africa clinched victory in the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, the nation collectively rejoiced. However, amidst this optimism lies a pertinent question: is South Africa truly a land of hope, or is it merely a fool’s paradise?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a technology evening at the Bryanston Sports Club on 13 March 2024. It was sponsored by Phoenix Contact and the technical presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban technology meeting in March drew a record attendance, with an old friend of the SAIMC, Gary Friend presenting on the very topical subject of ‘Risks, rewards, advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and the impact of legislation’.
Read more...SAIMC: Secunda Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch held its monthly Technology Evening on 6 March 2024 at the Proconics, Secunda office. Sagadevan Kanniappen from WIKA presented on Thermowell stress calculations as per ASME PTC 19.3.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The manufacturing industry is facing some challenges due to automation and outsourcing, but there are still opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing and robotics. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry to remain competitive.
Read more...SAIMC:Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The annual general meeting of the SAIMC Johannesburg branch was held on 7 February 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its annual general meeting at the Premier Splendid Inn in Pinetown on 24 January 2024
Read more...Reminiscences of a life in control Michael Brown Control Engineering
SAIMC
Reminiscences from Michael Brown on a long and rich journey in the world of automation together with SAIMC.
printer friendly version