Instrumentation and Control News - Robotics

Robot Keeps Home Safe

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:15:09 +0200

Two-legged walking humanoid Rogun poses with a child. A Korean venture start-up has developed the country's first humanoid that recognizes people through embedded cameras and high-end face-tracking software.

IU Researchers Help Develop Sensor Network to Analyze Crowds

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 05:59:10 +0200

Researchers from the Indiana University School of Informatics and two universities in Japan say they have created a system that can accurately analyze human behavior. The system was tested in a Kyoto subway station in Japan and was able to inform operators about events like overcrowding by using information collected by surveillance cameras. Researchers say the system could have applications in homeland security and crime prevention.

Autonomous robotic fleas could create distributed sensor network

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 05:59:10 +0200

Sarah Bergbreiter has developed an "autonomous robotic flea has been developed that is capable of jumping nearly 30 times its height," thanks to what could possibly be hailed as the "world's smallest rubber band."

Insitu Selects RTI for Unmanned Air-Vehicle Products

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:43:46 +0200

Real-Time Innovations (RTI), The Real-Time Middleware Experts, announced today that its real-time messaging middleware has been selected for use by Insitu Inc.

High-security switches for mining-data control and monitoring at Fairmount Mineral

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:03:04 +0100

There were several reasons for choosing Westermo’s Lynx range of switches, like the strong harsh environment compliancy, the off-the-shelf redundant ring capability, and the world’s fastest data recovery time of 20ms. Particularly, we appreciate the easy configuration and monitoring of the switches as well as the no-charge software updates...

Voltron-Like Modular Robot Demonstrated

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:01:55 +0100

Each bot module is effectively a robot in its own right, and can move independently, flip over and rotate like wheels. They also have 3D accelerometers that let them know their precise orientation. The six sides of each module can dock with any other module.

New Lighting Controller Enhances GigE Range

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 05:14:53 +0100

The PP520 provides automatic operation with current-rated and voltage-rated lighting, providing plug and play operation using patented Safe-
Sense™ technology. Control functions include power regulation, intensity control, and timing and triggering functions required for machine vision systems.

New Vision Elements Machine Vision Handbook From Firstsight Vision

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:18:57 +0100

The handbook is an extremely useful guide to machine vision, since each section features a comprehensive 'technology overview', which not only explains clearly how products featured within the section work, but also shows how they can best be applied in machine vision systems...

New Approach To Smart Imaging

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 01:33:28 +0100

The VA 21 features a powerful embedded processor that ensures fast inspection times. With extensive hardware support for part-in-place detection; strobe illumination; camera trigger; and part counting for delayed pass, fail and rework part sorting, the need for an additional plc is virtually eliminated...

System to measure sprayed skin thickness from Bestech

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 23:32:03 +0100

The eddy current sensor measures the distance by going through the sprayed skin to the nickel-coated spray mould. The eddy current sensor has an opening in the centre through which the laser sensor measures the distance to the top of the sprayed part. The processed signals are subtracted from each other to determine the exact thickness signal...

Robot swarms 'evolve' effective communication

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 03:11:57 +0100

Some s-bots 'evolved' the ability to tell others where to find certain objects...

Cognex introduces entry-level DVT 535C color vision sensor

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 01:23:39 +0100

DVT 535C offers complete set of easy to use color tools

Second-Generation TALON Hazmat Robot Debuts Today at Unmanned Systems Conference in Nashville

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 21:02:10 +0100

The newest Hazmat version of the robot uses JAUS (Joint Architecture Unmanned Systems) software to make it possible to "plug and play" up to seven sensors mounted on a quick-release universal mounting tray for easy removal. In addition, the person digital assistant (PDA) at the operator control unit has been upgraded to include audio and visual alarms if...

Orus3d Launches Robogauge, a Set of Tools for Easily Using Robots as Inline CMM's

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:17:41 +0100

RoboGauge is designed to provide real-time high-accuracy 3D data for inspection of critical dimensions or optimal quality control in almost any manufacturing process and production line...

GigE Vision Focus For Firstsight Vision At IPOT 07

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:38:30 +0100

New Camera Link products will also be announced, including the Piranha trilinear colour linescan camera from Dalsa and a new Camera Link frame grabber. The new colour linescan camera will feature Dalsa's own sensor for high sensitivity and speed and will be twice as fast as any other colour linescan camera...