Search results

Choosing end‐effectors for robotic applications can be a mind‐boggling task, unless you are familiar with what is available and the appropriate application for each. Presents the XChange Tool Change system, offered by Applied Robotics, which facilitates fast and reliable end‐effector changing. The system has the ability to interface virtually any utility: pneumatics, vacuum, signal level input/output, high voltage, high current electrical power, cooling fluids, hydraulic oil, fibre optics and video signals. With the increasing need for a wider variety of products manufactured in smaller quantities, quick and automatic end‐effector changing is critical.

To meet the ever increasing quality standard set by the manufacturers of multilayer printed circuit boards, IMASA, in association with Enthone Inc. USA, has further developed the Enplate MLB permanganate etch back system to improve the hole quality of a multilayer printed circuit board. To enable manufacturers to utilise this improvement using existing equipment, Short Line Chemistry was developed.

Augat/Isotronics now offer injection moulded, glass‐to‐metal sealed hybrid circuit packages providing many advantages over conventional machined components.

Defines a vacuum and gives some basic facts about it, including an explanation of vacuum force and air pressure. Describes the three main applications of vacuum; low range, industrial and scientific and gives examples of uses. A vacuum can be created mechanically or by compressed air: discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical vacuum pumps and compressed air‐driven ejector pumps. Concludes with a brief look at vacuum in relation to altitude.

DRAUGHTSMEN can make a major contribution to productivity provided they are trained in work study. This fact emerged from a paper presented by Mr. B. A. Dyson, General Manager (Overseas Production) of Hoover Ltd., to a joint work study conference organised by the British Institute of Management.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a range of artificial muscle and soft gripping technologies for robotic applications.

Following a short introduction, this paper first discusses the role of air muscles and other pneumatic actuation technologies. It then considers electroactive polymer and shape‐memory alloys and finally discusses the prospects for various classes of electrohydrodynamic fluids.

This paper shows that a technologically diverse range of novel actuation techniques exist, or are under development, which can act as artificial muscles and soft grippers. They are based on pneumatics, shape changing materials and electrohydrodynamic fluids and have prospects to impart robots with improved or unique capabilities.

The paper provides an insight into developments in artificial muscle and soft gripping technologies. These are expected to play a vital role in future robot generations.