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Omron releases new dual in-line package switches

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Omron Electronic Components Europe has launched a new series of dual in-line package switches with 18 models delivering what the company says is “improved reliability and usability”.

Andries De Bruin, senior European product marketing manager, Omron, says: “The new Omron A6FR series DIP switches are more convenient to configure with the finger, due to their piano style buttons, which is a welcome feature for most users.

“The range is available in either ON or OFF set soldering making them very easy to design in.”  [Read more…] about Omron releases new dual in-line package switches

Downsizing: It’s a small world

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Downsizing starts with a scientific discovery that enables the miniaturisation of normal-sized human beings to a fraction of their original size – to about 5 inches tall. 

Why would anyone want to downsize in this way? Well, downsizing in the real world usually means moving to a smaller place to live and reducing your costs.

And this is what Downsizing is about, except it includes downsizing of the physical human form, which saves even more money because you could then live in a toy house and pay a tiny fraction of the costs of living as “big people”.  [Read more…] about Downsizing: It’s a small world

Infographic: Fundamentals of motion control

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Contributed by PowerJackMotion.com, which specialises in the production of electric motors, linear actuators, gearboxes for use in automation, solar energy, smart household appliances, robots, and more

The tremendously growing popularity of motion controlled devices has created some truly unique opportunities for young motion control enthusiasts.

So if you are passionate about creating machines and systems that automate mechanical tasks and get things done easier and faster, you could use some clarification on what motion control components are, how they work and how you can use them in creative ways to reduce human effort and increase efficiency.

The right motion control architecture is central to the efficacy of your project. To achieve precision motor control, a number of critical factors need to be considered, such as choosing the right motion control components and their right placement.  [Read more…] about Infographic: Fundamentals of motion control

LoRaWAN network now available to aliens as Semtech and Lacuna start receiving messages from space

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Lacuna Space extends LoRaWAN network global coverage with satellite connectivity

Semtech, a supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, and Lacuna Space announced its collaboration with key industry leaders, including the European Space Agency and Parametric, to extend a LoRaWAN network by providing satellite connectivity to fill voids between the terrestrial gateways out of cellular reach and give continuous global coverage.

Lacuna Space uses a constellation of polar low-earth orbiting satellites to receive messages from sensors integrated with Semtech’s LoRa devices and wireless radio frequency technology (LoRa Technology) on the ground.  [Read more…] about LoRaWAN network now available to aliens as Semtech and Lacuna start receiving messages from space

Bewildered and confused

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Technology is moving so fast that those of us who have been around a while may find a lot of things bewildering and confusing.

Why, for example, do so many websites and apps that you never heard of have so many visitors and users?

Why are startup companies whose product or service you don’t understand attracting tens of millions of dollars in investment money?  [Read more…] about Bewildered and confused

PalExpo to showcase jewellery-making expertise

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The world of high-quality jewellery- and watch-making has always been labour-intensive, requiring many people with intricate skills all along the manufacturing process. 

And while making jewellery still involves many people, increasingly sophisticated instruments, robotics and automation technologies, as well as new materials and additive manufacturing are taking the sector to a whole new level.

An industry event in Geneva, Switzerland called EPHJ-EPMT-SMT describes itself as “the only trade show in the world [which showcases] all high-precision skills in the areas of watchmaking and jewellery, microtechnology and medical technology”.  [Read more…] about PalExpo to showcase jewellery-making expertise

The X-Files: The robotics and automation episode

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If Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, the two main characters in The X-Files, were to do nothing but chill out and drink coffee for the entire 45-minute duration of a show, nobody would care – they’d still watch it. 

Having been in so many powerful and captivating storylines over the course of the 11 series since 1993, the world’s most famous FBI agents probably have nothing left to prove to the audience. Been there, done that – and with more charisma than probably any other characters in TV history.

The fundamental basis of the show – the investigation of paranormal phenomena, aliens, and the conspiracies connected to them, as well as the typical gruesome crimes the FBI must deal with – was expertly blended by its makers, and the acting and style of the show have always been engaging.  [Read more…] about The X-Files: The robotics and automation episode

Hidden Reserves: Dispensing with death for debt’s sake

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Strictly speaking, Hidden Reserves is probably not an appropriate film to write about for us because it doesn’t include robots, but it’s such a good science-fiction film.

The central theme of the story is highly original, and we don’t want to give it away if you haven’t seen it, though that makes it very difficult to write about.

We suggest you watch it first before reading this, although we will minimise any spoilers.  [Read more…] about Hidden Reserves: Dispensing with death for debt’s sake

Blade Runner 2049: Part update, part remake, and part new. But not bad at all

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If you’ve seen the original 1982 film Blade Runner, you’ll probably understand why the makers of the sequel borrowed so much from it. 

The look and feel as well as some of the storylines… so much of the new film, Blade Runner 2049, released last year, is an update and continuation of the story and style of the original.

And who can blame the studio and director for that? The original is regarded as a cult classic. It was based on a short story called Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, written by Philip K. Dick, widely regarded as one of the best science fiction writers ever. It was directed by Ridley Scott and starred Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and Sean Young – all at the peak of their skills and charisma.  [Read more…] about Blade Runner 2049: Part update, part remake, and part new. But not bad at all

New issue of ‘Sensor Readings’ magazine out now

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The new issue of Sensor Readings magazine from Robotics and Automation News is out.

It’s out a few days early because our production editor is too efficient.

It’s still in “beta” mode, if we can call it that, which means it’s still available free to all.

We may put a price on it in the future, and offer subscriptions, but existing subscribers to the RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com will always be able to access it free.

Not only that, existing subscribers will also enjoy a price freeze for the next few years, even if we double the prices.

So, if you paid $10 for a monthly subscription or $100 for a yearly subscription, you will probably always pay the same amount, however high we raise the prices.

So, please support us by subscribing now and take advantage of the price freeze before we start charging what most people say would be reasonable prices – not the reasonably low prices we charge now.

And thanks to all existing subscribers for your support. We won’t forget you.