Robotics & Automation News

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drive

ZF wins major order for new automatic transmission

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ZF Friedrichshafen AG has received a double-digit billion-euro order from BMW AG for its enhanced 8-speed automatic transmission.

The latest version of ZF’s 8-speed transmission has been improved by integrating an electric drive. This also includes a hybrid variant.

The new transmission generation will start series production in 2022 at ZF’s plant in Saarbrücken, the lead production facility for ZF’s automatic passenger car transmissions.

[Read more…] about ZF wins major order for new automatic transmission

Electrified Mercedes EQC goes into production

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The Mercedes-Benz of electric vehicles is ready for launch. The EQC is produced at the company’s Bremen plant and can be ordered now.

The first EQC will roll off the production line at the company’s plant in Bremen. There it is being produced on the same line as the C-Class Saloon and Estate as well as the GLC and GLC Coupé.

Production of vehicles with various drive systems can be adapted variably and efficiently in line with market demand. This approach ensures the best use of capacity at the plant.

[Read more…] about Electrified Mercedes EQC goes into production

ZF unveils electric truck prototype for Japan

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ZF has developed an electric light commercial vehicle specifically for the Japanese market.

The company has been electrifying a wide range of systems not only for passenger cars and commercial vehicles but also for industrial machines.

This prototype vehicle has been developed by ZF Japan’s engineering team at their Tech Centre in Yokohama, collaborating with a team in ZF HQ in Germany in order to satisfy Japan’s unique requirements.

[Read more…] about ZF unveils electric truck prototype for Japan

Four key criteria for industrial drive specification

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Specifying the right industrial drives is crucial to machine and overall process performance, but with industrial automation shaping the landscape for drive selection, it is vital to keep abreast of defining specification criteria.

Paul Streatfield, strategic product manager for industrial drives specialist Bosch Rexroth, explores four of the most recent key criteria for industrial drive specification, which meet the challenges of today’s industrial requirements.

It can be challenging to continually update your specification choices in line with the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 but in doing so, machinery manufacturers can offer their customers a wealth of financial benefits as well as better use of factory space, optimised machinery performance and improved safety standards. [Read more…] about Four key criteria for industrial drive specification

Audi shows autonomous concept car at Auto Shanghai

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At Auto Shanghai 2019, Audi is introducing its mobility concept for the megacities of the future.

The showcar, known as the Audi AI:ME, offers compact dimensions, a spacious, futuristic interior, and the ability to drive autonomously at level 4.

This allows the occupants to do what they like with their time on board. The Audi AI:ME offers a broad range of high-tech features for communication, entertainment, or simply relaxation.

[Read more…] about Audi shows autonomous concept car at Auto Shanghai

Driverless race car becomes first to complete uphill event

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The dynamics of racing — a human driver guiding a powerful machine to reach the finish line as fast as possible — haven’t changed much since the Goodwood Festival of Speed was founded a quarter century ago. Until now.

The Roborace Robocar, a futuristic vehicle designed for the new era of driverless transportation, became the first car to complete the Goodwood hillclimb without a human at the wheel.

The innovative race car, powered by the Nvidia Drive autonomous vehicle computing platform, wowed 55,000 spectators by navigating with ease around trees, hay bales and tight curves.

[Read more…] about Driverless race car becomes first to complete uphill event

Baumüller develops new drive concepts for large mobile machinery

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Baumüller is preparing to showcase individual drive concepts and industry-specific components for mobile working machines at Agritechnica 2017, to be held in Hannover, Germany from November 12-18, 2017. 

The Nuremberg- based drive and automation specialist will present its motors and systems in hall 17 at booth H05.

Experts at the trade fair will present their services for the design, engineering and development of individual drive solutions for agricultural technology.  [Read more…] about Baumüller develops new drive concepts for large mobile machinery

Baumüller prepares to showcase new solutions at Drinktec event

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Baumüller will introduce what it describes as “complete solution packages and industry-specific components” at Drinktec 2017, the drinks packaging industry event. 

From September 11-15, 2017, Baumüller will participate in drinktec 2017, the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry in Munich.

In hall B3 at stand 321, the Nuremberg-based drive and automatization specialist will present its specific industry solutions for the beverage industry – from a drive with an aseptic surface for transport tasks in the food sector to compact local drive technology for minimum wiring effort.  [Read more…] about Baumüller prepares to showcase new solutions at Drinktec event

Yaskawa launches direct drive servo motor for ‘backlash-free’ automation applications

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yaskawa sgm7f servo motor

Yaskawa has introduced a direct drive servo motor that the company says packs a new level of performance into a more compact size than anything offered before. 

The new Yaskawa SGM7F line of direct drive servo motors delivers from 4 to 35 Nm of torque in a device as small as 2.1” high and 5.3” in diameter (53x135mm).

This size advantage makes it possible to apply the mechanical benefits of a direct coupling between a servo motor and a load in tighter spaces than ever before.  [Read more…] about Yaskawa launches direct drive servo motor for ‘backlash-free’ automation applications

NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’

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nsk ball bearings

NSK has launched low-friction ball bearings which it says increase energy efficiency and reduce operational noise in drive systems. 

Bearings of this type will also reduce heat generation, which in turn helps to extend service life, according to the company.

Based on concepts such as optimised raceway geometry and special sealing concepts, NSK has developed several series of ball bearings that offer significantly lower friction characteristics.  [Read more…] about NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’