Sensitive Arm Technology
Kassow Robots (Charlotte, NC) announced a new Sensitive Arm technology across its complete range of 7-axis collaborative robots. This advanced force control system integrates high-resolution torque sensors into all seven joints of each robot, enabling manufacturers to automate delicate and contact-sensitive tasks with greater precision, safety, and flexibility. The Sensitive Arm system provides real-time, low-latency force feedback while utilizing integrated torque sensors across all joints. With a sensor resolution of up to 0.024 Nm/bit and a control frequency of 30 kHz, the system enables compliant and nuanced motions essential for complex tasks such as assembly, surface finishing, inspection, and delicate handling. Operators can fine-tune how the robot responds to external forces using a dedicated interface that makes it easy to adjust parameters such as stiffness, damping, and end-effector compliance. The system also enables smooth and responsive hand-guiding, with minimal resistance and high sensitivity, enabling fast and intuitive programming by demonstration.
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Affordable Humanoid Robot
The motion plastics specialist igus (East Providence, RI) has unveiled its first humanoid robot, Iggy Rob, designed to support industrial production, service environments, and transport tasks. The robot, offered at approximately $54,500, presents a cost-effective entry point into humanoid robotics for companies seeking automation solution. Standing approximately 67 inches tall, Iggy Rob can operate autonomously for up to eight hours on a single charge. It is equipped with two ReBeL Cobot arms, bionic hands, a LiDAR sensor, and 3D cameras for advanced object detection and navigation. These features enable smooth mobility and interaction in dynamic environments. The robot is powered by igus Robot Control software, is CE-certified, and is approved for fleet management under VDE 5050 standards. Integration with the ROS2 interface ensures compatibility with modern robotics infrastructures. Rather than using legs, Iggy Rob is built upon the proven ReBeL Move autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platform. This base features a robust three-point bearing and supports a load capacity of 110 lbs with a payload of 100 220 lbs.
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Seamless Ethernet Connectivity
Weidmuller USA (Richmond, VA) has introduced a new unmanaged Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Switch that enables a seamless networking experience for users in a wide array of industrial environments. Featuring four 10-Base T1L ports with PoDL (up to Class 14), the SPE switch from Weidmuller delivers power and data over a single twisted pair, thereby reducing cabling complexity. A single 10/100 Mbps RJ45 port ensures easy integration with existing networks, and this SPE switch was designed for reliable forwarding of data packets in automation technology for distances up to 1,000 meters. As an additional feature, Weidmuller’s SPE unmanaged switch is customizable via DIP switches. It easily adapts to QoS, MAC multi-cast filtering, PoDL class selection and SCCP, making it ideal for PROFINET applications. The advantages of SPE Technology include reduced cabling and cost; long distance communication; seamless integration and compatibility with existing Ethernet infrastructure; delivery of power up to 50W over data cable, leverages existing 2-wire cabling; faster transmission rates and lower jitter compared to traditional serial communication.
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Robot Simulation Software
FANUC (Rochester Hills, MI) has released ROBOGUIDE Version 10, the latest and most advanced iteration of its industry-leading offline robot programming and simulation software. ROBOGUIDE allows users to create, program, and simulate robotic workcells in 3D without the need for physical prototypes, reducing costs and improving accuracy in automation planning. With the launch of this next-generation software, FANUC is introducing several powerful upgrades. Users can now experience workcells in a fully immersive environment, improving line of sight and spatial awareness like never before. This enables engineers and operators to interact with automation designs in a more intuitive and insightful way with virtual reality playback and walk through. ROBOGUIDE is now a 64-bit application, delivering higher performance, increased content capacity, and improved processing power for complex automation systems. Featuring a ribbon-style toolbar, floating and docking windows, and improved graphics, ROBOGUIDE V10 makes navigation more intuitive and efficient. Using a new drag-and-drop tool, users can quickly locate and define robots with ease.
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Actuators for Linear Units
Linear units from norelem (Greenville, NC) carry out precise motion tasks in handling and automation applications. As adjustment units for this purpose norelem offers a large selection of actuators that reliably convert the received motion commands into mechanical motions. Actuators are complete mechatronic systems consisting of a battery-free multiturn encoder, a gearbox, a motor, and integrated power and control electronics. As intelligent adjustment units they convert the received motion commands into mechanical motions. Actuators from norelem (order number 85000-50) are attached to the end of a machine shaft or mounted on a shaft or spindle. To prevent corotation with the machine shaft, norelem developed a mounting set (85000-51) consisting of a torque bracket and a mounting bracket. No fewer than 18 actuator versions are available — for different shaft diameters and different communication protocols, in both aluminum and stainless steel. Standard parts specialist norelem developed the actuators especially for their linear units. They are compatible with the linear unit 29105, the double-pipe linear unit with trapezoidal lead screw drive 21250, the double-tube linear unit with mounting plate 21250-01, and the new aluminum square linear unit 29104.
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AI-Powered Condition Monitoring System
BizLink (Hanover, Germany) has launched careDP, an AI-powered condition monitoring system designed to revolutionize maintenance in robotic production lines. BizLink’s careDP solution provides real-time monitoring of robotic dresspacks, detecting broken corrugated tubes, robot program changes, and other anomalies before they cause unplanned downtime or quality issues. Without requiring integration into internal production networks, the system transmits data securely via LTE to an Azure-based cloud platform. Teams receive immediate alerts through a dashboard, email, and mobile applications, enabling swift action to prevent costly disruptions. This solution gives manufacturers a smarter way to keep lines running and extend equipment lifespan without overhauling existing systems. Its key features include: live dashboard displays the health status of all connected robots’ dresspacks in real time; real-time alerts for broken corrugated tubes or unexpected robot program changes; easy retrofit for existing LSH 3 and LSH Delta system; and a secure, standalone architecture without IT integration barriers.
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Synchronized Lifting System
LINAK® LC3 IC from LINAK (Louisville, KY) is field-tested and ready to use for industrial applications. With the LINAK® LC3 IC lifting column, you get a ready to use lifting solution from one single supplier. This reduces complexity, eliminates time-consuming calculations and testing, and simplifies both dimensioning and commissioning of sub-components. First deployed with cobot palletizers, the LC3 IC has already proven its reliability as industrial equipment in real-world applications. With an integrated controller, the LC3 IC eliminates the need for extra components and third-party suppliers. LINAK offers a wide range of industrial interfaces for effortless communication with your system. With visual LED status indicators, the LC3 IC provides instant feedback, making it easy to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and prevent downtime. The column not only communicates with the PLC but also interacts with its surroundings. With the LED indicator, everyone — including operators — can instantly see if there is an issue, ensuring quick response times. Additionally, the data provided through the interface further empowers users with critical insights, strengthening system management.
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EtherCAT P Box Modules
Beckhoff (Savage, MN) has expanded its portfolio of EtherCAT and EtherCAT P Box products with modules that offer additional hexadecimal addressing via built-in rotary selector switches. This means that these machine mountable IP67 I/Os can be clearly and easily addressed regardless of their installation location. In modular and distributed systems, individual devices must be uniquely addressed within an EtherCAT network with its variable topology. I/O devices with rotary selector switches enable quick and easy assignment of the corresponding addresses. The new EtherCAT Box and EtherCAT P Box modules feature three additional hexadecimal rotary addressing switches. Individual addresses from 0 to 4095 can be set and given a unique, position-independent identification. This is required for some device profiles for certain industries, such as in the semiconductor industry. Three I/O Box modules are initially planned. Each one is available in a version for EtherCAT (EP) and for the EtherCAT P one cable solution (EPP): EP/EPP1816-0703: 16-channel digital input, 24 V DC, 10 μs, IP20 connector; EP/EPP2339-0703: 16-channel digital combi, 24 V DC, 3 ms, 0.5 A, IP20 connector; and EP/EPP3754-0702: 4-channel analog input.
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High-Current SMD Fuse
SCHURTER’s (Santa Rosa, CA) UHP high-current SMD fuse is uniquely suited for protecting the sophisticated battery systems and power electronics at the heart of humanoid robots. From robotic limbs with precise actuation to embedded AI processors requiring stable and safe power, the UHP fuse ensures primary circuit protection in demanding, space-constrained environments. With its SMD design and ultra-compact footprint, the UHP is ideal for high-density power architectures common in robotic platforms where reliability and miniaturization are non-negotiable. It offers rated current up to 100 A, safe tripping in 15s at twice the rated current, high operating temperature range -55 °C to +125 °C; as well as is optimized for automated assembly, aligning with modern robot manufacturing processes. As developers push the boundaries of motion control, edge computing, and mobile energy storage, the SCHURTER UHP fuse provides the protection backbone for high-efficiency battery packs, DC/DC converters, and motor controllers — enabling humanoid robots to operate safely, reliably, and longer in the field.
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