fleXstructures has won the coveted Hannover Messe Robotics Award 2017 in recognition of its innovative IPS Robot Optimisation smart technology.
The Robotics Award jury was faced with the challenge of choosing the top innovation from an array of advanced solutions for applications in robot-assisted industrial automation or mobile robots and autonomous systems.
According to the panel of judges, fleXstructures’ IPS Robot Optimisation winning offering illustrates the significant potential of advanced simulation technology for industrial applications.
Primarily aimed at helping automotive manufacturers gain a competitive edge, the software allows engineers to programme and commission their robot cells faster and more flexibly. By simulating millions of potential robot path combinations, the smart technology coordinates movements and sequences across multiple robots so as to maximize effieicny and avoid collisions.
The simulations also optimise movement paths to ensure maximum service life for flexible hoses and lines attached to the robots.
Second place was awarded to Mayser for its ultrasonic machine safety sensor system designed to safeguard personnel in collaborative human/robot industrial environments. The sensors can reportedly generate an elliptical ultrasonic field which accurately gauge distances of up to 200cm and issue warnings by detecting persons or objects at up to 250cm.
Mayser expect the tool to be used for collaborative robot – ‘cobot’ – tool and workpiece safety, and for protecting people from sharp or rotating objects.
Third place went to eta|opt for its vacuum generator for industrial robotic handling applications. The device doesn’t require any compressed air system, and instead uses a bellows vacuum pump.
A piston driven by an electromechanical linear actuator compresses and releases a bellows which is connected to a hose. The other end of the hose can be connected to any standard vacuum gripper attachment. When the bellows is released, it generates a vacuum inside the hose and all the way down to the gripper.
