PRODUCTS & PRACTICES
AGV sensor system learns obstacle location without tape
With the release of the SICK LiDAR-LOC solution for mobile platforms, users can
implement contour-based localisation on any automated guided vehicle fitted
with SICK 2D LiDAR sensors or safety scanners. The system enables automated
vehicles’ based on pre-mapped warehouse contours rather than physical markers.
Water cooling promoted in AC motors
ABB has introduced new
AXW 315 and 400 IEC watercooled
large AC motors that
are said to offer more Watts
per kilogramme than totally
enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC)
motors.
The motor’s smaller
footprint allows for compact
installations where space
is limited, according to
the company, and they are
suitable for a broad range of
industries, including mining,
cement, water, power and
pulp and paper.
The new configuration
features an optimised
water jacket construction
combined with an internal air
cooling loop for better heat
distribution and dissipation.
This is said to prevent
thermal hot spots and
keeps internal temperatures
balanced to prolong bearing
and insulation life.
“Water cooling is a
highly-efficient method
of transferring heat away
from the motor without the
need for an external fan,”
says Charles Blankenship,
large AC motor product
manager at ABB. “The AXW
an ideal choice for dirty
and dusty environments as
environmental contaminants
do not affect cooling
capability. The absence of a
fan also reduces noise levels
and does not blow dust into
the air where people are
working.”
Ruggedised pocket
computer improved
Device maker Handheld Group
has announced upgrades to its
Nautiz X2 enterprise rugged
handheld which is said to be
‘a slim and compact mobile
computer that can handle all
the tasks of a day’s work, with
built-in ruggedness against
moisture, dust, extreme high or
low temperatures and potential
drops.’ Among the features of
the Nautiz X2 are an eight-core
processor with 4 GB RAM and 64
GB storage and scanners with 1D
or 2D capability.
A new processor and more
memory, plus an upgraded
operating system, are said to
transform the all-in-one X2 into a
faster and more powerful device
than ever before.
Accessories supporting
mobile work include a vehicle
dock and a pistol grip to improve
efficiency.
RS Components extends
Rockwell distribution to Russia
and the African continent
A partnership with Rockwell
Automation expands its
distribution territories beyond
the European Economic Area.
JCB unveils hydrogen
powered excavator
JCB has developed what it says
is the construction industry’s
first ever hydrogen powered
excavator. The 20-tonne 220X
excavator, powered by a
hydrogen fuel cell, has been
undergoing testing at JCB’s
quarry proving grounds for more
than 12 months. Power for the
prototype excavator is generated
by reacting hydrogen with
oxygen in a fuel cell to create the
energy needed to run electric
motors, with the only emission
from the exhaust being water.
MTC Training launches
development programme The Manufacturing Training
Centre (MTC) Training
is launching a range of
development programmes
designed to accelerate practical
experience in a commercial
manufacturing environment.
The new ‘Graduate Boot
Camps’ will look to equip
manufacturing graduates,
technicians, engineers and
managers with the practical
tools, skills and understanding
The courses have been
to make a positive contribution
developed in partnership with
to their business as soon as
industry. Delivered through a
they return. The programme
combination of face-to-face
is aimed at employees who
training, virtual classrooms,
have recently joined the sector,
self-study, and online learning,
as well as anyone who would
the programmes typically last
benefit from an intensive
one, two or eight weeks.
hands-on experience or a
The programme will be
refresher of the manufacturing
delivered from MTC Training’s
and assembly process and
two centres; the Advanced
associated challenges.
Manufacturing Training
Centre (AMTC) in Coventry,
and Oxfordshire Advanced
Skills (OAS), where MTC
partners with UKAEA and
STFC to deliver advanced
manufacturing apprenticeships
on the UKAEA campus at
Culham. The next boot camps
are scheduled to take place 26
October 2020 and 15 February
2021 at OAS, and 22 February
2021 at the AMTC.
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