In the dynamic world of automation, innovation drives efficiency and productivity. Among the most transformative advancements is the integration of smart materials into custom sensors, offering unparalleled accuracy, adaptability, and durability. Smart materials, also known as intelligent or responsive materials, significantly alter their properties in response to external stimuli such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric, or magnetic fields. These materials include piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and magnetostrictive (MR) materials, each providing unique benefits in sensor applications. Smart materials detect minute environmental changes, translating them into precise electrical signals. This heightened sensitivity ensures sensors provide more accurate data, crucial for meticulous control and monitoring. Shape memory alloys, for example, change shape with temperature variations, making them ideal for sensors in fluctuating thermal environments. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, smart materials ensure sensors remain functional over extended periods, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Smart material sensors monitor machinery health in real-time, detecting wear and tear early to allow timely maintenance, minimizing disruptions, and extending equipment lifespan. Smart sensors detect anomalies in real-time during manufacturing, ensuring any deviations from specifications are quickly corrected, enhancing product quality. Smart sensors optimize energy consumption by identifying areas for reduction without compromising performance, essential for sustainable and cost-effective operations. The integration of smart materials into custom sensors represents a paradigm shift in industrial automation. As these materials evolve, expect more sophisticated sensors that push technological boundaries. In this article from MIT Technology Review, some of the possible applications on the horizon for these materials are explored. At Intellimech, we endeavor to be the forefront of this revolution, continually striving to implement the latest advancements in smart materials to create innovative solutions when required. By harnessing the power of these materials, we help our partners achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Stay tuned to our Latest News page for updates on how smart materials are shaping the future of industrial automation. Together, we are building a smarter, more responsive world.
Filtering Out the Noise
Often, the engineering team at Intellimech is tasked with delivering a solution that requires an unconventional, innovative approach to accomplish our partners’ objective. Encompassing and applying our know-how, from custom servo-controlled mechanisms and high-precision motion systems to fast real-time control and cutting-edge machine vision and sensing tools, allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automation. One tool employed by our engineers is the Kalman filter, created by its namesake Rudolf Kálmán and published in 1960. Whether developing a control algorithm for a complex process or designing a force control method in MATLAB, the Kalman filter is indispensable. Kalman filters are a powerful and versatile tool for automation systems. They provide a way to process data in real-time and make decisions quickly, which is essential for many automation processes. Kalman filters are based on a mathematical model that combines statistical methods and state-space equations. This model is designed to be adaptive, meaning it can adjust its parameters in response to changing conditions and inputs. This makes Kalman filters useful for tasks that require accurate estimation and filtering of data. Kalman filters are used for a variety of automation tasks, such as tracking moving objects, detecting anomalies in sensor data, and estimating the state of a system. They are also used for tasks that require accurate data, such as navigation and control. In this article from MIT Technology Review, the background and far-reaching impact of this versatile tool is explored. If you’re facing a challenge that requires in-depth engineering knowledge and versatile capability for your custom solution, connecting with Intellimech today can be the first step on the path to realizing your application.
Automation, Anywhere & Everywhere
As automation technology becomes more sophisticated and advanced, it is increasingly being used to automate off-highway applications. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robots are becoming popular tools for this purpose, as they can provide a cost-effective, efficient and safe way to perform various tasks, such as material handling, inspection and maintenance. AGVs are self-navigating vehicles that can transport materials and products along predefined routes. They are typically equipped with sensors and cameras, which enable them to detect obstacles and follow pre-determined paths. AGVs often employ an onboard controller that allows them to make decisions and adjust their route if needed. Robots are more advanced than AGVs and are capable of performing more complex tasks such as welding, painting and assembly. They are usually equipped with application-specific sensors and machine vision cameras that allow them to identify objects, determine the best path to take, and detect any changes in the environment. Robotic systems are also able to adapt to changes in their environment through machine learning models, making them ideal for off-highway applications. Off-highway automation is becoming increasingly popular in the manufacturing and logistics industries, as companies look to increase efficiency and reduce costs while keeping safety at the forefront of their operations. AGVs and robots can provide this advantage, making them a valuable tool to make use of. In this article from MIT Technology Review, the use of drones and robots along with machine learning methods to perform industrial inspection is discussed. Intellimech’s experience with engineering off-highway automated systems, mobile control, and machine vision can help our partners’ projects go the distance. Connect with us today to discuss the specifics of your application.
Getting Closer to Your Robotic Colleague
Human and robot collaboration in industrial environments is becoming increasingly important as companies look for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety. The integration of advanced technologies is key to achieving these goals, and several key technologies are enabling this collaboration. One of the most important technologies is the use of sensors and machine learning algorithms to enable robots to “see” and understand their environment. This includes the use of cameras, lidar, and other sensors to gather data about the environment, as well as machine learning algorithms that can analyze this data and allow the robot to make decisions based on it. This enables robots to work alongside humans in a more natural and intuitive way, as they can understand and respond to the actions of their human colleagues. Another key technology is the use of advanced robotic manipulators and grippers. These devices allow robots to handle a wide range of objects and materials, and to manipulate them with precision and control. This is particularly important in industrial environments, where robots are often required to work with a wide range of different materials and products. Finally, the use of communication and control systems is also crucial for enabling human and robot collaboration. These systems allow humans and robots to communicate with one another in real-time, which enables them to work together more effectively. Additionally, control systems allow robots to be programmed and controlled remotely, which enables them to be easily integrated into existing industrial environments. Overall, the integration of advanced technologies is enabling human and robot collaboration in industrial environments to become more efficient, cost-effective, and safe. As these technologies continue to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more collaboration between humans and robots in the future. In this article from MIT Technology Review, the complexities and present-day realities of human-robot collaboration are explored with an eye to what future offerings may enable. The engineers at Intellimech are adept at fusing real-world applications experience with comprehensive engineering knowledge in order to provide our partners the optimal solution to meet their requirements. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can work together to help your project succeed.
Lighter, Stronger, Faster (Choose Three)
The aerospace industry relies on advanced materials, such as composites, to manufacture lightweight and durable aircraft components. The production of these components requires precise and consistent processes, making it an ideal candidate for industrial automation. One key area where automation is used in aerospace composite manufacturing is in the layering and curing of composite materials. This process involves laying layers of composite material, such as carbon fiber or glass fiber, onto a mold and then curing it under high pressure and temperature. Robotic systems are often used to handle the composite material and lay it onto the mold with high accuracy and repeatability. Another area where automation is used is in the inspection of composite components. Machine vision systems, which use cameras and software to analyze images, can be used to inspect the surface finish and dimensions of composite parts to ensure they meet stringent quality standards. In addition to improving efficiency and consistency, the use of automation in aerospace composite manufacturing also has safety benefits. Many of the tasks involved in composite manufacturing, such as handling hazardous materials or working in extreme environments, can be performed by machines rather than humans. Overall, the use of automation in aerospace composite manufacturing has helped the industry produce high-quality components far more efficiently and safely. As the demand for advanced materials in the aerospace industry continues to grow, it is likely that the use of automation will increase in this sector. Intellimech’s team has decades of experience with the engineering, deployment, and support of cutting-edge composites processing technologies to achieve our partners’ target objectives. Contact us today to start the conversation about how Intellimech’s engineers can leverage our talents to help with realizing your goals.
Something for Everyone
There’s no shortage of technologies available for designing and implementing the ideal solution for your application’s needs. New or improved technologies are constantly introduced to the marketplace at a pace that can make it difficult to stay on top of what’s available, let alone relevant. PC-based control systems that offer sub-millisecond cycle times, safety devices that allow closer operator interaction with processes, high-performance motion systems that reduce or even eliminate control cabinet footprints, and vision systems that enable increasingly comprehensive measurements to enable real-time decisions on process variables are just a few of the technologies we regularly bring to bear to realize our partners’ objectives. Intellimech’s highly-experienced team of engineers takes full advantage of their continuous involvement with a wide variety of industries and applications to bring the most appropriate, effective solutions to the table. Reach out to us today to start discovering how we can leverage our know-how for your application’s success.
Becoming an Expert at (Robotic) Manipulation
A common challenge when examining manufacturing or laboratory processes is successfully manipulating an object with a variable presentation, i.e. a different orientation, dimension, color, texture, etc., when an element of that process requires uniformity. For instance, consider a pick-and-place system that’s packing ceramic tiles. If the tiles (or any process with a comparatively “large” batch size) are exactly identical, the only variability in presentation may be their orientation on a conveyor. A simple mechanical feature could be used to align the tiles uniformly before presentation to whatever is being used to perform the pick-and-place, whether a SCARA robot, a traditional robot, or a cartesian system. If the tiles (or any process with a “small” or individual batch size) aren’t exactly identical, a machine vision system could determine the color, position offset, and rotation, then communicate that to a motion system which would compensate for the orientation during the pick to place the tile neatly with its same color. Along the same lines, the method used to mechanically accomplish the pick would need to accommodate the product variability; this could be done using anything from vacuum to force-monitored grippers depending on the target. In this article from MIT Technology Review, a research project to develop a more dexterous robot using machine learning is investigated. No matter the challenge with your process, Intellimech’s engineers have the knowledge and experience to help realize your goals and minimize risk. Connect with our team today to explore your particular objectives and how we can help create the application solution you’re seeking.
Way More Than Meets the Eye
The prospect of implementing machine vision to successfully realize the goals of an application can sometimes seem daunting at first glance. Selecting an appropriate combination of camera, optics, and lighting for the specific task may be involved but can be critical in enabling the system to effectively meet its objective. Equally important as hardware selection is intelligently making use of software tools to process the visual information being captured. Whether our customers’ applications call for verifying the output from laser marking systems, providing color and fill level inspection for high-speed production processes, inspection of critical feature dimensions, or providing object counts and alignment information on a conveyor, our engineers have experience with integrating a wide variety of machine vision systems and sensors and using cutting-edge software tools to meet and surpass your performance requirements. In this article from MIT Technology Review, continuing development of vision algorithms and their impact on reducing the complexity of hardware required for self-driving vehicles is explored. If you have an application that may benefit from or definitely requires a skilled implementation of machine vision, Intellimech’s engineers are ready to leverage their knowledge to help you succeed. Contact us today to start working towards a solution that meets your needs.
A Little Communication Goes a Long Way
No one would argue that effective communication is a hallmark of any successful team. That same principle applies to successful automated solutions, as well. Communication in an industrial environment can take on many different forms, whether it’s an automated cell’s integration with a manufacturing execution system (MES) for recording part history and serialization, or different cells being coordinated by a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, or even sensors providing real-time measurements to a machine’s control system in microseconds in order to make precise adjustments to a process. The engineering team at Intellimech applies their comprehensive knowledge of industrial and machine networks, from Ethernet-based fieldbuses to office IT networks, to make the best possible use of available technologies to successfully realize our partners’ objectives. In this article from MIT Technology Review, the performance improvement in a robotic system employing effective real-time communication is explored. Whether you have an existing automated system that you’d like to examine your options for updating or are interested in a new turnkey system that integrates seamlessly into your specific manufacturing environment, connect with Intellimech today to learn how we can help you surpass your goals.
Pushing the Limits of Automation… In a Warehouse
When it comes to the successful deployment of a robotic system for your application, less variation in the process usually translates to a substantially higher probability for success. This especially holds true when machine vision systems are employed. Vision systems often require controlled lighting and lensing with repeatable target presentation to effectively perform the task they’ve been selected for, such as measuring, counting, or inspecting. End effectors, or end-of-arm robotic tooling, may often rely on a repeatable presentation of their subject in order to correctly manipulate it. In this article from MIT Technology Review, a contest sponsored by Amazon is profiled that seeks to push the boundaries of machine vision and robotic manipulators in order to better function in their fulfillment centers. The engineers at Intellimech are highly skilled at engineering and integrating the latest vision systems and customized end-of-arm tooling for your specific application to help you capture success.