Drives and Controls Technology News http://drives.co.uk/techfeed.asp The Latest Drives & Controls Technology news <![CDATA[Swarming motor-driven `jellyfish` could lead to automation innovations]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2327 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2327

In recent years, Festo has established a tradition for developing attention-grabbing mechanical creatures that swim around a large tank on its stand at the Hannover Fair. In the past, these have included lifelike sharks and rays that move around under remote control in an uncannily fishlike manner.

]]> <![CDATA[Folded-belt actuator challenges ballscrews]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2316 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2316

The Californian integrated motor developer, Animatics, has entered the linear actuator market with a novel belt drive that, it claims, offers high accuracy and low cost without needing a brake or gearhead, even in vertical applications. The company has applied for patents in more than 30 countries for its "harmonic linear drive" (HLD) which it describes as "the most cost-effective alternative to mid-to-long-stroke ballscrew actuators available".

]]> <![CDATA[Solid-state enclosure cooling is `world’s first`]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2320 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2320

At the recent Hannover Fair, Rittal unveiled a solid-state cooling system for small enclosures which, it claims, is the first of its type in the world. The compact thermoelectric coolers are based on the Peltier effect, by which electrical currents are converted directly to produce heating or cooling without needing compressors.

]]> <![CDATA[Neurobiology inspires eye-catching beacons]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2317 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2317

Researchers at the German signal lighting specialist Werma have turned to neurobiology to develop a new form of eye-catching lighting which, they say, is far more effective at attracting attention to hazardous conditions than traditional visual alarms.

]]> <![CDATA[IO-Link hooks up with Profibus ]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2318 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2318

Profibus International has published documents describing how to integrate IO-Link with Profibus and Profinet. Together with the existing physical layer and protocol specifications, the integration specification forms the basis for the wider use of IO-Link in Profibus and Profinet installations. At the recent Hanover Fair, PI demonstrated IO-Link products from various manufacturers working with its networks.

]]> <![CDATA[Robot soccer-players clinch penalty shootout]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2319 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2319

In a nail-biting finale to the recent RoboCup Open tournament in Germany, a Dutch team of soccer-playing robots defeated a German team in a penalty shootout to take the crown as champions of the German Middle Size League. Teams in this league are formed of six three-wheeled players, each weighing around 35kg and moving at speeds of up to 4m/s.

]]> <![CDATA[May News in Brief]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2321 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2321

º  The Colorado-based motor developer UQM Technologies has introduced a 125kW (peak power) permanent-magnet-based propulsion system for high-performance automotive applications. The 280mm-diameter drive has a continuous power rating of 45kW, delivers a peak torque of 300Nm and a continuous torque of 160Nm, and has an efficiency of more than 90% across most of its operating range.

]]> <![CDATA[Tool-free connectors are `50% faster than screws`]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2299 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2299

The Italian connector specialist, Ilme has developed a new type of tool-free connector which, it claims, is 50% quicker to wire than screw connectors and 20% faster than spring connectors. Called Squich, the patented connector can secure wires with cross-sections up to 2.5mm2, with or without ferrules.

]]> <![CDATA[PM-induction hybrid saves space and boosts efficiencies]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2298 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2298

At the recent Drives & Controls Show, Lafert Electric launched a motor that combines brushless permanent magnet (PM) and AC induction motor technologies to produce high-performance machines said to offer savings of up to 80% on running costs and to occupy much less space than standard induction motors. The High Performance motor has a much higher output than a similarly sized induction motor, enabling significant frame size reductions as well as weight savings of around 50%.

]]> <![CDATA[Motor monitor gives an early warning of plant problems]]> http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2297 http://www.drives.co.uk/fullstory.asp?id=2297

At the 2008 Hannover Fair, Pilz unveiled a motor monitor that indicates the motor load through the true power being drawn. The company says that the PMD s10 monitor can provide an early warning of hazardous plant conditions, without needing extra sensors.

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