ATX West attracts leading Robotics firms.

The Automation Technology Expo West (ATX West) is an industry exhibition that offers a wide range of automation solutions, including assembly, robotics, sensors, vision inspection systems, motors, drives, motion control, and control software. The exhibition (www.devicelink.com) was held January

31-February 2, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center and drew well over a hundred leading industry companies to display their latest products and services. The exhibitor list included Adept Technology, Bosch Rexroth Corp., DENSO Robotics, EPSON Robots, FlexLink Systems, Kuka Robotics, Premier Motion Group, and Zaytran.

Exhibitor news from the show included word that EPSON Robots (www.robots.epson.com) had expanded its Pro Six line of six-axis robots with models having longer reaches, faster speeds, handling of larger payloads, and IP65 rated protection. Suitable for small parts assembly, dispensing, lab automation, machine tending, material handling, medical device manufacturing, packaging, food handling and many other applications requiring speed, precision and smooth motion, the six-axis robots are designed for simple operation and programming with the EPSON RC+ software.

Adept Technology (www.adept.com) showed their Adept iSight, the first member of a new product family integrating PC-based vision with Adept's robotic and motion control products. Adept iSight is designed to work seamlessly with the Adept Cobra i-series SCARA robots, making the development and use of vision location, guidance and inspection applications simpler, faster, and more powerful. It is a package that includes the application toolset, the vision software and vision-to-robot calibration wizards, the camera and lens and the accessories.

Bosch Rexroth Corp. (www.boschrexroth.com) showed off their new high-precision Bail Rail[R] system designed to reduce rolling, pitching, and yawing deviations. The system takes the science of linear motion a substantial step forward by greatly reducing rolling, pitching and yawing deviations in linear guideways due to ball recirculation. The result is extremely smooth motion with virtually no deviation in the X, Y, or Z direction. The new system is ideal for high-end machining, measuring, and scanning devices requiring ultra-precise movement.

DENSO Robotics (www.densororobotics.com) brought their high-speed four-, five-, and six-axis robots to the exhibition. These robots (see figure) provide reaches from 350 to 1,300 mm, for payloads of up to 20 kg. Repeatability is as low as [+ or -] 0.015 mm. The robots are available in standard clean room (Class 10 and Class 100), and dust- and mist proof (IP65) models.

FlexLink (www.flexlink.com) unveiled its new FlexLink DAS 30 dynamic assembly system (DAS) modules for manual and automated assembly systems. The turnkey modules are designed for light assembly, test, inspection, repair, and packaging applications. According to Sven-Erik Eckerstrom of the Swedish company's Automation Technology Division, the DAS 30 modules are designed to provide "30 to 70 percent increased productivity in less floor space than conventional systems." The DAS 30 is a result of a continuing evolution of plug-and-play, hardware and software modules using real-time production data.

KUKA Robotics Corp. (www.kuka.com) announced their new KUKA KR 40 PA[TM] case packing robot. The robot is constructed using a carbon fiber composite. This unique material makes the robot arm lighter, faster and less expensive thereby ultimately increasing the customer's throughput. The new robot delivers the flexibility of a fully programmable robot solution at rates normally associated with CAM driven mechanisms.

Precision Automation Corp. (www.premiermotion.com) showed it new PR95-F series of cost-effective linear positioning stages. The PR95-F stages incorporate composite linear bearings and a stainless-steep lead screw with composite nut within an aircraft allow extruded aluminum base and carriage. The stages achieve accuracy to within 0.0005 in. and are rated for continuous duty with normal loads to 50 lbs. and axial loads to 100 lbs.

Haydon Switch &Instrument (www.his-inc.com) added a new series of anti-backlash nuts to their line of linear motion products. The company's new W series anti-backlash nut assembly features a patent-pending system that preloads two threaded nut halves to eliminate backlash without sacrificing efficiency. This system optimizes load carrying capability and bi-directional axial stiffness while minimizing drag torque and system lost motion. The nuts are manufactured from a proprietary self-lubricating polyacetal that, when combined with our precision rolled stainless steel lead screws, provides low drag torque and smooth operation throughout the life of the assembly.

Zaytran Inc. (www.grippers.com) displayed their newest member of the XRAY family of grippers, the 1250-LBR. The LBR option includes a linear bearing rail that is strategically placed on only one side of an XRAY-1250 gripper. It allows the XRAY-1250-LBR to handle moment loads up to 810 ft/lbs. Since, the linear bearing rail is only attached to one side; the other side of the gripper is free for mounting sensors and a power off brake. Retrofitting the XRAY-1250-LBR into an application is simple since the jaw and gripper mounting patterns are identical to the standard XRAY- 1250.