Swimming robots break world distance record
2nd Quarter 2012
Robotics & Mechatronics
Four robots have set a new distance world record, swimming almost 6000 km across the Pacific Ocean. The robots are composed of two parts and propel themselves forward without any fuel.
Built by US firm Liquid Robotics, the PacX Wave Gliders are expected to cover over 16 000 km by their journey’s end. The first leg of their voyage from San Francisco to Hawaii took four months. The robots are designed to reach previously inaccessible areas of the ocean and gather data about the composition and quality of sea water and the shrinking size of fish stocks. The previous Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered at sea by an unmanned device was 4630 km.
The gliders were launched from San Francisco harbour on 17 November 2011. Each robot is composed of two halves: the upper part, shaped like a stunted surfboard, is attached by a cable to a lower part that sports a series of fins and a keel. To move they do not use fuel but instead convert energy from the ocean’s waves, turning it into forward thrust. Solar panels installed on the upper surface of the gliders power numerous sensors that take readings every 10 minutes to sample salinity, water temperature, weather, fluorescence, and dissolved oxygen.
After a short stopover in Hawaii, the quartet will split. Two drones will continue to Japan, crossing the Mariana Trench en route. The second pair will swim to Australia, passing the equator. Researchers expect both teams to reach their destinations by late 2012 or early 2013.
For more information visit http://liquidr.com/
Further reading:
Embracing robotics for SMEs
Yaskawa Southern Africa
Robotics & Mechatronics
As industries increasingly integrate robotics and automation into their business operations, South Africa’s SMEs are beginning to recognise the benefits of robotics, and want their piece of the pie.
Read more...
Diving robot cleans up canals
Beckhoff Automation
Robotics & Mechatronics
Around 70% of the waste in water sinks to the bottom of the ocean or decomposes into micro and nanoplastics, amounting to tens of millions of tons. So the European Horizon Maelstrom research project put together an international research team and developed the Robotic Seabed Cleaning Platform.
Read more...
Robotic solution for adhesive tape application with flexible control
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Robotics & Mechatronics
In industry, even elaborate processes, such as the application of adhesive tape to parts with varying geometries are automated. Innovative Automation has developed a platform with Beckhoff control technology and a remote feeding module, which increases productivity and enables flexible customisation for different requirements.
Read more...
Automating precision tasks
Robotics & Mechatronics
A new low-cost modular robotics kit from motion plastics manufacturer, igus, makes automation extremely easy and affordable for manufacturing companies in South Africa.
Read more...
The importance of precision and accuracy in manufacturing robotics
Robotics & Mechatronics
When it comes to robotics and automation in the manufacturing industry, precision and accuracy are crucial for seamless operations. Jan ‘t Hart, national sales manager of Yaskawa South Africa, details what goes into ensuring precision as a leading manufacturer of industrial robots.
Read more...
Caster for service robot applications
Robotics & Mechatronics
As part of a drive to get robots into more workplaces, operating side by side with humans, a team of expert development engineers at NSK has come up with a novel way to improve the mobility of cobots.
Read more...
Future-proofing SMEs with cobots
Omron Electronics
Robotics & Mechatronics
Many countries around the world are likely to experience skill shortages over the coming decade, especially technical specialists. At the same time, product lifecycles are becoming shorter. Collaborative robots are easy to set up, and offer a quick and cost-effective solution.
Read more...
Automating screw assembly using AI
Robotics & Mechatronics
Screw assembly is a key process in all production industries. In essence, it creates a secure connection between two or more parts, using one or more screws. What sounds simple is, in practice, extremely complex.
Read more...
Connecting robot accessories to any industrial or factory network
Robotics & Mechatronics
Robots need accessories to work efficiently. But what’s the easiest way to connect the accessories to factory networks? The easiest way is to use HMS Networks’ ready-made Anybus products, as RSP discovered.
Read more...
An innovative cobot
DNH Technologies
Robotics & Mechatronics
The Franka Emika Production 3 is a highly innovative collaborative robot that is playing a key role in shaping the future of smart factories.
Read more...
printer friendly version