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Day: 21 October 2021

Aicobotix demos QiCHECK-2 at WOF Expo

Posted on by David Priestman

Slovakian start-up Aicobotix launched an upgraded version of its QiCHECK Solutions recognition system at the recent WOF Expo in Bratislava. QiCHECK-2 uses a camera for object recognition and the entire system learns on the spot based on the recognition of good samples.

In this way, the conformity of the product, assembly, type and quality can be checked by accurate comparison with good samples. If an incorrect sample is detected, the operator is informed immediately.

The camera sees the scene, recognises it then evaluates the category in which it is to be placed. The whole learning process is quick and can be handled by a normal operator, which is a good feature when production changes.

All recognition results are also available online via a standard web browser. Deployment does not require significant intervention in the existing line and the production data is processed in an easy-to-understand format. In addition, the entire solution can also be rented and its features tested.

At the WOF EXPO 2021, Aicobotix demonstrated stock recognition using QiCHECK-2 in this way. It recognised the categories ‘empty place’, ‘pallet in the right place’ and ‘pallet with sweets’. The categories were recognised by a camera placed above the test area and the system quickly interpreted the visual image of the virtual warehouse.

Here again, the company demonstrated how quickly QiCHECK-2 could learn what was good housekeeping when changing the desired behaviour.

The camera as a smart sensor represents a visual system with an extremely fast implementation. In doing so, the camera sensor identifies changes in the scene with the support of machine learning. The entire system is suitable for plants with conveyors and can inspect multiple parts at once. It only needs a moment to evaluate and no special knowledge is required to learn it on-site at the production site.

WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more.

 

Aicobotix demos QiCHECK-2 at WOF Expo

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Slovakian start-up Aicobotix launched an upgraded version of its QiCHECK Solutions recognition system at the recent WOF Expo in Bratislava. QiCHECK-2 uses a camera for object recognition and the entire system learns on the spot based on the recognition of good samples.

In this way, the conformity of the product, assembly, type and quality can be checked by accurate comparison with good samples. If an incorrect sample is detected, the operator is informed immediately.

The camera sees the scene, recognises it then evaluates the category in which it is to be placed. The whole learning process is quick and can be handled by a normal operator, which is a good feature when production changes.

All recognition results are also available online via a standard web browser. Deployment does not require significant intervention in the existing line and the production data is processed in an easy-to-understand format. In addition, the entire solution can also be rented and its features tested.

At the WOF EXPO 2021, Aicobotix demonstrated stock recognition using QiCHECK-2 in this way. It recognised the categories ‘empty place’, ‘pallet in the right place’ and ‘pallet with sweets’. The categories were recognised by a camera placed above the test area and the system quickly interpreted the visual image of the virtual warehouse.

Here again, the company demonstrated how quickly QiCHECK-2 could learn what was good housekeeping when changing the desired behaviour.

The camera as a smart sensor represents a visual system with an extremely fast implementation. In doing so, the camera sensor identifies changes in the scene with the support of machine learning. The entire system is suitable for plants with conveyors and can inspect multiple parts at once. It only needs a moment to evaluate and no special knowledge is required to learn it on-site at the production site.

WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more.

 

Nord presents innovative drive technology at FMB 2021

Posted on by David Priestman

From 10th to 12th November 2021, the FMB trade fair once again brings together machine manufacturers and their suppliers. Nord Drivesystems will be on site as an exhibitor (booth 20-D2.2) in Bad Salzuflen (North Rhine-Westphalia) presenting the innovative DuoDrive geared motor, the energy-efficient IE5+ synchronous motor, the new decentralised NORDAC ON frequency inverter as well as the NORDAC PRO SK 500P control cabinet inverter.

The new DuoDrive: Gear unit and motor combined

The patent-pending DuoDrive is a groundbreaking innovation: The innovative geared motor integrates the high-efficiency IE5+ synchronous motor into a single-stage helical gear unit housing and sets new standards with regard to performance, installation space and version reduction.

Thanks to its optimised system efficiency, high power density, compact housing dimension and very low noise emissions, it is a real game-changer. Elimination of many wearing parts results in lower maintenance. In combination with the simple commissioning of the complete solution via plug-and-play, this results in a significant decrease of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to existing drive systems.

The IE5+ motor generation sets standards

Considerably lower losses than the IE4 series: The energy-efficient IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motors achieve their high efficiency that, at times, is significantly above efficiency class IE5 via a wide torque range – and is optimally suitable for operation in the partial load range. The new IE5+ motors are equally interesting for both intralogistics and hygiene-sensitive areas in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The new motor is available in ventilated or smooth versions up to a power of 4.0 kW. The IE5+ synchronous motors can be combined with all gear units and drive electronics from Nord Drivesystems in a modular system. If required, they are provided with a very smooth surface or the nsd tupH surface treatment.

Smart frequency inverter for IIoT applications

Another new product is the decentralised NORDACON frequency inverter. It is characterised by an integrated Ethernet interface, full pluggability as well as a very compact design while providing an economic plug-and-play solution for IIoT environments.

The frequency inverter can be mounted directly on the drive housing and covers lower power ranges of up to 1.0kW. NORDAC ON was designed for use with asynchronous motors, whereas NORDAC ON+ is intended to be combined with synchronous motors, and supplements the NORD high-efficiency portfolio around the new IE5+ motor generation.

Optimum performance in the control cabinet

NORDAC PRO SK 500P frequency inverters are equipped with an integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, a multi-encoder interface for multiple axis operation and a USB interface for voltage-free parameterisation. The variety of interfaces and functions is characteristic: Various inverter versions can be optimally allocated to various application requirements.

Plug-in control, safety and option modules ensure maximum flexibility and the compact book-size design format enables space-saving installation in control cabinets. Perfect for every application.

 

Nord presents innovative drive technology at FMB 2021

Posted on by Keith McKinley

From 10th to 12th November 2021, the FMB trade fair once again brings together machine manufacturers and their suppliers. Nord Drivesystems will be on site as an exhibitor (booth 20-D2.2) in Bad Salzuflen (North Rhine-Westphalia) presenting the innovative DuoDrive geared motor, the energy-efficient IE5+ synchronous motor, the new decentralised NORDAC ON frequency inverter as well as the NORDAC PRO SK 500P control cabinet inverter.

The new DuoDrive: Gear unit and motor combined

The patent-pending DuoDrive is a groundbreaking innovation: The innovative geared motor integrates the high-efficiency IE5+ synchronous motor into a single-stage helical gear unit housing and sets new standards with regard to performance, installation space and version reduction.

Thanks to its optimised system efficiency, high power density, compact housing dimension and very low noise emissions, it is a real game-changer. Elimination of many wearing parts results in lower maintenance. In combination with the simple commissioning of the complete solution via plug-and-play, this results in a significant decrease of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to existing drive systems.

The IE5+ motor generation sets standards

Considerably lower losses than the IE4 series: The energy-efficient IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motors achieve their high efficiency that, at times, is significantly above efficiency class IE5 via a wide torque range – and is optimally suitable for operation in the partial load range. The new IE5+ motors are equally interesting for both intralogistics and hygiene-sensitive areas in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The new motor is available in ventilated or smooth versions up to a power of 4.0 kW. The IE5+ synchronous motors can be combined with all gear units and drive electronics from Nord Drivesystems in a modular system. If required, they are provided with a very smooth surface or the nsd tupH surface treatment.

Smart frequency inverter for IIoT applications

Another new product is the decentralised NORDACON frequency inverter. It is characterised by an integrated Ethernet interface, full pluggability as well as a very compact design while providing an economic plug-and-play solution for IIoT environments.

The frequency inverter can be mounted directly on the drive housing and covers lower power ranges of up to 1.0kW. NORDAC ON was designed for use with asynchronous motors, whereas NORDAC ON+ is intended to be combined with synchronous motors, and supplements the NORD high-efficiency portfolio around the new IE5+ motor generation.

Optimum performance in the control cabinet

NORDAC PRO SK 500P frequency inverters are equipped with an integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, a multi-encoder interface for multiple axis operation and a USB interface for voltage-free parameterisation. The variety of interfaces and functions is characteristic: Various inverter versions can be optimally allocated to various application requirements.

Plug-in control, safety and option modules ensure maximum flexibility and the compact book-size design format enables space-saving installation in control cabinets. Perfect for every application.

 

High-speed mirror delivers exceptional single-camera scanning

Posted on by David Priestman

Cognex Corporation, a leader in industrial machine vision, has released the High Speed Steerable Mirror, a patented technology designed for use with the DataMan 470 barcode reader that supports large field-of-view applications with a single compact system.

The new steerable mirror attachment expands DataMan’s field-of-view both vertically and horizontally, giving 3MP and 5MP barcode readers an effective resolution greater than a 50MP sensor. Coupled with the latest in liquid lens technology, this system can both change field-of-view and depth of focus dynamically. A single DataMan system can now be used for pallet scanning, aggregation, and other large area applications that previously required high-resolution PC-vision or multiple fixed-mount sensors.

The steerable mirror arrives preassembled to the front of a DataMan 470. The unit is configured using a built-in web-based setup wizard, allowing operators to deploy an application in five minutes or less. The user simply enters their application specifications, and the wizard automatically calculates the optimal scanning pattern, ensuring the highest read rates in the shortest cycle times.

“The High Speed Steerable Mirror changes the game for large area applications that typically require a multi-reader solution,” said Matt Moschner, Cognex’s Sr. Director of ID Products. “Now, e-commerce and logistics companies can get up and running more quickly, and achieve the same high accuracy scanning results with lower maintenance costs.”

 

Transporeon partners with ZeKju for app-free communication

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading European digital freight platform Transporeon has completed its strategic investment into ZeKju. By joining forces, Transporeon and ZeKju will offer digital, yet app-free and GDPR-compliant communication to facilitate exchange between shippers, carriers and logistics service providers.

ZeKju leverages popular messenger apps such as Telegram, Viber and WhatsApp, thereby eliminating the need for drivers to install 10+ apps on their phone. With ZeKju, forwarders and carriers can close digital white spots and significantly reduce process costs. Key application areas of ZeKju include the digital transmission of transport information to drivers, communication of operational changes between involved parties and real-time proof-of-delivery (POD) collection.

In addition, logistics players profit from the GPS tracking capabilities provided by the tool. Especially carriers without proper telematics systems can now automatically communicate their position via the ZeKju application. For Transporeon, together with its real-time visibility solution Transporeon Sixfold, the integration of ZeKju completes the capabilities of the companies’ real-time network. With ZeKju, in-transit visibility becomes available for all transport.

Furthermore, ZeKju’s capabilities in combination with access to truck data make it possible to calculate key environmental indicators such as fuel consumption of a transport. This ability is key for companies that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of their transports but yet lack the data regarding the climate.

Transporeon CEO Stephan Sieber commented: “With ZeKju, we are offering our customers a further key solution in achieving a real-time enabled network. It is a huge step forward towards closing the telematic gap for forwarders and carriers as ZeKju also allows customers that are not connected to the telematics network to benefit from in-transport visibility. Fully compliant with GDPR and with the capability to deliver telematic data to calculate key environmental indicators, ZeKju can also make an important contribution for our customers to reach their sustainability goals.”

ZeKju CEO Hendrik Rosenboom added: “Transporeon is the ideal partner to make the benefits of our tool available to a broader number of logistics professionals. We are thrilled to work with such a strong partner and become an integral part of the functionalities offered by the Transporeon Network.”

Transporeon partners with ZeKju for app-free communication

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading European digital freight platform Transporeon has completed its strategic investment into ZeKju. By joining forces, Transporeon and ZeKju will offer digital, yet app-free and GDPR-compliant communication to facilitate exchange between shippers, carriers and logistics service providers.

ZeKju leverages popular messenger apps such as Telegram, Viber and WhatsApp, thereby eliminating the need for drivers to install 10+ apps on their phone. With ZeKju, forwarders and carriers can close digital white spots and significantly reduce process costs. Key application areas of ZeKju include the digital transmission of transport information to drivers, communication of operational changes between involved parties and real-time proof-of-delivery (POD) collection.

In addition, logistics players profit from the GPS tracking capabilities provided by the tool. Especially carriers without proper telematics systems can now automatically communicate their position via the ZeKju application. For Transporeon, together with its real-time visibility solution Transporeon Sixfold, the integration of ZeKju completes the capabilities of the companies’ real-time network. With ZeKju, in-transit visibility becomes available for all transport.

Furthermore, ZeKju’s capabilities in combination with access to truck data make it possible to calculate key environmental indicators such as fuel consumption of a transport. This ability is key for companies that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of their transports but yet lack the data regarding the climate.

Transporeon CEO Stephan Sieber commented: “With ZeKju, we are offering our customers a further key solution in achieving a real-time enabled network. It is a huge step forward towards closing the telematic gap for forwarders and carriers as ZeKju also allows customers that are not connected to the telematics network to benefit from in-transport visibility. Fully compliant with GDPR and with the capability to deliver telematic data to calculate key environmental indicators, ZeKju can also make an important contribution for our customers to reach their sustainability goals.”

ZeKju CEO Hendrik Rosenboom added: “Transporeon is the ideal partner to make the benefits of our tool available to a broader number of logistics professionals. We are thrilled to work with such a strong partner and become an integral part of the functionalities offered by the Transporeon Network.”

Logistics firm recognised for compliance

Posted on by David Priestman

Cargo Express, a transportation, logistics and warehousing company providing solutions across the UK and Europe, has become one of the few firms in its class to achieve the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Earned Recognition Accreditation, for demonstrating a strong compliance and standards track record. It passed with flying colours – gaining a clean sheet with no minor or major notes.

The Midlands-based firm has formalised its already stringent processes and commitment to compliance with this accreditation.

Cargo Express Director Joseph O’Reilly explains: “We’re very proud at this achievement which highlights our comprehensive procedures and dedication to being a safe and complaint operator. The DVSA accreditation process is intense and rigorous, but as we were already operating with high compliance procedures in place, it was easier for us to demonstrate than it may be for a lot of operators.

“The requirements were far-reaching: the DVSA check elements such as tyre suitability and source or stockist – which must be able to prove a sub-ten-year life – and have checked pressure levels, even if removed temporarily during maintenance work. That is just one small example of one of the many thorough vehicle safety requirements.

“Regular and proactive driver training to reduce accident risk, spot checks to ensure drivers have no toxins in their body, proof of regular eye tests and monthly licence checks are all procedures that were standard to us, so we were expecting to score highly, but to achieve a clean sheet across all the criteria is fantastic and testament to our company ethos.”

The firm uses a DVSA accredited digital management system to report data, which enables the DVSA to monitor various KPIs. As a result of its efforts, its accreditation covers a two-year period, although the firm can still be subject to an audit at any time. Cargo Express will continue to report its data, from vehicle maintenance through to driver working hours and safety status, to continue to meet the KPIs that have been instrumental in its accreditation success.

O’Reilly concludes: “Keeping records and taking a proactive approach is the key to maintaining standards. We’ve always been committed to operating safe vehicles and the best trained drivers. Even in the current climate of driver shortages, we refuse to drop our standards just to get drivers in our trucks. It’s a policy we feel passionate about for both the success of our company, and the safety of our drivers and other road users.”

 

Logistics firm recognised for compliance

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Cargo Express, a transportation, logistics and warehousing company providing solutions across the UK and Europe, has become one of the few firms in its class to achieve the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Earned Recognition Accreditation, for demonstrating a strong compliance and standards track record. It passed with flying colours – gaining a clean sheet with no minor or major notes.

The Midlands-based firm has formalised its already stringent processes and commitment to compliance with this accreditation.

Cargo Express Director Joseph O’Reilly explains: “We’re very proud at this achievement which highlights our comprehensive procedures and dedication to being a safe and complaint operator. The DVSA accreditation process is intense and rigorous, but as we were already operating with high compliance procedures in place, it was easier for us to demonstrate than it may be for a lot of operators.

“The requirements were far-reaching: the DVSA check elements such as tyre suitability and source or stockist – which must be able to prove a sub-ten-year life – and have checked pressure levels, even if removed temporarily during maintenance work. That is just one small example of one of the many thorough vehicle safety requirements.

“Regular and proactive driver training to reduce accident risk, spot checks to ensure drivers have no toxins in their body, proof of regular eye tests and monthly licence checks are all procedures that were standard to us, so we were expecting to score highly, but to achieve a clean sheet across all the criteria is fantastic and testament to our company ethos.”

The firm uses a DVSA accredited digital management system to report data, which enables the DVSA to monitor various KPIs. As a result of its efforts, its accreditation covers a two-year period, although the firm can still be subject to an audit at any time. Cargo Express will continue to report its data, from vehicle maintenance through to driver working hours and safety status, to continue to meet the KPIs that have been instrumental in its accreditation success.

O’Reilly concludes: “Keeping records and taking a proactive approach is the key to maintaining standards. We’ve always been committed to operating safe vehicles and the best trained drivers. Even in the current climate of driver shortages, we refuse to drop our standards just to get drivers in our trucks. It’s a policy we feel passionate about for both the success of our company, and the safety of our drivers and other road users.”

 

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