This Week in Power & Motion: Techman Robot Launches Cobot with Integrated AI and Smart Vision

There is much going on in the world of fluid power and motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the industries in which they work.

Timken Sells Aerospace Drive Business, Makes New Acquisition

Early in November, The Timken Co. announced it closed the sale of its Aerospace Drive Systems (ADS) business. ADS supplies drive system components and sub-assemblies for military and civilian rotorcraft.

The business was sold to PCX Aerostructures LLC.

In addition, the company has recently announced the completion of yet another acquisition. In September, the company announced it would expand its bearing offering with the acquisition of CGB Bearings. Timken has now completed the acquisition.

CGB Bearings will bring complementary products to Timken's portfolio as well as tribology expertise in plain bearing coatings.

Williams Advanced Engineering Partners with Liebherr on Zero-Emissions Vehicles

During bauma 2022, engineering firm Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) and equipment manufacturer Liebherr highlighted their joint work on developing zero-emissions heavy machinery. The company's announced in June 2022 they would begin working together to decarbonize the mining industry by developing battery-electric and fuel cell systems for mining trucks.

Liebherr has been developing various low- to zero-emissions solutions for its mining equipment as part of its Zero Emission Mining Program, which the partnership with WAE will further aid. The OEM is aiming to provide mining solutions for dozing, loading and hauling powered by fossil-free solutions by 2030.

While at bauma, WAE showed several of its off-highway specific technologies including its battery module which is scalable and modular, a battery management unit, DC-DC Converter and more.

Representatives of WAE and Liebherr at bauma 2022.

CSA Group Opens New Distributed Energy Resource Lab

Testing and certification company CSA Group has opened a new Distributed Energy Resource Lab in Independence, OH. With this lab the company will be able to meet increased demand for testing and certification of energy storage devices, charging equipment, power conversion systems and other technologies related to electric vehicles.

Several services will be available at the new 40,000 sq. ft. lab including electrical and functional safety evaluation, megawatt fire testing, environmental simulation, energy efficiency verification and more. The lab is accredited to certify products to various standards, aiding manufacturers in North America and global markets.

"With more industries seeking to decarbonize, the demand for energy storage and microgrid products continues to increase, and so does the need for testing, evaluation and certification services to help manufacturers demonstrate the safety, efficiency and performance of these products," said David Weinstein, President and CEO, CSA Group, in the company's press release announcing the inauguration of the new facility.

Festo Expands Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program

Festo Didactic Learning Systems North America has announced new plans for its Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program (MAP). The program helps manufacturers train and retrain skilled workers to utilize smart manufacturing solutions by providing hands-on, experiential learning.

MAP will now accept apprenticeships on a rolling admission basis instead of on a semester schedule; and the program will run over 57 weeks. Festo said in its press release announcing the plans for MAP that by changing its training schedule more apprentices will be able to enroll faster, train faster and get to work faster, aiding manufacturers as they transition to use of more automation and other technologies.

"Manufacturing workers must be tech savvy with well-rounded skills in today’s industrial job market," said Tony Oran, Vice President of Festo Didactic North America, in the company's press release. "It used to be that coding and software design knowledge were skill sets mainly associated with office jobs but now they’re an integral part of modern factory life. With some of the most exciting innovations in advanced manufacturing taking place here in Ohio, our job, along with our partners in industry, education and government is to remove obstacles and introduce students to these promising career pathways."

Festo conducts MAP at its Regional Service Center; the company is also planning to establish a full-scale Industry 4.0 Experience Center at its Learning Center where technical education and manufacturing will all take place under one roof.

Festo Didactic has received State of Ohio proclamations for its continuing efforts to advance technology careers within Ohio. (l to r) Kim Harper-Gage, COO North America, Festo; Derek Chancellor, Southwest Ohio Regional Liaison for Lt. Governor Jon Husted; Holly Endicott, Program Administrator ApprenticeOhio; and Tony Oran, VP Sales, Festo Didactic North America. — Festo Didactic has received State of Ohio proclamations for its continuing efforts to advance technology careers within Ohio.
(l to r) Kim Harper-Gage, COO North America, Festo; Derek Chancellor, Southwest Ohio Regional Liaison for Lt. Governor Jon Husted; Holly Endicott, Program Administrator ApprenticeOhio; and Tony Oran, VP Sales, Festo Didactic North America.

Beswick Pinch Valves Available for More Tube Sizes

Beswick Engineering Co. Inc. announces its miniature pinch valves are now available for 1/8 in. O.D. and 1/4 in. O.D. tubing. Designed to help control fluid, the pinch valves clamp down on the outside diameter of tubing to limit or stop flow.

A port for pneumatic actuation is included as is a manual knurled know to enable more flexibility. Typical use cases are with silicone tubing used in medical applications.

Techman Robot Introduces All-in-One AI Cobot

Robotics developer Techman Robot has introduced its TM AI Cobot series, a collaborative robot featuring a native AI (artificial intelligence) inferencing engine and smart vision system. By providing a total package solution, customers can more quickly accelerate their automation and overall Industry 4.0 transition.

According to the company, integration of visual processing into the robot arm enables the AI Cobot to maneuver quickly with precision for tasks including:

pick and place,
AMR (autonomous mobile robot),
palletizing,
welding,
product manufacturing,
food service preparation and more.

The robot's software suite helps companies train employees on the use of the cobot as well as tailor it to meet specific application requirements. In addition, the cobot has demonstrated its ability to work with 25 kg payloads, expanding its possible use cases.