L O G I S T I C S WARRANTY 34 MARCH 2016 ROBOT WORLD Brace yourself for an invasion of collaborative robots that are low-cost, easy-to-deploy and simple to programme…at least that’s what one of the world’s largest ‘cobot’ designers and manufacturers is suggesting New Zealand food and beverage manufacturers to get ready for. Universal Robots, based in Denmark, says in the coming years it expects the market for collaborative robots to grow by at least 50 per cent annually, and New Zealand will be one country targeted for growth. The company, which has just announced 91 percent growth in revenue for 2015, says the market is assisted by the short payback period of often less than 12 months (averaging 195 potential. It was purchased by American 2e O5D 13 25.10.13 14:46 Seite 2 automation equipment company Teradyne last year for more than $USD285 million. Outgoing chief executive Enrico Krog Iversen says the company has invested PMDLine series – a new generation of photoelectric sensors signifi cant money into engineering, sales and customer support to expand the lead it has over the global market. Universal’s staff almost doubled last year at its development division in Odense, and the increased capacity will see a push into New Zealand and Australia. “Since 2012, our annual sales have increased on average approximately 75 per cent,” Iversen says. “All production of robotic arms takes place in Odense, and the robots are sold through 200 distributors, with 45 per cent of sales in Europe, 30 per cent in IT’S A Den- days), and has enormous growth po- New ‘class 1’ diffuse PMD laser sensors are now available ex stock New Zealand from ifm electronic. This innovative technology comes in a series of housing designs to suit all common factory automation applications, with ranges to 10 metres and multiple output options. These performance sensors provide the solution when detecting small targets on long range targets…without having to deal with all the complexities of surface colour, texture, dullness and shine encountered with the set-up of conventional infra-red optical sensors. Most importantly, they provide users with pin-point switching accuracy! The digital reading and onboard push buttons make set-up a piece of cake, while IO-Link interface capability means engineers have the option of set-up on site conventionally, or by calibrating the sensors using a lap-top. This allows programmed settings to be stored for future reference, while also facilitating quick programming of multiple units when required by machine builders. The Long Ranger Working in the F&B industry? We do too, that‘s why we‘ve got all the right approvals! German quality Sensors & Cables, ex. stock NZ. We look forward to working with you! www.ifm.com/nz Phone: 0800 803 444 years on ifm products ifm_Strip Advert_March 2016.indd 1 3/03/16 1:18 PM FT035 O5D with display – first standard photocell with time of flight measurement (PMD) Time of flight measurement for standard sensors The O5D with time of flight measurement (PMD = photonic mixer device) combines the following advantages: long ranges, reliable background suppression, visible red light and high excess gain. In the same price range as standard sensors, it is a clever alternative. Easy handling The switch point is set easily to the nearest centimetre via “+/-” buttons and display or alternatively via IOLink, which also allows read-out of the actual value. Any surface and any mounting position Shiny, matt, dark or light objects of any colour: the O5D features reliable background suppression. The unit allows any angle of incidence and thus flexible mounting positions. This simplifies installation and saves costs. Reliable background suppression and colour-independent detection Precise time of flight measurement in housing sizes of standard photoelectric sensors Shiny surfaces are detected reliably (e.g. stainless steel) Any sensor position, even an oblique angle to the object Switch point setting to the nearest centimetre via “+/-” buttons and display Position sensors
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