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MOTORS, DRIVES & CONTROLS


“The EZO thin-type precision bearings we provide have such accuracy as a result of EZO’s advanced manufacturing techniques and quality control,” explains Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings.   the production line is not the same shape and size every time, then the accuracy of the robot joint positions and overall behaviour would be compromised.” With the support of SMB Bearings and using a small sample of the EZO thin-type precision bearings, the research and development team at the Shadow Robot Company trialled   predictable and accurate some friction  process of testing and trial and error demonstrated the correct friction   performance.


SMB bearings then supplied the full


amount of bearings required to this  “These bearings were very easy to install in our Smart Grasping System,” states Luke Moss, robot engineer at the Shadow Robot Company. “This is a direct result of the quality, tolerance and consistency of these bearings, something


The Shadow Robot Company is known for its dextrous hand technology


that is essential for repeated assembly and high precision across multiple  core to the lifespan of any robot, we expect these bearings to outlive most other parts of the Smart Grasping System.” Created to stand-out from standard


graspers on the market, the Smart Grasping System is still in development, but ultimately will have built-in “smart” intelligence, allowing it to pick up many types of objects, reducing the need for numerous hands in a factory.  joint will ensure the hand can make the most accurate and reliable grasp of whatever object it picks up. “Industry 4.0 is on everyone’s lips


at the minute, but we can’t forget the basics,” says Chris Johnson. “Bearings may not be considered smart, but if they enable the reliability and robustness of smart systems such as this Smart Grasping System, then I guess that is as close to being smart as a bearing can get.”


Bearings aid the grasping abilities


“I’m calling it transformative, because I know it will transform the manufacturing industry,” adds Rich Walker. “When companies have deployed robots in the past, they’ve used grippers that were designed to perform one function, so you get a robot that performs one function. The


modern manufacturing industry needs  Grasping System will address this need.” The new system will reduce the need


for manufacturers to keep investing  Changing machinery incurs huge costs, and takes up a lot of time. Equally, having many robots performing one single task is wasteful in terms of both  SMB Bearings and the Shadow Robot Company are working to solve this real- world manufacturing problem, freeing  production line.


TAKING ON NEW CHALLENGES  Challenge mentioned above? The Shadow Robot Company set its own picking challenge, using objects from  put the Smart Grasping System to the test. The system recognised and grasped these objects with ease, demonstrating the success of smart engineering and high precision bearings, to give the manufacturing industry what it desperately needs. 


For more information visit www.smbbearings.com


www.engineerlive.com 47


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