COMPANY NEWS
were expecting electric drives to take over completely from Fluid power. In practice, this has not happened. One of the reasons for this is that the performance of hydraulics and pneumatics has improved markedly over the past ten years. There are also cost and weight benefits to be realised, particularly with pneumatics, thus fluid power still has a very important role to play in almost every sector. An engineer designing an automation system will focus upon the type of functionality required and choose the most appropriate drive mechanism to achieve what is required, whether it be hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical. Most automated systems can best be operated with a combination of all three technologies. Once again, the ultimate choice comes down to factors such as cost and the weight of the mechanisms. It also comes down to the performance of the mechanisms for a given type of control that might be required. At one time, Pneumatic technology was rarely used for ‘on/off-type’ applications because pneumatic actuators didn’t generally offer the same servo control as electric drives. However, that has now changed and companies can now achieve the required performance from modern pneumatics. For every application it is a case of weighing up the ‘pros and cons’ of each technology.
INTELLIGENCE AMPLIFICATION
The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) is often referenced within the context of robotics. However, many researchers use the related and complementary term of intelligence amplification (IA). For example, there is a form of remote hand-like device called a tele-factor, tele-manipulator or ‘waldo’, which, through the use of hydraulics and electronics, allows a mechanism to be operated by a human. Uses for this type of device might, for example, include moving dangerous materials or liquids. The film industry in productions such as ‘Alien’ and ‘Avatar’ made use of this technology. In the former the heroine fits into what could be described as a full body-suit version of a waldo – a large metal frame which is able to amplify her strength. Researchers believe that there are great opportunities for this type of technology to be adapted and applied within industry or in the service arena.
COMPLIANCE
One area where control technology will see swift change is around the issue of compliance; compliance in the sense of being highly adaptable during normal operation – for example, systems offering variable stiffness.
Within the context of fluid power this relates more to pneumatics than to hydraulics. If one considers a robotic arm that works on the principle of antagonistic pairs – similar to human skeletal muscles that work in groups; as one muscle contracts another relaxes. Systems that work with humans, for example, will need to be designed to be intrinsically compliant or have a control fitted that makes a non-compliant: compliant way. Similarly, one might need to lift objects which themselves are compressible or delicate. In the area of archaeology, for example, one might wish to move something heavy but fragile, such as a sarcophagus which might bend a little or be in danger of cracking when moved. The compliance available in, for instance, pneumatics could be explored more in this area.
AI AND COMPLIANCE
There are many different existing and potential applications where AI, together with sensors and fluid power solutions, can all play a valuable part. The ‘Boston Dynamics’ ‘Big Dog’ is one such example. This rough-terrain robot has an engine that drives a hydraulic actuation system. Big Dog can walk, run, climb and carry heavy loads. Its sensors can monitor things such as hydraulic pressure, oil temperature and engine functions. It is easy to be myopic in the world of robotics, but there are some big changes taking place in the way that robotic systems will be used in a variety of applications and Fluid Power, whether Hydraulic or Pneumatic, will play a key enabling role as we move forwards into the future.
www.bfpa.co.uk
Bulk solid level - it’s time to focus
VEGAPULS 69: The best just got better
VEGA have utilised the latest high frequency radar technology to create a non-contact level sensor focussed and sensitive enough to measure the even most difficult of bulk solids products in the most challenging environments.
All applications: from short ranges up to 120m Excellent focussing: simplifies set up Encapsulated antenna: reduces build up
For an application demo:
info.uk@
vega.com www.vega.com/vegapuls69
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