INDUSTRY News
EBV Elektronik in a pivotal role in the construction of space- optimised robotic arms
EBV Elektronik is proving its commitment to space projects by announcing a collaboration with Made In Space Europe, which will see it sourcing high-reliability components. Established in 2019, Luxembourg-based Made In Space Europe is developing advanced hardware for space use. Drawing on world-class expertise in avionics, material science, structural engineering and robotics, its team specialises in the construction of robotic arms for commercial space activities – with products that have gained considerable market traction. It also works with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on various projects. Key to the organisation’s success has been its ability to provide customers with hardware solutions and software that are less expensive and quicker to implement, achieved with a unique, highly-scaleable modular design platform.
Made In Space Europe’s robotic arms are used in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and deep- space missions, such as satellite servicing operations, space debris removal, orbital transportation services and planetary body exploration for potential lunar and Martian surface operations.
“Previously, the robotic arms for space missions had to be fully custom-designed from scratch, which took a long time to construct and was very costly,” said Jaroslaw Jaworski, General Manager at Made In Space Europe. “We have taken a much more versatile route, allowing us to offer solutions that can be quickly adapted to specific mission requirements. This significantly accelerates project completion and keeps the engineering overhead down. The excellent team at EBV reinforces our ability to execute on these objectives, and we look forward to ramping up future activities together.” Frank-Steffen Russ, Senior Director Market Segments at EBV Elektronik, added: “This collaboration with Made in Space Europe highlights our ability to address the rapidly- growing robotics industry, in terms of both standard and custom-built solutions.”
ABB COLUMN
WHY ROBOTS SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR FUTURE
T
hese days, the old supply-led world of manufacturing and supply has been flipped on its head, replaced by a demand-led ‘new normal’ where the customer calls the
shots. Traditional manufacturing techniques and technologies are proving increasingly unsuited for keeping pace with the scale and rate of change.
The Covid-19 outbreak especially has helped to speed up changes that were already taking place, as more people switch from visiting physical stores to ordering online, yet with expectations of instantaneous product delivery.
As consumer behaviour becomes less predictable, the old certainties on which many businesses have been built are being swept aside. Sales volumes based on previous buying patterns and preferences can no longer provide a reliable indicator to future trends. Product lifespans are also getting shorter, requiring manufacturers to get new products to market faster to meet changing market conditions. Environmental pressures and the need for manufacturing to become
more sustainable are also having an impact, calling into question the efficiency of older manufacturing technologies and the level of waste and consequent reworking generated by poorly performing equipment. The good news is that all these challenges are being addressed by developments in robotic automation. Capable of handling a steadily- growing range of tasks, today’s robots offer the speed, accuracy and flexibility needed to satisfy customer demands for fast delivery of a wide range of products, from machined parts for industrial companies through to electronic consumer goods. When combined with the latest digital technologies, robots can help companies of any size and level of sophistication to create the factories of the future, enabling highly-efficient production lines that can intelligently adapt to changing demands. In short, the future of manufacturing needs to be one where processes
are faster, flexible and adaptable. Those companies that can rise to this future will be well placed to reap the rewards, seizing customer share and consolidating their position in the market. Able to respond more quickly, smartly and sustainably to changing customer needs, they will set the pace for the rest of the field, improving their productivity and profitability to become industry leaders. To learn more about how ABB can help you achieve your factory of the future, visit
www.abb.com/robotics.
Nigel Platt LBL Manager, UK and Ireland, ABB Roboticsw
automationmagazine.co.uk
Automation | December/January 2021
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