ADVERTORIALS
Mobile robots for quiet locations now a reality thanks to NSK’s direct-drive wheel unit
TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
Wincanton’s “first class” loading solution, delivered by Thorworld Industries
UK logistics giant Wincanton has become among the latest organisations to benefit from the delivery of a Thorworld Industries Lightweight Platform for the loading and unloading of vehicles. The customer focused warehousing and transport firm which
manages more than 200 sites across the country, recently structured a facility relocation – transferring one of its operations to a new, ground level warehouse. Site preparation for the new premises had to meet with Wincanton’s exacting operating
standards and be complete within a tight logistical timescale of just six weeks. To help keep to the schedule and deliver effective loading and unloading practice – whilst maintaining the safety and protection of both employees and goods - Wincanton’s warehouse team, headed by General Manager, Ian Broomhead, had to source a suitable, easily manoeuvrable solution at speed:
Thorworld Industries 01246 260981
www.thorworld.co.uk
Aimed at OEMs looking to add mobility to their autonomous or collaborative robots, NSK has developed an innovative direct-drive wheel unit. Specifically designed for use in quiet environments, such as hospitals, hotels, offices and libraries, robots fitted with the new wheel unit can efficiently carry and move loads up to 100 kg without disturbing people.
With digital trends such as AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning) beginning to
showgenuine promise in real world applications, efforts are ramping up to develop mobile robots and humanoid robot hardware that can perform useful tasks in close proximity to people.
The major obstacle with systems like conventional AGVs (autonomous guided vehicles) used
in factories and warehouses, is the noise they make. In contrast, the NSK direct-drive wheel unit is much quieter, facilitating use in public spaces and non-manufacturing environments. Settings such as service sector businesses and public facilities require robots that operate quietly to avoid impeding conversations and disturbing people from their tasks.
The quiet nature of NSK’s wheel unit can be attributed to its gearless structure (direct-drive
motor), which leverages the technology behind the company’s Megatorque Motor to eliminate the operating noise generated by typical gearboxes. Using the Megatorque Motor as a wheel was a new concept, and NSK had to invent ways of employing the system’s parts to create the optimal specification at a reasonable cost.
As well as low noise output, the wheel unit is designed for safe operation around people and
is ideal for use in service robots, power-assist push carts and other collaborative robot (cobot) applications. A key feature of the design is its ‘back-driveability’, which makes for easy reversion to push/pull manual operations in the event of an issue.
In use, a newly developed dedicated drive controls two wheel units simultaneously via simple
signals. The drive is equipped with sensors measuring wheel rotation, acceleration, tilt and other useful parameters. Signals from the sensors can be output for use by an on-board PC in autonomous robot applications.
The development process has been intensive to ensure the delivery of a high quality,
technically competent and functionally robust solution. A broad range of existing technologies were leveraged, including mechatronics, controls and software, with NSK’s team of experts tasked with engineering a system that could fulfil a new robotics market.
NSK
www.nskeurope.com
Fulton makes key engineering appointment
Fulton is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Finch as applications engineer. Stephen joined the leading steam boiler and heat transfer specialist just as the UK government announced its lockdown measures to combat Covid-19, but that hasn’t prevented Stephen, who has a degree in mechanical engineering and background in design engineering, from absorbing himself in his new role. Commenting for Fulton, managing director Carl Knight
says: “As we continue to innovate and look at new heat transfer solutions, like the multi-award- winning VSRT steam boiler, Stephen will play an essential role in product development. He will also be assisting the quality department in ensuring compliance for the company’s latest range of heat transfer equipment, including our fuel-fired and electric steam boilers; and providing engineering support for customers requiring bespoke skid-mounted boiler solutions featuring ancillaries including water treatment, chemical dosing and blowdown.”
Fulton 01179 723322
www.fulton.co.uk
The Snickers Workwear Family – Bringing You The Best Solid Gear Safety Shoe Technology.
Incorporating some of the most advanced technical features in safety shoe design. With all the Hallmarks you find in Snickers Workwear – quality,
comfort, durability and street-smart style, Solid Gear safety shoes and boots are fast becoming one of the most popular brands chosen by discerning tradesmen and women. With a wide range to choose from that integrate the type of modern
technical designs you’ll find in outdoor and athletic footwear, Solid Gear safety footwear combines best in class materials for comfort, protection and durability. There’s a host of first-to-market features like GORE-Tex Surround Technology for unrivalled
and all-round breathability. Plus ETPU sports footwear performance that delivers unrivalled footbed energy return that really puts a spring in your step.
Solid Gear 01484 854788
www.solidgearfootwear.com
42 APRIL/MAY 2020 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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