Development of Compact Resistive Rotary Sensor for Robotic and other Commercial applications
Sensors are widely used due to their accurate detection of mechanism movement and high durability for withstanding repetitive movements and vibrations. Sensors are usually of magnetic and optical non-contact types as well as resistive contact types. Resistive sensors are popular and widely used due to easy output processing and mounting, low susceptibility to the effects of external noise, plus the convenience of not requiring returning to original position since position can be detected as soon as power is turned ON. Based on this technology ALPS Electric has developed a compact resistive-type sensor with excellent durability of 100 million dither cycles, or 10 million full cycles. Read more
Development of Voltage Generating Film Polymer Sensor by Kuraray
Kuraray has announced a development of special film-type flexible polymer senor material capable of generating voltage when it is bent. The new polymer sensor is capable of maintaining constant voltage during the time that is being bent, while depending on the amount of bending the polymer film the amount of generated voltage can decrease or increase. The film polymer sensor can be applied to various applications and required voltage, through changing the film’s size. The sensor does not require power during the operation. Read more
World’s first Robotic Platform Vehicle
In recent years demand for new functionalities for new vehicles has entered a new stage among them are improved safety and predication of dangers. While steady robotization of vehicles is in progress, the key technology in meeting future Robotic vehicles is to be Electromotive and to be intelligent. In order to achieve this development of software as well as a platform for research and development is at most paramount. Having said this developing such platform using a real case study is costly and it would require a large space. Furthermore, companies and universities outside of paradigm of automobile industries are not allowed to freely participate in this area due to certain risks and dangers. Based on this gap and needs ZMP Inc. in Japan developed a world’s first robotic vehicle platform “RoboCarTM”. The “RoboCarTM” is equipped with the most advance image recognition module using stereo camera capable of unprecedented super-high-speed processing plus it incorporates various sensors enabling “RoboCarTM” to contribute in research and development of robotic vehicles and eventual autonomous driving experience with advance safety and environmental measures in mind. Read more
The world’s first Robotic hand scoop “SWITL”
The robotic technology finding itself in a rather unfamiliar area, Furukawakikou Co., Ltd has developed a robotic hand scoop “SWITL” which can scoop off and move gel type contents like mayonnaise or ketchup smoothly without destroying the shape or messing it up. Previous to this the process was handled manually, but with use of SWITL the process will be automated resulting in an improved production process. Read more
