Advanced Robotics in Electronics: Elevating Manufacturing Standards with Automation and Accuracy
In recent years, the electronics industry has experienced a significant transformation, largely driven by integrating robotics into manufacturing processes. Robotics technology has brought about unprecedented levels of precision, speed, and efficiency in producing electronic devices, from consumer gadgets to complex industrial components.
Automated systems have become indispensable in various stages of electronics manufacturing, including surface mount technology (SMT), automated optical inspection (AOI), and in-circuit testing (ICT). These robotic solutions ensure that high-quality standards are met, while also optimizing productivity and reducing operational costs. The use of robotics is not only improving manufacturing processes but is also helping to meet the growing demand for smaller, more powerful, and highly reliable electronics. As the electronics industry continues to evolve, robotics will remain a key factor in pushing the boundaries of innovation and competitiveness.
Mouser Expands Industrial Automation Line Card and Resource Hub to Empower Industry 5.0
As industries rapidly evolve towards a more intelligent and interconnected future, Mouser is at the forefront, equipping electronic design engineers and buyers with the cutting-edge products and resources essential for navigating the complexities of modern industrial applications.
Mouser's expanded offerings cater to a wide array of applications and markets, including factory automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). By providing access to the latest components and technologies, Mouser empowers professionals to design and implement solutions that increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in their operations.
"With the accelerating pace of digital transformation across industries, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art products and comprehensive resources for industrial automation," said Tom Busher, Mouser's Vice President of Supplier Management. "In collaboration with our valued manufacturers and solution delivery partners, we are pioneering innovation in the era of Industry 5.0, ensuring our customers stay ahead of the curve."
To browse Mouser's growing selection of industrial automation manufacturers and products, visit. Among them are:
Mouser recognises the critical importance of staying informed in the rapidly evolving realms of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. To support this, Mouser has curated a comprehensive resource hub for engineers, buyers, and systems integrators to access expert insights. This extensive hub features a diverse array of educational materials, including articles, blogs, product profiles, and more. In collaboration with leading industry experts, Mouser has also developed informative eBooks that explore key topics such as IIoT, advancements in digital factories, and future industry trends. These eBooks are meticulously designed to equip engineers and designers with the latest knowledge and applications, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
To learn more about Mouser's industrial automation portfolio, visit.
Unlocking the Potential of Agilex 5 System on Module in AI Development
iWave is excited to launch iW-RainboW-G58M, powered by the Intel Agilex 5, which is the first FPGA with AI infused into the fabric. The SoM is built for applications in fields such as medical, robotics, and industry that need efficient, high-performance custom logic with AI/ML hardware support.
The System on Module (SoM) is built in a compact form factor of 60mm x 70mm and is compatible with the Intel Agilex® 5 FPGA and SoC E-Series family and B32A package in two device variants:
Intel Agilex® 5 FPGAs and SoCs enhanced the industry’s first AI tensor block from Intel’s previous AI-optimized FPGA for general purpose, mid-range FPGAs in Intel Agilex® 5 FPGAs, making them an ideal choice for edge AI applications. The Agilex® 5 FPGA features an asymmetric applications processor system consisting of dual Arm Cortex-A76 cores and dual Cortex-A55 cores that optimize the performance and power efficiency of their workloads. Integrated with an enhanced DSP with AI Tensor block, the Agilex 5 offers advanced connectivity features such as High-speed GTS transceivers up to 28.1 Gbps and PCI Express* ( PCIe* ) 4.0 × 8, DisplayPort and HDMI Output.
The AI/ML software capabilities start with popular platforms such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, icnluding the support for the open-source OpenVINO toolkit that works with the FPGA AI Suite and Quartus Prime FPGA design software. The OpenVINO toolkit takes Deep Learning models from all the major Deep Learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras) and optimizes them for inference on a variety of hardware architectures, including various CPUs, CPU+GPU, and FPGAs. The Intel FPGA AI Suite was developed with the vision of ease-of-use of artificial intelligence (AI) inference on Intel FPGAs.
The suite enables FPGA designers, machine learning engineers, and software developers to create optimized FPGA AI platforms efficiently. Utilities in the Intel FPGA AI Suite speed up FPGA development for AI inference using familiar and popular industry frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch and OpenVINO toolkit, while also leveraging robust and proven FPGA development flows with the Intel Quartus Prime Software.
iWave is now shipping early samples of the Agilex® 5 System on Module and evaluation kit, which comes with complete user documentation, software drivers, and a board support package. iWave provides their customers with an evaluation kit with the latest software packages to expedite their evaluation and time to market. Click here for watch the video on the System on Module and Evaluation Kit.
Cloud AI & Edge AI
Edge AI devices can process data, make decisions independently, operate with minimal latency, and derive valuable insights even in absence of network connectivity. Cloud AI processes data in remote data centers with high scalability but higher latency and security concerns, while Edge AI processes data locally on devices with lower latency and improved privacy.
This system consist of the edge node's main function is to collect data from clients and perform intensive processing tasks where the devices can process data, independently make decisions, offer virtually no latency, and generate valuable insights when internet connections are down. And the data center can consolidate data from several edge nodes to utilize it in more sophisticated applications. This process not only helps in data privacy but offers low latency and covers the large bandwidth.
iWave maintains a product longevity program that ensures the System on Modules are available for long periods of time (10+ years). iWave offers customers extensive technical support during the evaluation and product development phase, alongside ODM Design services such as carrier card design, thermal simulation, and ODM as a business model.
IDS presents new Intelligent robotic vision system
According to the German Parcel and Express Logistics Association (Bundesverband Paket und Expresslogistik e. V.), 4.15 billion courier, express and parcel shipments were sent in Germany alone in 2022. Annual shipment growth to around 4.9 billion is realistic by 2027. Against this backdrop and the generally prevailing shortage of personnel, there is only one solution for shipping and logistics companies to cope with this immense volume of orders: increased automation. The global robotic integrator AWL offers RODE, an intelligent robotic depalletiser solution. One of the locations where RODE adds value is for DHL eCommerce in Rotterdam. In this machine, two Ensenso 3D cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH are implemented to provide the required image data.
Application
The intelligent robot-supported depalletiser, therefore, automatically destacks any packaged goods such as cartons, bags or containers from pallets and thus ensures their continuous processing - without delays or downtime. Even "extra shifts" at peak times can be implemented at any time, e.g., to cope with the increased workload during Christmas. This frees up staff for more qualified tasks, such as the subsequent processing of consignments or handling customer inquiries. At the same time, it relieves employees of physically and ergonomically demanding tasks and reduces the risk of injury.
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Up to 800 packages in continuous operation
At DHL eCommerce in Rotterdam, RODE processes up to 800 parcels per hour with a maximum weight of 31.5 kg each and places them on the corresponding sorting belt. The particular difficulty here lies in the robot's picking of parcels of different sizes and weights. It must independently recognize the position of the objects in three-dimensional space and decide which package to pick next. It then has to determine the best gripping position and avoid collision with other parcels or the machine.
"This intelligent robotic solution integrates AI image processing and high-tech gripper technology. The system recognises products and can flip the items to ensure that the required long side is leading," explains Sander Lensen, R&D Manager at AWL. Two Ensenso X36 3D cameras provide the necessary image data. They are able to provide robust 2D and 3D information on products on a pallet measuring 1200 x 1200 mm and a maximum height of 2400 mm. The integrated image processing system processes this further and enables the depalletiser to identify each individual package and determine the corresponding gripping position - for robust robot-assisted picking.
3D cameras for future-oriented robotics
EachEnsenso X36 3D camera system consists of a projector unit and two GigE cameras with either 1.6 MP or 5 MP CMOS sensors. AWL has opted for the 5 MP variant for its solution. Mounting and adjustment brackets, three lenses as well as sync and patch cables for connecting the cameras to the projector unit are also included in the scope of delivery. The integrated FlexView2 technology ensures an even better spatial resolution as well as a very high robustness of the system with dark or reflective surfaces. The 3D systems are delivered assembled and pre-calibrated. However, focussing and calibration is also easy to set up using the setup wizard integrated in the software. The latter they have in common with the RODE depalletiser - it is also easy to integrate into its working environment and aims to give its users a competitive edge in the world of logistics automation.
Outlook
"The intralogistics market is a growth market. The number of robot solutions required will increase rapidly in the coming years. The type of products that need to be recognised will change constantly. This will be a challenge for all components and the demands on the camera," explains Sander Lensen. However, image processing is also developing rapidly. Smart solutions that combine camera technology with artificial intelligence are on the rise. They hold great potential for tackling both increasingly demanding tasks and the worsening shortage of skilled workers. Carton by carton, parcel by parcel, pallet by pallet.
STMicroelectronics reveals ST BrightSense image sensor ecosystem for advanced camera performance
STMicroelectronics has introduced a set of plug-and-play hardware kits, evaluation camera modules and software that ease development with its ST BrightSense global-shutter image sensors. The ecosystem lets developers of mass-market industrial and consumer applications ensure superior camera performance by designing-in ST BrightSense image sensors. By sampling all pixels simultaneously, unlike a conventional rolling shutter, global-shutter sensors can capture images of fast-moving objects without distortion and significantly reduce power when coupled to a lighting system.
ST BrightSense CMOS global-shutter sensors implement advanced backside-illuminated pixel technology, manufactured at ST’s own foundry in France, ensuring high image sharpness to capture fine details such as in barcode reading. Their high sensitivity enhances low-light performance and permits fast image capture, enhancing responses such as obstacle avoidance in mobile robots and face recognition in personal electronics.
The sensors’ advanced 3D-stacked construction allows an extremely small die area, easing integration anywhere space is limited especially in the final optical module, while enriching the products with advanced on-chip image processing for auto-exposure, correction, and calibration. Their MIPI-CSI-2 interface makes them ideal for embedded vision and edge AI devices.
Historically only offered to qualified customers, ST’s cutting-edge sensor technologies are now available in a wide variety of markets through the ST BrightSense portfolio, highlighting industrial-grade products and 10-year longevity commitment. Widespread access to these sensors, whose qualities are proven with over one billion units shipped on market, now lets developers bring high-performance machine vision to applications that face strict size and power constraints and challenging operating conditions. These include factory automation, scanning, domestic and industrial robots, VR/AR equipment, traffic monitoring, and medical devices.
ST’s new mass-market offering includes evaluation camera modules that integrate image sensor, lens holder, lens, and plug-and-play flex connector to enable instant integration of the image sensors. The modules offer a selection of tiny form factors down to 5mm2, various lens options to suit different application requirements, and a plug-and-play connector that allows easy swapping.
A series of hardware kits helps developers integrate the sensors with various desktop and embedded computing platforms. Complementary software tools are available for free download on ST’s website, such as a PC-based GUI and Linux drivers that assist integration with popular processing platforms including STM32MP2 microprocessors.
The ST BrightSense global-shutter family currently comprises the VD55G0, VD55G1, and VD56G3 monochrome sensors with resolution from 0.38Mpixel to 1.5Mpixel, as well as the color VD66GY with 1.5Mpixel. The sensors, along with their evaluation camera modules, and development boards are in production now.
Reliable and secure modules for the European IoT market
Rutronik is expanding its product portfolio of Rockchip-based System-on-Modules (SoM) and single-board computers (SBC) for professional and industrial customers in the future markets of robotics, digital healthcare, smart displays, and intelligent video surveillance.
CHERRY Embedded Solutions' reliable and secure modules stand out in particular for their application-specific performance and cost effectiveness. They are designed and manufactured in Vienna, Austria.
CHERRY Embedded Solutions is part of the listed Cherry SE and can thus leverage the parent company's global network for purchasing and qualifying electronic and mechanical parts, as well as for launching its products on different markets. The company provides products certified according to the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (ISO/IEC 15408) and fulfills, for example, the high security standards of the German healthcare telematics infrastructure.
"In the context of advancing automation and digitalization in industrial and professional environments, whether for autonomous mobile robots (AMR) or human-machine interfaces (HMI), there is particularly high demand for reliable processing modules with the corresponding computing power," explains Anja Schaal, Senior Manager Product Marketing at Rutronik.
"Through our partnership with CHERRY Embedded Solutions, we can now offer high-quality modules tailored to support a wide range of smart applications, including autonomous mobile robots, smart medical devices, and professional, intelligent high-resolution displays for intuitive user interaction. A further advantage is the geographical proximity to existing and future customers, which ensures that the products are always available for the European market."
"We design, develop and produce our products at our company site in Vienna, in the heart of Europe. This enables us to guarantee high product quality and compliance with the highest security standards," says Dr. Stefan Roth, Managing Director of CHERRY Embedded Solutions. "With Rutronik, we have a distribution partner who knows the requirements and challenges of manufacturers of smart products inside out. Their in-depth understanding of processes along the entire product life cycle is also an enormously valuable quality that will help us to expand our European customer base."
Cost efficiency meets performance: System-on-Modules and Single-Board Computer
CHERRY Embedded Solutions' core products include the JAGUAR SBC-RK3588-AMR, a single-board computer (SBC) developed for the mass production of cost-effective autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and TIGER SOM-RK3588-Q7, which has been specially designed to meet the needs of demanding smart IoT applications.
Both products are based on Rockchip's high-end, low-power SoC RK3588. It features cryptographic extensions, supports deep learning frameworks, and provides interfaces to multiple high-resolution cameras. To significantly shorten the product development cycle of customers, both modules are accompanied by a board support package (BSP) that is optimally configured to the hardware and runs on Linux supported by Debian and Yocto.
Conclusion
The integration of robotics into the electronics industry has revolutionized the way products are manufactured, tested, and inspected. By enhancing precision and efficiency, robotics has streamlined complex processes, resulting in faster production cycles, improved product quality, and reduced costs. As the demand for cutting-edge electronics grows, robotics will play an increasingly critical role in meeting market needs and maintaining the competitiveness of manufacturers. The future of electronics manufacturing is undeniably intertwined with continued advancements in robotics, ensuring a new era of innovation and excellence in production.