Recent #Automation news in the semiconductor industry

3 months ago

➀ Owens Design has delivered over 3,000 custom systems across semiconductor, biomedical and energy sectors with 100% on-time delivery record;

➁ Its PR:IME platform accelerates semiconductor inspection tool development 40% faster through modular design and pre-validated components;

➂ The company operates as an engineering partner bridging R&D and production with phased development approach minimizing technical risks.

SEMiconductorHPCAutomation
3 months ago

➀ Teledyne DALSA introduces the Z-Trak Express 1K5, a high-speed 3D laser profiler capturing up to 5,000 profiles/second for automated industrial inspection;

➁ Features a 1,700mm horizontal field-of-view for wide-object scanning and supports applications in automotive, battery production, and logistics with precise micrometre-level measurements;

➂ Includes integrated software suite (Z-Trak 3D Apps Studio, Sherlock™8) and compatibility with industrial protocols like TCP/IP and ProfiNet for seamless PLC integration.

Automationindustrialsensor
3 months ago

➀ Weidmuller launches PROeco II series power supplies for industrial automation, achieving 95% efficiency and reduced thermal stress;

➁ Features wide input voltage ranges (85-264 VAC single-phase/320-575 VAC three-phase), compact DIN-rail design with 15% space saving, and -40°C cold-start capability;

➂ Certified for global compliance (CE/cULus/UKCA), supports parallel operation of 3 units, and offers MTBF exceeding 1 million hours for harsh industrial environments.

AutomationEnergy & Powerindustrial
3 months ago

➀ IoT-based RFID attendance system using ESP32-S2 and MFRC522 module to scan cards and record real-time data;

➁ Features web interface for attendance tracking, NTP time synchronization, and CSV data export for records;

➂ Supports new user registration via web form and integrates SPI/WiFi libraries for seamless operation.

AutomationIoTRFID
3 months ago

➀ Northeastern University developed SCCRUB - a soft robotic arm capable of removing over 99% of hardened dirt through scrubbing, marking a breakthrough in household cleaning robots;

➁ Features planetary gear-driven bristle brush and machine learning-based controllers, enabling safe human-robot collaboration while maintaining cleaning effectiveness;

➂ Leverages modular TRUNC cell design to balance flexibility and scrubbing force, with future plans to expand applications in industrial and public scenarios

AutomationConsumerRobot
4 months ago

➀ Team RoboPig from the Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) secured third place at the 2025 Robothon competition in Munich, continuing its success streak since 2021;

➁ The competition challenges teams to develop robots capable of disassembling e-waste, with tasks increasing in difficulty annually—this year focusing on robots mimicking human-like logic and responsiveness;

➂ RoboPig redesigned its technical framework for broader usability and presented a phone diagnostic tool for recycling, praised by judges, as eight international teams tackled progressive challenges over several months.

AutomationCompetitionrobotics
4 months ago

➀ Researchers developed an AI system enabling four-legged robots to adapt walking gaits using deep reinforcement learning, mimicking animal strategies like gait switching and real-time adjustment;

➁ The robot autonomously navigates diverse terrains relying solely on internal sensors, learning 9x faster than biological evolution without visual input;

➂ This breakthrough enhances robotic deployment in hazardous environments and provides new methods for studying animal locomotion through physics-based simulations.

AIAutomationRobot
4 months ago

➀ Virtual PLCs (vPLCs) are software-based controllers that replace traditional hardware PLCs, operating on industrial PCs/cloud servers for enhanced flexibility and scalability;

➁ They utilize real-time systems, industrial protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET), and IIoT/edge computing to enable predictive maintenance and smart manufacturing;

➂ While offering cost efficiency and innovation potential, limitations in deterministic performance and hardware dependencies suggest hybrid models will dominate future industrial automation.

AutomationSoftwareindustrial
4 months ago

➀ Test Research, Inc. (TRI) launched the TR7500 SIII Ultra AOI system featuring a multi-camera design (4 side-view + 1 top-down cameras) for comprehensive PCB defect detection, including hidden flaws like inner layer bridges;

➁ The system integrates AI-powered algorithms, optional 3D laser profiling, and metrology-grade accuracy while supporting Industry 4.0 standards through SMEMA, SECS/GEM, and IPC protocols;

➂ Enhanced structural stability with a cast iron base and upgraded motion control enables reliable inspections for heavier PCBs (up to 12 kg), improving manufacturing quality assurance.

AIAutomationindustrial
4 months ago

➀ Liquid Instruments introduced AI-powered Generative Instrumentation, enabling engineers to build custom test setups via natural language input;

➁ The system automates complex configurations, adapts to test requirements, and deploys real-time FPGA-based solutions without manual coding;

➂ Moku:Delta hardware platform offers 2 GHz bandwidth and multi-channel support, praised by researchers for accelerating advanced signal analysis workflows.

AIAutomationTesting
5 months ago

➀ CUI Devices’ AMT25 series expands its encoder family, supporting motor shafts from 9 mm to 15.875 mm with capacitive ASIC technology;

➁ Offers 12-bit/14-bit resolution, single/multi-turn options, and SPI communication for precise motor control in harsh environments;

➂ Targets industrial automation, robotics, medical, and aerospace sectors to enhance system reliability and reduce contamination-related downtime.

Automationindustrial
5 months ago

➀ MIT researchers developed an AI-powered drone controller using neural networks and meta-learning for real-time adaptation to wind changes;

➁ The system learns from 15 minutes of flight data without requiring pre-defined wind models, selecting optimization strategies dynamically;

➂ In tests, it reduced tracking errors by 50% and shows potential for wildfire monitoring and payload-carrying applications.

AIAutomation
5 months ago

➀ Researchers developed an affordable ABLE device to detect airborne hazards by converting particles into liquid droplets for analysis;

➁ The $200 device uses silicon spikes to capture contaminants, enabling biomarker detection with low-cost tools like paper strips and optical sensors;

➂ Applied in healthcare (e.g., neonatal ICU monitoring) and environmental checks, with plans for miniaturization and real-time robotic integration.

AutomationMedicalsemiconductor
5 months ago

➀ SOLITAIRE launched the PTK 208, a 4K PTZ camera for conference rooms and classrooms, featuring AI tracking and gesture/voice control;

➁ It uses an 8.3MP CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom, and a 4-microphone array with noise cancellation for immersive audio-visual clarity;

➂ Designed for flexible installation, it supports HDMI/Type-C outputs and aims to enhance remote collaboration in professional and educational settings.

AIAutomationConsumer
5 months ago

➀ A DIY circuit using an LM358 op-amp and light-dependent resistor (LDR) automatically switches on lights at dusk and turns them off after 2–6 hours, reducing energy waste.

➁ The system employs a super capacitor for timing control, adjustable via potentiometers to set light sensitivity and shut-off duration, mimicking human presence for security.

➂ Includes PCB design guidelines, calibration steps, and operates independently without manual reset, ideal for unattended homes or outdoor lighting.

AutomationDIY projectselectronics projects
5 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IST developed a thin-film sensor system integrated into injection molds for real-time monitoring of temperature and pressure during plastic manufacturing;

➁ Machine learning algorithms on edge devices analyze sensor data to detect defects instantly and adjust processes before mold release, enabling rapid quality control;

➂ The wear-resistant sensors support sustainable production by allowing recycled materials and high fiber-content plastics to be used efficiently.

Automationsensors
5 months ago

➀ ETH Zurich researchers developed a four-legged robot named ANYmal-D that plays badminton with humans using reinforcement learning and a perception noise model;

➁ The robot's quadruped design enhances stability, while its stereo camera and dynamic arm enable precise shuttlecock tracking and hitting;

➂ Successful tests demonstrated continuous rallies of up to 10 shots, showcasing applications for legged robots in dynamic sports.

AIAutomationRobot
5 months ago

➀ ZEVAC launched the fully automated ONYX 1000 system for reworking large PCBs up to 630mm x 800mm with single-click operation;

➁ It integrates component removal, contactless cleaning, solder dispensing, and precision soldering with automated tool changers and temperature control;

➂ Targets industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical electronics requiring high-precision PCB repairs with minimal manual intervention.

Automationsemiconductor