SCHUNK Develops Reliable Grippers for Medical Applications

SCHUNK logo 400

Experts in more and more industries discover the benefits of automation and robotics, and this also applies to the medical technology. Previously, manual and sometimes error-prone processes can be automatically completed now with the help of automation, and associated processed can be optimized. SCHUNK has established a team of specialists to explore new fields of automation applications and to find innovative automation solutions with agile working methods. An exemplary gripper for the use in ventilators for COVID-19 patients shows where you can find potentials.

The concept was developed in close cooperation with physicians from the University of Tübingen, and is based on automated ventilation via a resuscitator, which can be very easily set up and adjusted via touchscreen. A pressure of 4 mbar to 50 mbar, a volume from 200 ml to 800 ml, a frequency from 5 to 80 cycles per minute and an inspiratory time I:E of 1:2 to 4:1. Therefore the system covers all relevant parameters related to artificial ventilation of COVID-19 patients. SCHUNK uses proven sensor systems and mechatronic grippers with additively manufactured gripper fingers from its own product line as well as an industrially established control unit for the patent-pending system. Proper function of the device is permanently monitored and any malfunction such as leak or obstruction of the ventilation hose are immediately signaled. Due to its design, it is possible to switch between manual and automated ventilation in a very short time.Schunk medicalgripper

A look at other industries

“This application illustrates how versatile and reliable our gripping systems components can be used in the field of medical technology and other industries,” underlines Timo Gessmann, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at SCHUNK, and encourages the creative use of the potential of automation solutions. “The modular design of our software and electronics enables us to implement new functions and services within a very short time. With our new team for new types of automation applications we are able to successfully implement such customer- and solution-oriented products and solutions from ‘the development up to certification.’“

Source

Related Articles

AutomationDirect: NITRA Pneumatic Coalescing Air Filters for Mist and Vapor Filtration

AutomationDirect: NITRA Pneumatic Coalescing Air Filters for Mist and Vapor Filtration

The NITRA pneumatic AC Series of coalescing air filters from AutomationDirect allows finer removal of moisture, vapor and oil mist from compressed air applications to provide optimal performance for pneumatic systems and components. NITRA coalescing filters are available in a range of port sizes from 1/8″ to 1/2″ FNPT; replaceable 0.3-micron filter elements are standard, with an optional 0.01-micron filter element available for stricter filtration requirements.

 

 

 

Rockwell Automation: MagneMover Lite

Rockwell Automation: MagneMover Lite

 Specifically designed to move light loads quickly and efficiently, the MagneMover LITE system is an intelligent and affordable solution. This transport system outperforms conventional belt and chain conveyors for OEM/in-machine applications and for demanding motion requirements. Independent motion control of vehicles provides a flexible flow and built in anti-collision feature helps prevent damage to payloads.

 

 

 

AutomationDirect: ProSense Advanced Process Controllers

AutomationDirect: ProSense Advanced Process Controllers

Made exclusively for AutomationDirect by Yokogawa, the ProSense PPC5 series of Advanced Process Controllers has the features, functionality, and performance to handle temperature, pressure, level, flow, and other process variable control applications. These controllers accept inputs directly from thermocouples or RTDs and analog signals from most any type of process variable sensor/transmitter.

 

 

 

Festo’s Bionic Mobile Assistant – a Robotic Helping Hand Like None Other

Festo’s Bionic Mobile Assistant – a Robotic Helping Hand Like None Other

Advancing gripping technology is essential for promoting new uses for automated systems. Festo’s Bionic Mobile Assistant robotic helper, one of the latest reveals from the company’s Bionic Learning Network, represents a significant advance in mimicking that most amazing gripping tool of nature – the human hand.

 

 

 

Changing Scene

Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More

Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More

Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More

JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Revival: Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems

    Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Revival: Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems

    Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and Automated Test Systems (ATS) serve the critical purpose of ensuring that electronic devices operate according to specifications in the field. As such, these systems are widely utilized for testing automotive electronics, batteries, telecom infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics. The aerospace and defense sectors also make substantial investments in… Read More…

  • Partner Country Canada at HANNOVER MESSE 2025: The Future’s Here

    Partner Country Canada at HANNOVER MESSE 2025: The Future’s Here

    Canada is Partner Country of HANNOVER MESSE 2025, underscoring the strong economic and political ties between “The True North” and Germany. Canada announced its Partner Country commitment in August 2022 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Canada. Canada’s starring role from 31 March to 4 April 2025 at HANNOVER… Read More…