MechChem Africa March-April 2025

⎪ Products and industry news ⎪

New AI advisor for robot selection

An interactive AI advisor from igus has been added to the online platform RBTX.com. The interactive consultant is designed to enable companies with little previous experience and technological expertise to quickly and reliably put together low-cost automation (LCA) solutions. “A lot of companies already know that automation offers enormous potential for meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing working world. However, the crucial question remains: how do you implement them? “With over 500 robot solutions on the online marketplace, companies with no prior knowledge of robotics can put together cost effective LCA solutions according to the plug and-program principle. With RBTX, we want to eliminate all the barriers that stand in the way of companies entering the world of auto mation,” says Alexander Mühlens, head of the business unit for low-cost automation at igus. “A further step in this direction is the in troduction of a new AI advisor that interacts with interested parties to reduce the time they spend searching for components from a range that keeps on growing.” The new AI chatbot supports multiple different languages and although still in the launch phase can be used with igus South Africa’s robotics buying pages: https://za.rbtx. shop/en-ZA/components The AI draws on empirical data from hun dreds of projects that companies have already Linhai has introduced its latest full-sized quad, and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) the muscu lar new Linhai Promax 300 quad. Distributed through Smith Power Equipment’s nation wide dealer network, this ATV is the top seller in its segment and brings affordable riding to adventurers and businesses. One of the main drivers behind the model’s popularity is its sheer versatility, making it equally at home on adventure trails, working a farm or patrolling business or residential estates.

An AI chatbot from RBTX helps users enter the world of simple and cost-effective automation. Source: igus GmbH

successfully automated with the help of RBTX. The answers are correspondingly targeted. For example, a small workshop would like to automate the loading of its CNC machine with blanks. The company's technical manager calls up the new AI chatbot and asks it which robot is suitable for loading his CNC machine? Within a few seconds, the AI provides the answer: The robolink robot arm from igus would be a suitable solution here. The arm moves along five axes, has a reach of 790 mm, a speed of seven picks per minute and can detect the position of the components using For industries such as security, adventure tourism, estates and farm management, the robust full-sized quad offers a reliable, high performance solution for diverse terrains and demanding tasks. The Linhai Promax 300 is available in ei ther 2x4 or 4x4 derivates, depending on the application and terrain, and is packed with features to enhance safety, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency. At its core lies a 320 cc EFR engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI). This

a 3D camera. After this answer, the user asks which gripper would work. A parallel gripper from Zimmer would be a suitable choice. In this kind of seemingly natural dialogue, users gradually put together their own individual LCA solution. Feedback from companies experimenting with the new AI chatbox suggest that the advi sor has given them a better feel for the pos sibilities of LCA and significantly accelerated the search for suitable components. www.igus.co.za upgrade provides smooth throttle response, consistent performance across varying condi tions and improved fuel efficiency. Being competitively priced, robust and reliable – the new Linhai Promax 300 offers a full-sized frame with an extended, wider wheelbase for increased stability and comfort. This design ensures pin-sharp handling and control and excellent stability on challenging terrain. The quad features upgraded LED lighting for visibility during nighttime patrols or early morning tasks. For estate security teams and game farm operators, this feature enhances operational efficiency around the clock. It also has steel loading racks on the front and rear for carrying supplies, tools or equipment. Particularly quiet operation makes it ideal for farming, hunting and security patrols and it is also a welcome feature for adventure companies wishing to avoid disturbing natural environments. Owners can enjoy comprehensive backup from Smith Power Equipment’s dealer net work which spans the entire country and surrounds. https://smithpower.co.za

New ATV quad: tough enough for everything

The Linhai Promax 300 Quad ATV is equally at home in the bush, on adventure trails, working on farm or on security patrols.

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