New Product of the Year 2024 Nominees
Hundreds of exhibitors displayed the latest products and services at the 12th annual ASSEMBLY Show. Fasteners, power tools, adhesives, dispensing equipment, conveyors, robots, software and, of course, automated assembly systems are among the myriad new products on display.
To help draw attention to the breadth and quality of new technologies featured, we were excited to present the 6th annual “New Product of the Year” contest at the show, and you —the attendees— were the judges.
20 products across five categories that we think are particularly innovative were nominated.Voting took place during exhibit hall hours on Tuesday and Wednesday and the winners in each category were announced on Thursday, October 24.
Check out the 2024 nominees and winners below.
Assembly Machines & Systems
Automated System Assembles Faucet Valve
This custom automated assembly system for military-grade products has the flexibility to process hundreds of part variants with no manual changeover required. Servo-actuated nests, tools, fixtures and robotic grippers with pressure-sensing feedback allow for immediate and automatic changeover between part variants. The automated flexibility is even more impressive considering the complexity and precision of the processes to assemble the product. A high-speed delta robot picks components from a custom multi-lane feeding system that uses coin-change singulation and automated inspection. Pins measuring just 1 millimeter across are automatically de-reeled and stitched into housings in precise locations. The final product is laser marked and coated with lubricant before final pack-out.
Booth 805
Edgewater Automation
www.edgewaterautomation.com
Automated Assembly of Electronic Control Modules
This custom machine assembles and tests a control module for hydraulic pumps. The 29-step assembly process includes fastening bolts and testing for leaks. The main housing and internal componentry are loaded by an operator. All bolts, washers and nuts are fed and assembled automatically. The machine produces a part every 3 minutes and integrates with the facility’s MES system. The system is built around an eight-position rotary indexing dial. The dial features a bar code reader, presses, feeder bowls, robots, nutrunners and an inspection station. At the end of the line, a robot equipped with a tool changer unloads the modules and installs solenoids and bolts.
Booth 1818
The Christopher Stephen Corp
www.teamtcsc.com
Machine Feeds up to 200 Containers per Minute
The Bottle Unscrambler feeds containers at speeds of 5 to 200 parts per minute. Interchangeable discs in the feeder provide multiple feeding configurations within the same system. Part contact surfaces are manufactured using stainless steel or FDA-compliant materials. Parts are delivered to the feeder by a vertical prefeeder. Then, a slanted disc separates the parts by centrifugal force and air propulsion. Sorted parts are transferred into a buffering gravity track. Containers are released from the gravity track into a rotary wheel, one by one, with 100 percent correct orientation.
Booth 443
Performance Feeders Inc.
performancefeeders.com
High-Capacity Conveyor Handles EV Batteries
Automation & Modular Components recently built a conveyor to handle EV batteries. The turnkey system included controls, PLC design and programming, installation at the customer’s plant. Based on the company’s Modu-Con 4 system, the conveyor has a payload capacity of more than 8,000 pounds. The system was designed as a loop and travels a total of 138 feet. It incorporates four rotation stations and nine individual center-drive conveyors.
Installation posed unique challenges, since the system was set up on a mezzanine. Weight distribution on the mezzanine’s I-beams required meticulous planning and engineering expertise to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Booth 1705
Automation & Modular Components Inc.
www.amcautomation.com
Adhesives, Dispensing & Curing
Hot-melt Adhesive Is Made From Renewable Materials
Thermelt is a nonreactive, solvent-free and bio-based hot-melt adhesive made from renewable rapeseed and castor bean derivatives. It can be used in myriad processes, from the shoe industry to low-pressure molding applications in electronics and auto parts manufacturing. Made from up to 90 percent bio-based raw materials, the adhesive enables products to be disassembled easily at their end of life, just by heating. A range of ready-made formulations of different viscosities, temperature resistance levels, colors and finishes are available.
Booth 341
Bostik Inc.
www.bostik.com
Precision UV Spot Curing
Featuring closed-loop feedback with internal optics, the OmniCure S2000 Elite UV spot curing system continuously monitors lamp output and adjusts the iris in real-time for consistent and precise energy delivery. With the addition of the R2000 radiometer for calibration, engineers can achieve a stable and measurable curing process. Intelli-Lamp technology monitors operating parameters to optimize lamp life. A 30-millisecond high-speed shutter ensures precise energy delivery. The system is prepared for Industry 4.0 with advanced communication capabilities, programmable PLC inputs and outputs, wireless remote management, and an intuitive touch-screen interface.
Booth 645
Excelitas Technologies
www.excelitas.com
Microdispensing With Low Cost of Ownership
The Perfecdos electro-pneumatic dispensing valve requires less maintenance and fewer spare parts than comparable piezoelectric valves. For example, piezoelectric valves require custom seals made of exotic materials that cost $100 each. Perfecdos uses two standard O-rings that only cost a few cents. Cleaning a piezoelectric valve typically takes 3- to 45 minutes. Cleaning a Perfecdos valve takes 5 minutes. Piezoelectric valves require time-consuming calibration with complicated electronics. With Perfecdos, shot size is adjusted using a simple knob. Piezoelectric valves are typically designed for a specific application. Perfecdos is adjustable. Optional components allow it to produce different dot sizes to accommodate many materials.
Booth 1205
MTA Automation Inc.
mtaautomation.com
Adhesive for Battery Contacts and Commutator Bonding
Vitralit UV E-2113 is a modified, UV-acrylic, one-component adhesive that protects welded joints on cell contacts and EV battery packs from corrosion. This flexible adhesive produces vibration-resistant connections. It has a low ion content and is fast curing, even in deeper glob-top thicknesses. It also provides mechanical support against vibration and can compensate for different rates of thermal expansion of different materials. The adhesive can also be used to seal and bond commutator wires. The flow properties of the material allow it to wick around the wires and build out a smooth adhesive layer between the wires and steel shaft.
Booth 1816
Panacol-USA Inc
www.panacol-usa.com
Fastening Tools
Tool Controls Torque and Angle
The XTCA Torque and Angle Control System is equipped with a high-precision torque transducer and a high-resolution angle encoder to ensure that every fastener is tightened accurately. It offers a wide torque range and supports various fastening strategies. Engineers can set up multiple tightening parameters, such as speed, time, thread, direction, torque and angle through a touch-screen interface. Tightening data can be transferred out using the built-in Ethernet module. Engineers can track and analyze fastening data to identify trends and make informed decisions about their production processes. It easily connects to PLCs or other control systems.
Booth 1317
Delta Regis Tools
deltaregis.com
Wireless Device Calibrates Fastening Tools
The Wireless Rotary Transducer (WRT) offers a simple way to achieve tool verification or calibration without the need for cabling or software. This little black box is all that is needed to calibrate a range of tools, including click-wrenches, slip-wrenches, pneumatic tools, nutrunners and pulse tools. Communicating via a web interface, the WRT captures torque and angle data along with traceability information required for quality control. It is accurate to ±0.5 percent of the reading. Engineers can access tool data, view curves and download results in seconds using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Booth 431
Desoutter Industrial Tools
www.desouttertools.com
Tool Detects Missing Washers
The HFC3000II controller and HFT tools detect missing washers and other fastener assembly defects by monitoring the upper and lower limits of bolt rotation. At the start of the fastening process, the tool reverses until it recognizes the fall of the fastener on the mating thread. This sets the zero point for fastener depth. The tool then automatically shifts into drive and installs the fastener. The tool monitors fastener depth to check for the presence of the washer. Since the tool actively monitors and controls fastener engagement, there is no need to hand-start fasteners.
Booth 531
MC Fastening Solutions
www.mcmachinery.com
Battery Adapter Allows Corded Driver to Go Mobile
This lightweight Corded Electric Screwdriver delivers increased efficiency and accuracy with enhanced data collection and wireless communication. An optional battery adapter enables the screwdriver to be used like a cordless tool. Torque output ranges from 0.1 to 4.4 newton-meters. Tool speed can be set from 160 to 1,800 rpm. The screwdriver is ESD compliant to IEC 61340-5-1:2016. Its ergonomic design is user-friendly with push- and lever-start methods, and it includes an LED lamp for error-proofing. Software enables engineers to set up fastener counting; soft start and soft snug functions; and sequence control when multiple tools are used.
Booth 719
Panasonic Assembly Tools
assemblytools.na.panasonic.com
Robotics
Carbon-Fiber Gripper for Cobots
Coval’s CVGC carbon-fiber vacuum gripper for cobots has been redesigned for better modularity and performance. Engineers can configure the gripper to suit their precise needs. The gripper comes in three sizes (240 by 120 millimeters, 320 by 160 millimeters, and 350 by 250 millimeters); two types of gripping interface (foam or suction cups); and with or without an integrated vacuum generator. The gripper also offers a choice of three mounting options and six connecting cables, so it’s compatible with all major cobot brands.
The gripper is now equipped with a multistage vacuum pump for more power to carry heavy loads.
Booth 1202
Coval Inc
www.coval-inc.com
Robot Controller Offers Cybersecurity
The R-50iA is the first robot controller to have international certification for cybersecurity. It provides multiple layers of defense to secure data exchange, whether it’s remote access, file transfers or web communication. A key feature is the controller’s ability to execute Python scripts for system integration. This makes customization more straightforward and facilitates data output during program execution, saving time and integration costs. It supports software PLC functions and communicates signal processes in six languages, including ladder logic and structured text. It’s possible to connect a smartphone to the controller for support, maintenance and software downloads.
Booth 539
FANUC America Corp
www.fanucamerica.com
Robotic Coating Without Overspray
Accura is an end-effector for precise, energy-efficient application of coatings. “Drop-on-demand” technology provides a noncontact process in which material droplets are only released when needed. This results in edge-sharp coating without overspray. With an output of up to 2,000 drops per second, and the ability to overlay droplets with a six-axis or gantry robot, sharp-edged lines are created that precisely cover the desired area. This ensures optimal thickness, minimal waste, and improved safety. No masking is needed. The technology can apply anticorrosion coatings on batteries; conformal coatings on circuit boards; and biocompatible coatings on medical devices.
Booth 841
IPR Robotics LLC
en.iprworldwide.com
Feeder Is Flexible
Infinifeed is a flexible feeding system. It is equipped with diverters, a vision system and a parallel belt conveyor system with opposing motion. The system handles parts with diverse shapes and sizes. This eliminates the need for multiple feeders or challenging programming. An app allows for remote control, configuration and real-time monitoring. Engineers can easily capture images of objects to be handled, mark gripping points, and send the information to the vision system. The speed of the belts can be fine-tuned to match production requirements. The feeder sends notifications of any operational issues to ensure uninterrupted performance.
Booth 846
TM Robotics
www.tmrobotics.com
Manufacturing Software
Software Aids Design for Automated Assembly
Design for Autonomous Assembly software prevents wasted time creating new product features that can’t be manufactured at scale. Engineers can use the software to determine which steps in an assembly process can be automated and which cannot. Engineers simply upload a CAD file and within minutes receive an autonomous assembly score. If the assembly is a vertical stack, it receives a high score. If it has odd assembly angles, the score drops. If it includes a wiring harness, the score lowers again. In addition to an assembly score, engineers also receive recommendations for design improvements, ranked according to biggest savings potential.
Booth 1239
Launchpad
www.launchpad.build
AI Software Assesses Assembly Line Performance
Leela AI has expanded its AI software platform with the Leela Performance Module. The module visually tracks assemblies as they pass down the line and automatically detects value-adding direct labor input. Based on production targets entered for each workstation and shift, the software counts the number of pieces completed per hour and measures and categorizes time usage into planned downtime, unplanned downtime and changeovers. The software measures actual production vs. planned production and offers insights into why the team is performing particularly fast or slow. When combined with other modules, the software enables managers to discover the root cause of performance changes.
Booth 1600
Leela IA
leela.ai
Augmented Reality Aids Assembly
Spotlight AR++ 2.4 augmented reality software improves the process of inspection, rework and manual assembly. Using a color projector, the software overlays precise and interactive digital guidance onto real-world parts. Floating licenses give engineers a flexible way to access the software, anywhere, anytime, and with multilingual support. The calibration process has been optimized to get the best image acquisition time between the camera and projector. The size of the projection area ranges from millimeters to meters wide. The software supports up to eight projectors. The software is a plug-in for PolyWorks Inspector 2023 that projects inspection results directly onto physical parts.
Booth 1308
3D Infotech
www.3dinfotech.com
Software Lets Workers Activate Machines Via Work Instructions
I/O Connect is a new add-on to VKS’ software that enables workers to activate and monitor devices, machines and PLCs directly from digital work instructions. It is the next step in consolidating manual and automated processes into one intelligent operation. The technology serves as a digital middleman, connecting VKS to PLCs, pick-to-light sensors, vision systems, cobots and machining centers. After workers complete their tasks within the work instructions, VKS sends a confirmation to connected devices to start the next step. Simultaneously, the software collects data directly from shop floor equipment, including cycle counts and set-up validations.
Booth 1005
VKS
www.vksapp.com