n TECHNOLOGY September 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com 16 Rockwell Automation has launched an edge gateway that, it says, will revolutionise data processing for industrial users. The OptixEdge gateway processes information where it’s created – at the machine – in real time. It connects to the user’s control system via Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Optix software to collect and analyse data, and send it to the cloud, allowing them to monitor and analyse machine or system data from multiple locations, resulting in faster insights, lower costs and smarter decision-making. The gateway’s capabilities include: n A built-in wizard app This simplifies data collection and allows easy configuration via a Web browser, thus cutting down on engineering time. It also allows users to deploy custom applications. n Efficiency The gateway allows lightweight applications to run in tandem with included software. n Secure remote access and troubleshooting Remote assistance is available via FactoryTalk Remote Access, allowing engineers and maintenance teams located remotely to program, configure and troubleshoot systems over a secure VPN connection. n Openness and flexibility The gateway can be used with a plant or machine’s existing Rockwell hardware, or third-party graphics terminals and controllers. n Cost savings and improved network performance The gateway allows users to send less data to the cloud, helping to save on storage costs, and improve network performance. "OptixEdge empowers customers to take control of their data like never before, providing powerful edge computing capabilities with flexibility, security and ease of use,” says Rockwell Automation software product manager, Jessica Morell. “By processing data at its source, OptixEdge enables customers to unlock valuable insights, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across their operations.” www.rockwellautomation.com p The lift-maker Kone is developing a proof-ofconcept for a DC-powered elevator system, to demonstrate the potential improvements in energy efficiency, durability and reliability. By recovering and reinjecting energy generated while braking, DC-powered lift systems cut losses and electricity consumption. They are also more suitable for renewables and energy storage systems, reducing the energy drawn from the grid. Also, unnecessary AC/DC conversions are avoided, making electrical distribution more stable, reducing breakdowns and making systems more resilient and secure. Kone has joined the Current/OS Foundation which champions DC power. p Fluke Reliability has integrated its eMaint CMMS (computerised maintenance management system) with its Watchman Services AI vibration condition-monitoring system, allowing maintenance personnel to bridge the gap between asset condition-monitoring and maintenance, improving uptime, and cutting costs. When Fluke bought Azima in 2023, eMaint users started to use its diagnostics and AI-driven fault detection to improve maintenance decisions. Now, with the platforms connected, real-time vibration data and recommendations from Watchman Services can go directly into eMaint work order management. https://reliability.fluke.com/azima-dli p Mujin, a Japanese pioneer in intelligent robotics for logistics, manufacturing, and supply chains, has developed a robotic operating system called MujinOS that eliminates the need for custom programming, manual calibration and rigid system design. At its core is a real-time digital twin that perceives, plans and controls robotic systems, enabling consistent performance even in high-variability environments. At least eight systems integrators in North America are planning to use the OS to design applications such as palletising, bin picking and mobile robot coordination, while expanding into more complex and dynamic use cases that were previously too difficult or timeconsuming to automate. www.mujin-corp.com p ABB says it has achieved an industry first by gaining Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) status for a GMD (gearless mill drive) ring motor, which is used to drive large grinding mills in the mining industry. An EPD is a standardised document that provides detailed information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. A GMD transmits torque between the motor and mill via the magnetic field in the air gap between the motor’s stator and rotor. p A Japanese company, Telexistence, has launched a “groundbreaking” service that will generate large-scale, cost-effective robotic motion datasets tailored to customer needs. At its core is a “motion data factory” – a new infrastructure for the robotics industry, functioning like a critical utility that delivers motion data for advancing robot intelligence, thus accelerating the growth of robotics companies and research institutions. https://youtu.be/5Q8rIQ6HA4M TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS Edge gateway ‘revolutionises’ data processing, saving time and money THE CHINESE ROBOT DEVELOPER Unitree has announced a four-legged robot that can carry loads of up to 25kg, and move at speeds of up to 5m/s – three times faster than Boston Dynamics’rival Spot quadruped robot, which can handle loads up to 14kg. A video of the A2 Stellar Explorer robot shows it performing acrobatics, running up and down steps and steep hills, climbing 1m-high blocks, navigating through complex terrains, carrying a 30kg weight for 12.55km, and supporting a person jumping up and down on its back. The robot’s 12 joints are powered by permanent magnet synchronous motors with high-speed inner rotors, that can each deliver 180Nm of torque. It weighs around 37kg – about 6kg of that being a hotswappable 453Wh battery. Carrying a 25kg load, the aluminiumand-plastic robot can walk for more than three hours, covering around 12.5km. Unloaded, it can walk for more than five hours, covering around 20km. It can handle slopes of up to 45 degrees, and steps up to 30cm high. When stationary, the robot can support up to 100kg. The IP56-protected A2 carries one or two Lidar sensors (front and rear) and an HD camera. Unitree claims that it has no blind spots. The robot’s joints incorporate dual encoders and crossed roller bearings A wheeled version will be available. www.unitree.com Acrobatic four-legged robot can run at speeds of up to 5m/s and carry 25kg Rockwell’s OptixEdge gateway allows users to take control of their data “like never before”
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