On Tuesday, March 26th, we took part in Control Automation Day, a free virtual conference and trade show designed for control engineers. The one-day event included keynote addresses from influential engineers and companies, live sessions from industry experts, and digital exhibitor booths from industry-leading manufacturers and distributors. Here are the highlights from last week’s event. A Deep Dive into Precision vs. Accuracy: Prof. Bonev's Compelling Keynote Our presence at the event was highlighted by a compelling keynote delivered by Professor Ilian Bonev, our co-founder and a leading figure in the field of robotics. Titled "Beyond Repeatability: Accuracy Drives the Next

Mecademic Redefines Robotics: The Smallest, Most Precise 6-Axis Robot Now Offers Absolute Accuracy. Montreal, Canada, March 26, 2024—Mecademic's new Absolute Calibration service enhances its robots' accuracy capabilities, delivering unparalleled quality and reliability. Mecademic, an innovator in compact, high-precision industrial robotics, proudly announces an enhancement that positions its robots as not only the most precise but also the most accurate in the market. The launch of the Mecademic Absolute Calibration (MAC) service highlights the company's unique ability to deliver robots that meet critical precision and accuracy requirements directly out-of-the-box, eliminating the need for third-party calibration services. Created to serve industries where

The terms  “precision” and “accuracy” are often tossed around interchangeably in everyday language, despite representing distinct concepts. In the world of robotics, understanding this difference is crucial for developing well-functioning robotic applications. Not every task demands pinpoint accuracy, for example, but most require precision. This blog dives into the nuances of precision and accuracy, unpacking their importance and how they influence the diverse landscape of robotic applications.   Precision: The Art of Consistent Repetition Imagine a robotic arm meticulously assembling a complex circuit board. Precision, in this context, refers to the robot's remarkable ability to repeat the same movement consistently.

The world of photonics, encompassing the science and technology of light, is experiencing a transformative boom. From developing cutting-edge lasers for medical applications to creating ultra-fast fiber optic networks, the industry is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and communicate. That’s why a couple weeks ago, we brought our innovative robotic solutions to the biggest stage in photonics and optics: Photonics West 2024. The event presented a fantastic opportunity to showcase how Mecademic robots address the industry’s key manufacturing and scaling challenges – dealing with small and delicate parts, light reflections and space restrictions. Our goal is to expand

ATX West returned to Anaheim this February 2024, and as a premier manufacturing technology trade show in the United States, we saw it as a prime opportunity to showcase our robots’ ability to tackle diverse medical device, electronics and photonics manufacturing challenges. Boasting a compact design, unmatched precision, and patent-pending, user-friendly interface, our robots are designed with manufacturers in mind. Let’s take a closer look at the key highlights from ATX West 2024.     Event Highlights Product Demonstrations   To make a big impact with our small robots, we came prepared with four unique demos showcasing our robots’ diverse

In the rapidly evolving world of micro-automation, the MicroDASH-MCS500 SCARA robot by Mecademic boasts a range of features that redefine what's possible. It is the smallest, most compact, and most precise SCARA robot in the world, allowing it to fit in the most stringent workspaces and automate the most miniature tasks. But that isn’t all that makes this 4-axis robot one of a kind. Let's delve into the key features that make the Mecademic SCARA robot an unparalleled choice for efficiency in various applications and industries. Compact Design for Maximum Efficiency The MCS500 takes the lead as the most compact

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, and with the advent of each new technological advancement, the questions arise:  Will machines eventually replace us?  Will we know when we have gone too far?   With the recent rise of AI technology and the push for increased automation following pandemic-induced worker shortages, these questions are again at the forefront of our minds.  But are these fears valid? Should we be hesitant about moving forward?  If history is a guide, it has demonstrated that automation has thus far greatly benefited workers and the global economy overall.    Looking Back on Automation Automation, which

It is difficult to keep up in the new and rapidly evolving world of micro-automation. Manufacturers, machine builders, and integrators alike are increasingly searching for innovative solutions to automate the handling of delicate small parts, but this is no simple task. To address this, we hosted a webinar presenting the challenges of industrial robotics for micro-applications by introducing the market to the smallest, most compact, and precise SCARA robot: the MicroDASH-MCS500. Invited to speak as part of our panel were Stanislav Gleizer (our Director of Applications and Support), and three experts who shared their firsthand experiences with the MCS500 SCARA

Overview Mecademic Industrial Robotics has recently joined forces with Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS), the preferred supplier of advanced manufacturing solutions and integrations to Australian & New Zealand businesses and a globally renowned Bosch Group division. This new distributor will bring Mecademic’s compact and precise robotic technology to BAMS's premium-quality automated manufacturing solutions and services.    Aim: Provide more efficient and reliable results for Australian and New Zealand manufacturers across various industries: Mecademic’s advanced robotic technology is unique - providing the world’s smallest, most compact, and most precise industrial robots. This technology has allowed machine builders to develop groundbreaking and

Montreal, QC - October 5, 2023 - Mecademic, specialists in robots for micro-automation, announces the formal launch of its new product line, the MicroDASH series, with the first shipments of its MCS500 SCARA. This innovative 4-axis robot offers unmatched space efficiency, precision, and integration flexibility to accelerate the automation of small component design, inspection, and assembly applications. This formal launch follows the successful Early Access Program, resulting in robot design advancements and pre-orders from customers and partners across North America, Europe, and Asia.     The innovative design of the MicroDASH MCS500 offers the most miniature SCARA robot in its

Introduction Choosing the right robot for your business depends on a thorough evaluation of your specific needs. By considering factors such as workspace, payload, speed, precision, cost, and programming complexity, you can make an informed decision. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, applications, and considerations for choosing between 6-axis and SCARA robots. This article will compare the specifics of Mecademic’s 6-axis industrial robot arm (the Meca500) and Mecademic’s latest robot launch, the micro-SCARA.  Understanding the Basics Before diving into the comparison, let's briefly explore the fundamental characteristics of SCARA and 6-axis robots. SCARA Robots: SCARA stands

Micro-automation for handling precision optics in Laser Devices and Photonics Industry   Automation in the photonics industry is a unique and challenging process. It deals with small and delicate parts that require clean and precise handling with high levels of consistency, in an environment free of any light reflections. Recognizing these demands, Mecademic has addressed the needs of the industry by developing a solution (currently in Beta) that combines its highly-precise six-axis robot arm with a specialized light-absorbing coating. Explore the features that make the anodized Meca500 robot the perfect solution for automation in the photonics industry.      

Automatica and Laser World of Photonics returned this past June 27-30th, 2023 to the Trade Fair Center Messe München in Munich, Germany. As the world’s leading trade fairs in automation and robotics, and laser and photonics, we believed these events were crucial opportunities to connect with industry leaders from Europe and around the world, discover key technologies, and observe global developments in our industry, ensuring our company's continued growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape. Below are some of the highlights from our time at Automatica and Laser World of Photonics.     Exciting New

Montreal, Canada and Munich, Germany, June 28, 2023 — Mecademic is pleased to announce and showcase its latest robotic innovation at Automatica in Munich. Early Access Program participants are testing this micro-SCARA robot across micro-automation applications that feature requirements such as high precision, speed, and a small footprint. “We launched the Early Access Program for our SCARA robot in May. This program included select distributors, integrators, and end customers across North America, Europe, and Asia. We greatly appreciate the level of application testing and feedback from these selected experts,” shared Philippe Beaulieu, Chief Commercial Officer at Mecademic Inc. He continues, “We

  Automate returned to Detroit May 22-25, and as the leading automation trade show in North America, we saw it as a unique and valuable opportunity to expand our knowledge, connect with industry leaders, refine our deployment strategies, and make a substantial impact in the field of automation. Let's take a closer look at the key highlights from Automate 2023.     Micro-Automation in Action In order to make a big impression with our small robots, we brought a total of 35 robots to Automate: - 33 Meca500 robot arms and 2 Mecademic SCARA robots. They made up 14 distinct

This is a copy of the presentation given by our co-founder, Prof. Ilian Bonev, at Automate 2023. This talk aims at explaining the importance of mastering robot singularities and robot configurations (i.e., the solutions of the inverse kinematics). Without a comprehensive understanding of the subject, industrial robot integrators can't optimize the cycle times of their robot motions or even accomplish certain robot movements. Artificial intelligence might one day simplify the job of robot integrators, but as of now, the have hardly more help implementing industrial robots than a decade ago.   

Montreal, Canada and Detroit, MI, May 24, 2023 — Mecademic Robotics is pleased to announce the launch of the Early Access Program for its micro-SCARA robotic innovation. This unique micro-SCARA robot provides high throughput and repeatability while optimizing space and mount flexibility.  “Our compact SCARA robot packs a big punch and continues our focus on achieving big automation leaps within the smallest possible footprint,” shared Jonathan Coulombe, CEO, Mecademic Inc. He explains, “This expansion of our product line was in direct response to customers asking us for a SCARA to complement our six-axis robotic arm. We are pleased to deliver on

Read this before purchasing an industrial robot  When it comes to investing in a robot for your business, it's important to carefully consider all the costs involved, also known as the “Total Cost of Ownership” or TCO, to ensure that you're getting the greatest Return on Investment (ROI). The base or advertised price of a robot is usually the starting price, and there are many more expenses to consider. The long term operational costs are significant and you need to be aware of all these added costs and their requirements prior to comparing and purchasing your robots. Here, we'll explore

We are thrilled to unveil our latest innovation, the MecaPortal – a cutting-edge web interface that revolutionizes how users interact with their Mecademic robots. The MecaPortal comes with a range of new features that make it a game-changer in the world of industrial robotics:   Modern User Interface The new MecaPortal interface is more visually appealing and easier to navigate than previous versions, making it accessible to those without specialized coding training.   Revamped Code Editor The MecaPortal’s revamped code editor makes it easier than ever before for users to create programs and run them on their Mecademic robot.  

High-precision automation for difficult manipulations and bin-picking tasks Meet our latest addition to the MecaNetwork: CapSen Robotics. CapSen provides tailor-made solutions for unique automation challenges such as picking and placing small, shiny, metallic, and other complex parts—even assembling the pieces. How? Their 3D vision, motion planning, and control software, CapSen PiC™, gives robots the spatial intelligence needed to manage such automation tasks. What is spatial intelligence? Spatial intelligence combines state-of-the-art geometric CAD model-matching techniques with advanced machine learning to achieve high detection accuracy across different object shapes, sizes, and materials. It is used in various pick and place, machine tending, and order

If you're looking for ways to improve the efficiency, scalability, quality, and time-to-market of your lab automation processes, then Mecademic robots are the solution you need. Designed for handling sensitive operations with precision and minimizing human error, these affordable robot arms are ideal for sample handling and analysis in biotech testing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Here are some of the ways Mecademic robots can benefit your lab automation processes:   Handle repetitive tasks with precision When dealing with sensitive operations, minimizing human error is a high priority to avoid extra costs and potential delays. By working with reliable lab automation robots,

Benefits of using the Meca500 in the automotive industry While automotive robotics is often associated with large robots, small and easy-to-integrate robots like Mecademic’s are increasingly popular in the production, inspection, and testing of automotive parts. Such robots have become the answer to the increasing need for quality, capacity, and flexibility in automotive manufacturing processes. Mecademic’s reconfigurable robots accommodate today’s demand for product diversity, facilitate installation and operation of automation systems, and guarantee product consistency. Although there are many benefits to choosing Mecademic robots for manufacturing in the automotive industry, these are a few of the key ones:   Reduced

When it comes to pick-and-place applications, choosing the right robot arm can make a big difference in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your automation solution.     Both the 6-axis and SCARA robots are used for automation on assembly lines, but which one should you pick for your business needs? Here’s a quick breakdown. A six-axis robot arm is the only viable solution in many pick-and-place operations. This is true when: your application involves picking and placing parts that are presented in multiple orientations (such as in 3D bin picking) or need to be reoriented about non-vertical axes; your installation

Micro-manipulation is the process of handling and moving very small parts with high precision, typically in the range of microns. This delicate task is often performed in industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, where accuracy and repeatability are critical.     The Meca500 robot arm from Mecademic is an ideal solution for micro-manipulation applications for several reasons:   ease of integration  Unlike most other micro-manipulation solutions and industrial robots, the Meca500 is an automation component that is easy to integrate. All you need to do is connect a computer to the Meca500 using an Ethernet cable and stream Mecademic's

Machine tending is an essential aspect of modern manufacturing processes. While human operators can perform the job, robots have become the preferred choice for many businesses because they provide high accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. However, choosing the right robot for machine tending applications can be challenging, and it's essential to consider various factors such as part orientation, mounting surface, and tool requirements.     Here is a brief comparison of the six-axis robot and SCARA robot for machine tending applications:   SCARA Robot: The Mecademic MCS500 SCARA robot is an excellent choice for high-speed machine tending applications where parts do

Choosing between a 6-axis robot and a SCARA robot for your dispensing application depends on how much flexibility your application demands.     If you’re unsure whether the six-axis arm or SCARA is the best option for you, here is a breakdown of when to use either robot:   If you need more flexibility in your dispensing application, use the Meca500 six-axis robotic arm. You can orient your dispense tip anywhere within the robot's workspace with two additional degrees of freedom. The Meca500 can even dispense on curved surfaces and hard-to-reach places. It can carry fluid dispensers weighing up to

Interested in using manufacturing robots but don’t have people with the right expertise on your team? Wondering if you will need to invest heavily in training your staff on robotics programming? Or maybe you considered surrendering your application to an external integrator? If these questions sound familiar, then you’ve most likely wondered whether it is possible to program a robot without extra training. Robotics programming has always been highly specialized. Technicians and engineers typically learned to program particular robot brands and often stuck with that brand for years. Even if you had extensive robotics experience with a particular brand, you

Alexandre Pérusse is an Application Engineer at Mecademic Robotics specializing in PLC integration. In this blog post, he explains why programmers of Controllogix and CompactLogix PLCs, first-time robotics users, shouldn’t be intimidated by the Meca500. The Meca500 robot natively supports EtherNet/IP, and AOI are free of charge.     Meca500 robot arms and Allen-Bradley PLC     After completing my Engineering degree in Automated Production at ÉTS, I began working for an OEM in the packaging industry as a PLC programmer specializing in Allen-Bradley and B&R control systems. I worked there for four years. During that time, I encountered the

As one of the key technologies included in the 4th Industrial Revolution, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is radically changing manufacturing. Thanks to the availability of IoT-enabled robots like the Meca500 from Mecademic, coupled with low-cost sensors and wireless connectivity, manufacturers can now collect, analyze, and use data for transformative results.   IIoT benefits for manufacturers Industry 4.0 and the IIoT aren’t just hype; the associated changes are showing tangible benefits such as minimizing downtime, and helping to address the workforce shortage. The 2022 Advanced Manufacturing Outlook report from Plant revealed that the top-cited benefits manufacturers have seen from IIoT and

While it may seem counter-intuitive, there are instances where it makes sense to use an off-the-shelf 6-axis robot arm instead of having a system designed because you only require three of four degrees of freedom. Using an off-the-shelf 6-axis robot arm can save money, time, space, and energy compared to a custom system.   Lower capital investment with a 6-axis robot arm Designing a multi-axis system takes time, which adds to engineering expenses. A multi-axis system can be as simple as a couple of linear guides stacked on top of each other (a so-called gantry robot) or as complex as

Studies show that workers, especially Gen Z, would rather use robots than do repetitive tasks that could be automated. By implementing robotic solutions, companies can attract new talent, in a competitive hiring environment, while simultaneously improving production.     Before pandemic-induced labor shortages, the manufacturing industry was already experiencing major challenges replacing retiring workers and attracting and retaining new employees.  Automation and robotics have played a critical role in helping manufacturers become more flexible and maintain production.  With the additional strains on the workforce caused by the pandemic, even more companies are recognizing the value of automation and robotics. However,

Few make the distinction between machines, robots, service robots, and industrial robots. And for many, artificial intelligence (AI) is a mystical technology that will eventually lead to the automation of just about anything we humans do for a living, including manufacturing. Occasionally, I too hesitate and need to update explanations of these automation-related terms for my undergraduate course on Industrial Robotics at the ÉTS. While most are defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO), their use in industry might differ due to constant technological innovations. Add to that, the use of such terms in mainstream media is often arbitrary, especially when it comes to manufacturing. The truth is

Manufacturing medical devices is a highly regulated industry where stringent quality control and consistency standards must be met. For medical device OEMs, achieving high throughput while conforming to these regulations can be a significant challenge. Mecademic robots offer a solution that can help medical device manufacturers comply with market demands and meet regulatory requirements simultaneously. By using precise and reliable lab automation robots, medical device OEMs can achieve greater consistency and productivity, while reducing the potential for costly errors and delays.     Here are some of the ways Mecademic’s robots can benefit medical device manufacturing:    Easily accommodate product

If you're involved in manufacturing electronic products, then you know that achieving high precision and consistency without sacrificing throughput and flexibility is crucial. To enhance your electronics manufacturing process, consider investing in a Meca500 six-axis industrial arm.      Apart from the typical pick-and-place applications, the Meca500 is ideal for a host of other applications common in the electronics industry:   Inspecting With the increasing circuit complexity in today’s electronics industry, more manufacturers are turning to automated inspection, reducing human error. Mecademic robots can reliably ensure correct component alignment, check solder joint quality, read unique identification codes for product traceability,

As robotics technology progresses at a rapid pace, there is an increasing demand for affordable and user-friendly robots that can be utilized for educational and research purposes. When deciding on a robot arm for these purposes, it's important to consider factors such as size, precision, safety, cost-effectiveness, ease of operation, and openness of architecture. Mecademic robots stand out in the market due to their exceptional performance in all of these areas, outpacing both industrial and academic competitors. If you're in search of a new research or academic robot, the Meca500 offers numerous benefits and applications that should be considered.  

The aerospace industry demands high precision, safety, and micro-manipulation, which can be a tall order for human operators alone. That's where Mecademic robots come in. With their unmatched precision and flexibility, Mecademic robots offer crucial solutions for aerospace manufacturing, from ultrasonic testing to fiber optic alignment.       Mecademic robots are widely used for inspection, testing, and micro-manipulation of small engine parts, avionics systems, and extraterrestrial materials. They can assemble delicate aerospace electronics with extreme levels of precision and machine small components accurately. Mecademic robots are also employed to apply sealants and dispense adhesives with high repeatability, reducing the

If you are looking for a solution to improve consistency, reduce development time, and optimize the design of your automated inspection and testing applications, look no further than Mecademic's 6-axis robot arm, the Meca500.     This small industrial robot arm is ideal for maintaining consistent quality standards due to its compact footprint and extreme precision.   Here’s a breakdown of four key ways the Meca500 will improve your inspecting and testing applications:   Improve consistency in inspection and testing. Mecademic robots guarantee precision and accuracy with a path repeatability of 0.050 mm and a position repeatability of 0.005 mm.

Looking for a precise and flexible robotic benchtop solution for luxury jewelry and watch-making automation? Mecademic robots are ideal for tasks involving the micromanipulation of watch and jewelry components.       At Mecademic we feel that fine jewelry-making and haute horlogerie should be a cross between technology and tradition. However, the high cost of production and lengthy lead times can limit the scope of creativity. Robots are ideal for offloading repetitive tasks or performing manipulations with extreme precision. Discover why Mecademic’s energy-efficient and quiet robots help modern craftspeople achieve higher levels of quality while speeding up production.   Benefits

As automation continues transforming manufacturing, many companies are looking for flexible, efficient, and precise robotic solutions to help them improve consistency and throughput in their assembly lines.     If you're searching for a reliable six-axis robot for your assembly applications, the Meca500 robotic arm from Mecademic might be the perfect fit for you if : your application involves working with parts that are presented in different orientations (such as in 3D bin picking), or that need to be reoriented about non-vertical axes small tilting motions are required during the fitting process, even when parts theoretically remain horizontal; your application