Amrita Entrance Examination Engineering 2008 (AEEE)

Amrita Entrance Examination Engineering 2008 (AEEE)

Exam Details:

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University [Amrita school of Engineering]

Issue of Application Form begins on: 21-01-2008

Last date for submission of application: 26-03-2008

Entrance Examination on: 20-04-2008

À Entrance Notification click here

B.Tech programmes offered in:

Amritapuri: Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering

Bangalore: Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering

Coimbatore : Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering., Civil Engineering. (Proposed)



Eligibility:


A pass in 12th standard or second year Pre-University or equivalent examination from CBSE or any State Board or equivalent, with a minimum of 60% marks each in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry

OR

A Pass in Diploma examination (minimum 3 years duration after passing 10th standard), in Engineering, conducted by any State Board of Technical Education, scoring a minimum of 60% marks.

Note: Those who are appearing for the above examinations in April / May 2008 and expect to secure minimum marks as above may also apply.

Age - The age of the candidate should not exceed 21 years as on 01 July, 2008.

Proposed Centres of Examination: ANDHRA PRADESH : Anantpur, Hyderabad, Nellore, Nizamabad, Vishakapattanam, Vijayawada, Warangal DELHI : New Delhi GUJARAT : Ahmedabad JHARKHAND : Ranchi KARNATAKA : Bangalore, Belgaum, Bijapur, Dawengere, Dharwad, Karwar, Mangalore, Mysore, Raichur, Shimoga, Udupi KERALA : Amritapuri, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad MADHYA PRADESH : Bhopal MAHARASHTRA : Mumbai PONDICHERRY : Karaikkal, Pondicherry RAJASTHAN : Kota TAMIL NADU : Chennai, Coimbatore, Cudallore, Dindigul, Erode, Hosur, Karur, Madurai, Nagercoil, Namakkal, Ooty, Pudukottai, Salem, Tuticorin, Thirunelveli, Trichy, Vellore UTTAR PRADESH : Luck now WEST BENGAL Kolkata.



How To Apply:


In Person: Collect from any of the University counters of Amrita School of Engineering at Amritapuri, Bangalore and Coimbatore.

Application forms can also be obtained from the following branches of Dhanalakshmi Bank Ltd or, from
Post Offices on payment of Rs.850/-.

For list of Banks/Post offices in other states visit www.amrita.edu

Head Post Offices in Delhi (1) Asok Vihar (2) Delhi GPO (3) Indraprastha (4) New Delhi

Dhanalakshmi Bank Branches in Delhi (A) New Delhi Connaught Place (B) Karol Bagh (C) Lajpat Nagar

By Post: Write to any of the Admission Co-ordinators below with a demand draft for Rs.850/- favouring "Amrita School of Engineering", payable at Coimbatore.

Bangalore campus:

Amrita School of Engineering

Kasavanahalli, Carmelaram (P.O)

Bangalore – 560 035 Karnataka

Tel: 080 28439565/66

Fax: 080 28440092

Email: info@blr.amrita.edu

Website: www.amrita.edu/ase/bangalore

Coimbatore campus:

Amrita School of Engineering

Ettimadai (P.O) Coimbatore – 641 105 Tamilnadu

Tel: 0422 2656422 Admission Enquiry: 0422 2652424

Fax: 0422 2656274

Email: admissions@amrita.edu

Website: www.amrita.edu

Amritapuri campus:

Amrita School of Engineering

Amritapuri, Clappana (P.O)

Kollam - 690 525, Kerala

Tel: 0476 2896318

Fax: 0476 2896178

Email: admissions@amritapuri.amrita.edu

Website: www.amritapuri.amrita.edu

À Download: Syllabus : Model Questions

À Download Handbook | Application Form

À Amrita Entrance Examinations 2008 - Engineering



Important Dates:


Issue of Application Form Begins: 21-01- 2008
Last date of Issue of Application Forms: 24-03-2008

Last date for submission of filled-in application: 26-03-2008

Date of Examination: Will be announced later
Publication of Examination Results: Will be announced later

Counselling for Admission: Will be announced later


To know more details about entrance click here

Manipal University Graduate Entrance Test 2008 (UGET 08)

Manipal University Graduate Entrance Test 2008 (UGET 08)
Exam Details:

MANIPAL UNIVERSITY UGET 2008 - Undergraduate Entrance Test for Admission to Undergraduate Courses in MBBS BDS Engineering BPharma Nursing Biotechnology B.Sc. MIT BPT BOT Medicine


The
Manipal University, Karnataka invites applications for admissions to the various Medical and Engineering Courses in 2008. The admission to the different courses will be based on the rank in an All India Manipal University Online under Graduate Entrance Test 2008 (UGET 08) which will be held between 3.4.2008 (Thursday) and 20.5.2008 (Tuesday) at a time slot to be selected by the candidate at the test centre selected by the candidate.

Admissions open for Manipal University Undergraduate Courses in:

À Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

À Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

À Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

À B.Sc Nursing

À B.Sc Biotechnology

À Bachelor of Physical Therapy (BPT)

À Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)

À B.Sc Medical Imaging Technology (B.Sc MIT)

À B.Sc Nuclear Medicine Technology (Integrated B.Sc NMT)

À B.Sc Medical Laboratory Technology( BSc MLT)

À B.Sc Respiratory Therapy (BSc RT)

À B.Sc Optometry (B.Sc OPT)

À Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP)

À BSc Accident & Emergency Care (B Sc AEC)

À Bachelor of Engineering (BE)

Last date: 1.3.2008 (Saturday)

Exam date: 3.4.2008 (Thursday) and 20.5.2008 (Tuesday)


Eligibility:


Applicants should be Indian Nationals. Only those applicants whose date of birth falls on or before 31.12.1991 are eligible to apply. Applicants should have passed 10 + 2, A level, IB, American 12th Grade or equivalent with the following additional stipulations on subjects, for the various courses.

À MBBS/BDS: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with minimum of 55 % marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. In addition, candidates will have to score a minimum of 50% marks in the UGET 08 for admission to MBBS/BDS Courses.

À BPharm: Physics, Chemistry and English with one of Mathematics, Bio Technology, Computer science or Biology as optional with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and any one of the optional subjects.

À B.Sc Nursing: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with minimum of 50 % marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.

À B.Sc Biotechnology: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English with one of Bio Technology or Biology as optional with a minimum of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry and any one of the optional subjects.

À BPT/BOT/B.Sc, MIT/BSc, NMT/B.Sc, and MLT/B.Sc & RT: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with minimum of 45 % marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

À B.Sc OPT/BASLP/B.Sc AEC: Physics, Chemistry and English with Biology or Mathematics as optional with a minimum of 45 % marks in Physics, Chemistry and any one of the optional.

À
BE: Physics, Mathematics and English with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Computer science or Engineering Drawing as optional with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Mathematics and any one of the optional subjects.


How To Apply:

The application material can be purchased from Manipal University Admissions office by writing to the Director, Admissions, Manipal University, Manipal - 576104 by enclosing a request along with a Demand Draft for Rs.500 drawn in the name of ‘Manipal University’ and payable at Manipal, Udupi or Bangalore. The application material is available from select branches of State Bank of India, MeritTrac Offices and Candidates can also apply online.

UGET 2008 test centres: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Ernakulam, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Luck now, Manipal, Mangalore, Mumbai and Pune.

Last Date: Candidates have to send the Form along with the DD of Rs. 1000/- towards entrance fee, drawn on ‘Manipal University’ payable at Manipal, Udupi or Bangalore to Director, Admissions, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka – 576104 so as to reach the addressee on or before 1.3.2008 (Saturday). The actual amount to be remitted for applicants desirous of taking combination of courses is given in Section 8 of the Prospectus. Applicants should refer to that before taking the DD.

The UGET 2008 Result (merit list of candidates) who have appeared for the UGET will be published on 25.5.2008(Sunday) on www.manipal.edu


Important Dates:



Manipal UGAT 2008 Important Dates:

Last Date for Application: MBBS, BDS, BE (Engineering), BPharm

01.03.08

Last Date for Application: BSc Nursing, BSc Biotechnology, BPT, BOT, BSc MIT, BSc NMT, BSc MLT, BSc RT, BSc OPT, BASLP, BSc AEC

01.03.08

Last Date for Application: BHM, BAJC, BA GIR, BBM e-Banking, BBA JDM, BSc HIA

15.03.08

Last Date for Application: BArch

30.04.08

Last Date for Application: Lateral BE/BPharm

15.04.08

Last Date for Application: BSc Applied Sciences, BSc Animation, PC BSc Nursing

30.06.08



For details Visit web site URL: www.manipal.edu or email us admissions@manipal.edu for further details


Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology: M.Tech (Research)

SARDAR VALLABHBHAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SURAT offers admission to M Tech (Research). The M. Tech. (Research) Programmes are being offered in the following disciplines for the specializations mentioned above for regular M Tech Programmes:
  1. Civil Engineering
  2. Mechanical Engineering
  3. Chemical Engineering
  4. Computer Engineering
  5. Electronics Engineering
  6. Applied Mechanics

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION
The eligibility for admission to M. Tech. (Research) in Engineering Faculty and Interdisciplinary areas is :

  1. A candidate shall possess Bachelor’s Degree in any one of the seven disciplines stated above and should have passed with at least second-class with minimum 55% (CGPA = 6.0) or equivalent in respective Engineering faculty.
  2. Selection through oral presentation on the proposed area of research in front of a committee.
  3. There will be an interview for eligible students with the guide/s by each department.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND APPLICATION FORM
Application forms can be obtained form The Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat by sending a crossed Demand Draft of Rs 500/- (Rs. 250/- for SC/ST candidates) drawn in favor of The Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat payable at Surat along with self-addressed envelope affixed with postage stamps of Rs. 25/- superscripted with “ Application for M. Tech. (Research) Programme” or in person from the Academic Section of the Institute on cash payment of Rs 500/- (Rs. 250/- for SC/ST candidates). Copy of the application form can also be downloaded from the website: http://www.svnit.ac.in. In such cases, the form duly filled in, with necessary certificates, marksheets etc, must be sent along with crossed Demand Draft of Rs 500/- (Rs. 250/- for SC/ST candidates) drawn in favor of The Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat payable at Surat.

IMPORTANT DATES


* The form can be downloaded from the institute website http://www.svnit.ac.in

# The list of candidates called for the interview shall be put on the Institute website http://www.svnit.ac.in on January 01, 2008 by Head of the concerned Department, no separate interview call letter shall be sent to the individual.

** The results will be placed on the departmental notice boards & on the website by Head of the concerned Departments on or before January 10,2008

Policy of reservation will be adopted for admission as per guide lines of MHRD released from time to time.

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT): B.Tech, M.Tech, BCA, MCA

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has announced entrance examination test 2008 for doing B.Tech, Integrated Law Programme, BBA/BCA, MCA, M.Tech, and M.Sc. (Biotechnology) courses.

Eligibility Criteria

  • For B.Tech. (4 years) Course :- Pass in 10 +2 (Science) examination or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and having at least 50% marks in aggregate at 10+2 examination .
  • For B.Tech. -LE ( 3 years) :- Pass in three years diploma course in Engineering with at least 60% marks in aggregate.
  • For Integrated Law Progrmme (5 years):
    BBA(LLB) / BA (LLB) :
    Pass in 10+2 in any stream with at least 50% marks.
    B.Sc. (LLB) : Pass in 10+2(Science) with at least 50% marks.
  • For BBA / BCA (3 years) : Pass in 10+2 in any stream with at least 50% marks.
    For Integrated M.Sc. (Biotechnology) (5 years) :- Pass in 10 +2 (Science) examination or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology and having at least 50% marks in aggregate at 10+2 examination.
  • For MCA (3 years) :- Any Graduate with minimum 50% marks in graduation or equivalent having mathematics either in 10+2 or graduation level-as one of the subject.
  • For M.Tech. (2 years):- B.E. or B.Tech. or equivalent Degree (e.g. AMIE, GRADE-IETE etc) in respective branches of Engineering and Technology with a First Class or equivalent CGPA or First Class MCA/ First Class M.Sc. in (Comp/IT/ETC) GATE qualified candidates shall be accorded preference in the process of selection. GATE qualified candidates having Score 350 or above need not sit in the entrance Examination.
  • M.Sc. (Biotech/Microbiology) (2 years) :- Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science/ Agriculture/ Pharmacy/ Veterinary / Engineering / Technology / Medicine (MBBS/BDS) with at least 55% marks.

For all the courses, candidates appearing in the qualifying examination can also apply. But, they have to produce the pass certificate of the qualifying examination on the day of counseling, failing which their rank/position secured in the entrance Examination will stand cancelled automatically and they will have no claim for the admission as per the rank.

Date of Birth

  • For B. Tech. 4 year/ Integrated M.Sc.(Biotech.), BBA / BCA / BBALLB / BALLB/ BSCLLB :- Candidate should have been born on or after 01.07.1987.
  • For B.Tech. (LE): - Candidate should have been born on or after 01.07.1984.
  • For MCA/M.Sc. :- Candidate should have been born on or after 01.07.1982
  • For M. Tech.: – No age Bar.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application Form :-
Application can either be submitted in prescribed Application Form or made ‘Online’ only. Application Form and Prospectus can be obtained by Post or in person from the Admission Section, KIIT University, Koel Campus, P.O.-KIIT, Patia, Bhubaneswar-751024.

Application Form and Prospectus will be available across the counters of the University, at designated branches of Allahabad Bank and enlisted Post Offices ( Appendix-VI) Postal request will not be entertained by the Banks. The cost of Application Form and Prospectus (inclusive of Examination Fees) is:-

  1. Rs.700- ( across the University counters) or
  2. Rs.725/- through designated branches of Allahabad Bank and Post Offices including Bank/Postal service charge.
  3. Rs.775/- (postal request) by Bank draft in favour of KIIT, payable at Bhubaneswar. This includes Rs. 75/- as postal delivery charges.
  4. Candidates applying for more than one course have to enclose as additional Demand Draft of Rs.200/- in favour of KIIT payable at Bhubaneswar.

‘Online’ submission at website http://www.kiitee.ac.in/ or http://www.kiit.ac.in/

ADMIT CARD
The Admit Card will be sent by post to the candidates (including online applicants) from dt. 01.03.2008 to dt. 20.03.2008. Candidates must not mutilate the Admit Card or change any entry made therein. In case, the Admit Card is not received by 1st April, 2008 candidates should check KIIT website and download the Admit card by entering the Application Number. In case of non-availability of Admit Card in the website, write/contact KIIT between 1st April,2008 to 10th April,2008 giving details of the Post Office, date of despatch, receipt of Postal despatch, Photocopy of the Application Form, one photograph (as pasted on the Application Form) and proof of remittance of fee.

EVALUATION AND DECLARATION OF RESULTS
Results of KIITEE-2008 will be declared on 20.05-2008. On the basis of marks secured by the candidate in Entrance Examination, separate Merit lists will be prepared for B.Tech., B.Tech.(LE), Integrated M.Sc. Programme, BBA/BCA, Integrated Law, M.Tech., MCA, M.Sc. (Biotechnology/ Microbiology) Courses. A cut-off qualifying mark will be fixed by the University, at the time of declaration of Entrance Result. Result will be published through Net. The candidates can see their result by giving their application number/roll number.
Rank Card indicating the Rank in Entrance Examination, shall be sent to the qualified candidates. Candidates can download the rank card from the website. As per the availability of seats in different courses, cut-off Rank for counselling will be notified. Candidates, having rank above cut-off rank, shall be called for counselling. In case of two or more candidates obtaining equal marks, interse merit of such candidates shall be determined as follows:-

  • B.Tech.:- On the basis of marks obtained in Mathematics, then in Physics and then by age (preference to older candidates).
  • Integrated M.Sc.(Biotech.) :- On the basis of marks obtained in Chemistry, then in Physics and then by age (preference to older candidates).
  • B.Tech. (LE)- On the basis of marks obtained in Part-II (Concerned subject) and then by age. (preference to the older candidate).
  • BBA / BCA :- On the basis of Marks obtained in Mathematical Ability, then in Analytical Ability. then in English and then by age. (Preference to the older candidate)
  • Integrated Law :- On the basis of Marks obtained in Mathematical Ability, then in Linguistic Skill, then in Legal Aptitude, then in General Knowledge and then be age.
  • MCA:- On the basis of the marks obtained in Computer Awareness, then Mathematics and then by age ( Preference to older candidates)
  • M.Tech:- Preference to Older Candidates
  • M.Sc.(Microbiology/Biotechnology) :- On the basis of marks obtained in Biology, then Chemistry, then Mathematics and then by age. (Preference to Older Candidates)

IMPORTANT DATES
Issue of Application Form : - 07.01.2008
Last date of Selling & Receiving Application Form :- 28.02.2008
Date of Entrance Exam :- 03.05.2008 & 04. 05.2008
Publication of Result :- 20.05.2008
Counselling :- 10.06.2008 to 14.06.2008

Application Form should be sent to The Director, Admissions, KIIT University, Koel Campus, PO-KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Pin-751024, Orissa, Ph.No.-0674-2741998,2742103

Time Management

Why set up a study time management plan?

In the course of your studies you will have many study tasks to perform and only limited time in which to perform them. It is therefore essential that you manage your time efficiently to complete all tasks on time with minimum personal stress. Planning your time management will help you allocate appropriate amounts of time to each task and avoid conflict of assignment commitments and a last minute rush (nobody consistently produces their best work at 3am the night before the assignment is due).

Expertise in time management is highly valued by employers, so as well as helping you succeed with your undergraduate study, practicing time management planning will give you a highly marketable skill.

How do I set up a time management plan?

Here are some steps to follow:

  • Identify the tasks that have to be done;
  • Rank these tasks, according to what needs to be done first, what is most important, what is most time-consuming, etc;
  • Be aware of the natural human tendency to give time to tasks we find easy or agreeable and not enough to those we find difficult or disagreeable;
  • Sequence the work, giving a realistic allocation of time to each activity. Discipline yourself to stick to this allocation;
  • Remember to allow time for social and personal commitments;
  • Become aware of time-wasting activities (talking on the phone, watching TV, etc.) and avoid them or keep them under control; and
  • Be realistic about how much you can achieve in each study session and remember to schedule short breaks every hour or so. If you work for too long without a break your concentration may begin to flag. However make sure that you keep breaks to about 10 minutes.

When is the best time to study?

Here are some suggestions:

  • After lectures. This allows you to review and reflect on what you have just learned.
  • Before tutorials. This allows you to do required reading and to prepare you to learn from and contribute to the session.
  • Before exams. Avoid last-minute 'cramming'. If you have been following a well-designed study time management plan you should need only a general revision to remind you of what you have learned over the semester.
  • Observe your own personal preferences. For instance, are you a 'night person' or a 'day person'? Plan your heaviest study for the time when you are most productive.

Weekly planning

At the beginning of each week refer to your semester timetable and use this as the basis of your weekly plan. Print the weekly plan template. In addition to the activities indicated on your semester timetable, you will need to make provision for additional study tasks which you did not anticipate at the beginning of semester. Also make a note of social and personal commitments. From this information, plan how you will organise your week and complete your weekly plan.

Reading Techniques

1. Preview

Preview the text to be read by skimming it. Skimming is the technique of allowing your eyes to travel rapidly over a page, stopping here and there to register the main idea. When skimming, you should follow the procedure below, adapting it to your purpose

  • Read the title.
  • Note the writer's name.
  • Note the date and place of publication.
  • Read the first paragraph completely.
  • Read sub-headings and first sentences of remaining paragraphs.

As you read, pick up main ideas, key words (words that tell you who, what, when, where, how many, and how much), and transition markers (words like 'however', 'alternatively', 'additionally', and so on), which suggest the direction of ideas in the text.

2. Question

Effective reading is active reading. To turn reading from a passive into an active exercise, always ask questions.

To do this, you must be clear about the purpose of your reading. If you are reading a text which you will be critiquing in detail, your questions will be different from those you would ask if you were reading a number of texts for background information. If you are gathering material for an essay, formulate some tentative ideas about the approaches you might take, modifying them as you accumulate material.

During the preview, note as many questions as you can about the content. For instance, turn headings into questions and try to anticipate possible answers the writer may offer. Always actively look for connections and relationships. Look at the ways ideas are structured and developed.

The object of the preview and questioning steps is to determine the writer's thesis, that is, her/his main idea and purpose in writing.

As you read, list all the words about which you are uncertain; look them up in the dictionary and write down their definitions.

3. Take notes

Some reasons for taking notes are:

  • to maintain attentiveness as you read,
  • to focus your attention,
  • to familiarise yourself with primary and secondary material on a given subject,
  • to analyse the assumptions and rhetorical strategies of the writer,
  • to provide you with a summary of the material.

Some hints for taking notes:

  • Always record bibliographical details of the text from which you are taking notes.
  • Write on one side of the paper only.
  • Leave a wide margin for comments and cross-references.
  • Use headings, subheadings, and diagrams.
  • Keep notes brief but full enough to still make sense to you in six months' time. Make sure they're legible.

4. Summarise

A summary is a collation of your notes, recording the main points the writer makes. Making a summary from your notes has two main benefits.

  • It allows you to test yourself on your understanding of the material you have been reading - sometimes it is only when you try to put the writer's ideas into your own words that you uncover difficulties.
  • It provides you with a compact account of the text for further reference.

5. Review and reflect

To capitalise fully on the time you've spent reading an article or chapter, it's important to review and reflect upon what you've read. This enhances your understanding and helps you to commit important facts and ideas to your long-term memory.

Here are some review and reflection exercises you may find useful:

  • Test your understanding of the material by trying to answer your preview questions without referring to your notes.
  • Write down the meaning and usefulness the material has for understanding other concepts and principles. Indicate what other ideas the material substantiates, contradicts, or amplifies.
  • Evaluate the text in terms of its informativeness, soundness of argument, relevance, and so on. If you are gathering material for an essay or report, decide which points you want to use and think about how you can use them.
  • Start a reading journal in which you keep all reading, review, and reflection notes.

Acquisition combines infra-red camera makers

Cedip Infrared Systems' infra-red camera operations will be integrated into the Thermography Division of Flir Systems and trade under the Flir brand name

Flir Systems became the majority shareholder of Cedip Infrared Systems on 4th January 2008. Cedip Infrared Systems' infra-red camera operations will be integrated into the thermography Division of Flir Systems and trade under the Flir brand name. The acquisition will provide greater R and D capability, enhanced core competence and greater production and distribution ability.

Flir Systems will now have the capacity to develop R and D Systems that are application-specific with a greater range of cooled detector combinations.

The centre of excellence of these high-end cameras will remain at the Cedip Infrared Systems base in France.

'The combined forces of Flir Systems Thermography Division and Cedip Infrared Systems will take infra-red technology into a new league on many fronts and result in development excellence to the benefit of all our customers', according to Arne Almerfors, President of the Flir Systems Thermography Division.

'Teaming up with Flir Systems Thermography Division is a great opportunity for the development of Cedip Infrared Systems high end thermography products'.

'The combination of the international sales network and global expertise of Flir Systems together with the technology of Cedip Infrared Systems, will immediately benefit all the customers and markets we serve' according to Pierre Potet, President of Cedip Infrared Systems.

Making robotic automation safe

Machine builders and system integrators installing a robot for the first time need to be aware of the differences between safeguarding in conventional automation and robotic applications

Because there are important differences between conventional automation and robotic applications when it comes to safeguarding, this article provides guidance for new users. Suppliers of industrial robots have been busy launching new products in the past year and, although the take-up in the UK still varies between market sectors (automotive, plastic/rubber and food/beverage are the largest users), many machine builders and system integrators are finding themselves in the position of installing a robot for the first time.

Robot suppliers, of course, emphasise the ease of use of modern programming, teaching and simulation tools, but it should not be forgotten that there are important differences between conventional automation and robotic applications when it comes to safeguarding.

Without a doubt, the best place to start is HSG43, 'Industrial Robot Safety', which is published by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).

While it is not compulsory to adhere to this guidance, the HSE says that doing so will normally be enough to comply with the law.

HSG43 covers safety during installation, commissioning, testing and programming, as well as during use and maintenance.

Other topics range from the principles of safeguarding robot systems and safety at the design stage, through to hazard identification, risk assessment, training and interfacing with the robot controller.

There is also a useful appendix with seven case studies and another that outlines the relevant health and safety laws.

However, while the guide's references section includes a list of relevant standards, it has to be borne in mind that HSG43 (second edition) was published in 2000, so it does not include all of the latest standards - such as EN ISO 13849-1 (Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1: General principles for design), which supersedes EN 954-1, or EN ISO 10218-1:2006 (Robots for industrial environments - Safety requirements - Part 1: Robot), which was recently harmonised to the Machinery Directive to replace EN 775 (Manipulating industrial robots - Safety).

Note that a draft for public comment of ISO 10218-2 (Robots for industrial environments - Safety requirements - Part 2: Robot system and integration) is expected to be available by mid-2008 and this is could pave the way for substantial changes in the ways industrial robots are used and safeguarded.

One of the issues raised in the guidance is the way hazardous situations can arise in unpredictable ways when dealing with robots, which can make the selection of appropriate safeguards more difficult than for conventional automation, in which the operating envelope, motions and other performance parameters are more clearly defined.

Something else to be wary of is that robots used for lifting - such as those in handling or palletising applications - must meet the requirements of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) as well as PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).

However, the guidance points out that following HSG43 means that the measures needed to comply with LOLER will be minimal.

Today's industrial robots range from lightweight benchtop units to large machines powerful enough to manipulate objects weighing 1000kg.

Clearly the risks depend very much on the particular robot and its application, so the starting point for safeguarding a robot will always be a risk assessment.

In many robot applications, the potential for serious injury is relatively high, so it is important to design-out the hazards as far as possible.

Safety should therefore be considered during the early planning and design stages of a robotic application.

Furthermore, HSG43 recommends that hazard identification and risk assessment should be carried out jointly by the user and the robot supplier.

Robot programs are often prepared off-line using software packages, but teaching - typically using a pendant controller - still has a role to play in some programming and position correction tasks.

By ensuring good visibility through the guarding - or by using CCTV - most of this teaching should be achievable from outside the enclosure.

However, occasionally it is necessary to teach the robot or observe its movements from close quarters, which entails entering the robot enclosure while the robot is powered.

Step by step guidance is included in HSG43 for this type of situation, as well as for the program verification procedure that is necessary after the programming/teaching has been completed.

HSG43 gives a good overview of the various safeguarding methods appropriate for use with robots, with a note reminding readers that other safeguards can be used so long as they can be demonstrated to provide a similar level of safety (which means that the Pilz SafetyEYE 3D vision-based safety monitoring system can be used).

The safeguarding methods covered in the guidance include: perimeter fencing; interlocking devices; electro-sensitive safety systems; safety light curtains and light beam devices; laser scanners; capacitance safety devices; pressure-sensitive mats; two-hand controls; trip devices; positive stops; brakes; emergency stop actuators; and enabling devices.

Allied to safeguarding are controls for changing operating mode from normal operation to teach/setting, reduced-speed controls for teaching/setting/troubleshooting and the indication of the robot's swept area.

Control for a multi-axis robot, peripheral devices and associate machinery is highly complex - and further complications arise if multiple robots are synchronised so that they can operate together.

It is therefore undesirable for robots to be halted by cutting the power supply to the servo drives, as recovery from the powered-down state can be time-consuming and require human intervention, plus there can be costs associated with damage to work-in-progress.

Instead it is preferable to bring the robot and other machinery to rest in a controlled manner.

When the robot has been brought to rest, power to the servo drives may be removed, or power can remain connected (known as 'servo hold'), provided the robot controller has adequate built-in safety monitoring functionality or there is a separate safety-related controller to monitor the robot while it is stopped.

HSG43 outlines a number of alternative architectures for integrating a robot controller with a safety-related control system.

Note that almost any modern safety-related control system for use with a robot will include some form of programmable electrical/electronic controller, so machine builders and system integrators should avoid the use of BS EN 954-1, as either EN 62061 (Safety of machinery, functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems) or EN ISO 13849-1 would be more appropriate.

If there is any reliance on software - or a programmable controller - for robot safeguarding, it would be advisable to work closely with the supplier, especially the first time the system is used.

In all areas of machinery safety, including robot applications, the following hierarchical approach should be used: Design out the hazards wherever possible.

Provide safeguards for the hazards that cannot be designed out.

Use safe systems of work, training, personal protective equipment (PPE) and warnings so that residual hazards are as low as reasonably practicable.

With robotic installations, there is often a need to rely on safe systems of work during commissioning, programming, teaching, troubleshooting and maintenance and this is covered in HSG43, together with formal permit-to-work systems.

Pilz has considerable experience with robot safety, having been involved with numerous installations ranging from stand-alone robots to fully automated robotic production lines.

Engineering and consultancy services can therefore be provided to companies that are implementing industrial robots, whether they require assistance with hazard identification and risk assessment, SIL determination, CE marking, ESPE certification, safety system development, PSS (programmable safety system) programming, or other safety-related aspects of the project.

In addition, Pilz has arange of products suitable for robot safeguarding.

These include SafetyEYE (the world's first 3D machine vision-based safety monitoring system), PSS, PNOZmulti configurable modular safety controllers, interlock guard switches with solenoid locking, safety light curtains and high-integrity, coded noncontact guard switches.

Safeguarding of robots - and ISO 10218-2 in particular - will be discussed at the two Functional Safety Seminars being organised for 2008 by the Safety SIG (Special Interest Group) within BARA (British Automation and Robot Association).

More information about the Safety SIG is available on the BARA website.

India's Essar buys stake in African telecom group

India's Essar buys stake in African telecom group
By: Reuters

India's Essar Global Ltd said on Friday a group firm had bought 49 percent of Johannesburg-based Econet Wireless International Ltd, which owns 70 percent of Kenya's third mobile operator Econet Wireless Kenya.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Essar holds 33 percent in Vodafone Essar, India's third-largest mobile operator, in a joint venture with Britain's Vodafone.

Vodafone faces long haul in SA

Vodafone faces long haul in SA
By: Reuters
Arun Sarin, the head of Vodafone Group Plc, is hankering after deals in Africa, but he could be in for a long wait if control of South African joint venture Vodacom remains top of his list.

Sarin, a US citizen expected to return to California one day, said this week he had unfinished business as head of the world's largest mobile phone company.

"If you were to think about the things we have to do in 2008: there are important acquisitions in Asia and Africa that we have to make, we have got further cost reductions to do, we've got more data products to bring to life, we've got a full in-tray," the chief executive said in a televised interview.

"I'm having fun and frankly, this is not the time to say goodbye."

Market enthusiasm for Vodafone's strategy of attempting to offset falling prices in Europe by expanding in fast-growing emerging markets stands in stark contrast to this time last year, when Sarin was roundly lambasted for his hopes of breaking into India because of fears he would overspend.

Vodafone had been expected by analysts to secure a deal with South African joint venture partner Telkom to raise its 50 percent Vodacom stake to around 85 percent for 3,5-billion to 4-billion pounds by the end of last year.

But partly state-owned Telkom called off talks in November after it failed to secure a parallel deal, on which its Vodacom sale hinged, to sell all or part of its fixed-line assets to mobile compatriot MTN after a disagreement about price.

"It just doesn't look like a political environment for MTN to restart talks, so there is no catalyst for Telkom to sell the (Vodacom) stake," said one industry source familiar with talks. "I fear it's not the time for Vodafone to re-enter the process.

"They (MTN) cut the price they were willing to offer and that created sufficient bad blood to scupper the prospect for a deal. I fear this one is a waiter."

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