GF Machining Solutions says that its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) deliver a smart, unmanned and automated factory solution that enhances production processes. The milling, EDM and laser ablation machine tool specialist, and tooling and automation solutions provider, has introduced an automatedsystem to help manufacturers reduce production lead times and improve operational efficiencies.

The company’s AMRs streamline materials handling and the transfer of workpieces, tooling and electrodes between individual cells such as milling, wire EDM, die-sink EDM, parts washing and inspection. This capabilityensures production processes operate smoothy and more effectively, facilitating light-out operations.

Says Martin Spencer, UK managing director for GF Machining Solutions: “AMRs automate and connect different manufacturing processes. They interfaceseamlessly with other robots, automation systems and manufacturing cells, and are specifically aimed at manufacturers operating in high-mix, low-volume environments.”

As the name suggests, AMRs operate autonomously. They can navigate their way around uncontrolled environments without the need for fixed paths or tracks. Using cameras, sensors, laser scanners and sophisticated software to create maps, AMRs can detect obstacles and safely manoeuvre around them by choosing the best alternative route. The result? Accident-free environments, uninterrupted material flow and optimal productivity.

AMRs can perform a variety of tasks at different locations with simple software adjustments. Controlis via the interface or is configurable through fleet control software, which can prioritise orders and assign tasks to AMRs based on their position and availability.GF Machining Solutions says AMRs deliver a safe, flexible and efficient automation solution that can help manufacturers capitalise on lights-out operations.For further information www.gfms.com

Universal Robots (UR), a manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots), has integrated the Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI) into its software, making it one of the first cobot vendors to offer this functionality.

The SRCI is a new standard for robotics manufacturers that aims to create a single interface between PLCs and robots. Full integration of SRCI into UR’s software will enhance the connectivity capabilities of the company’s cobots and will ensure customers a frictionless integration with Siemens PLCs, since Siemens is the first – and currently only – PLC vendor supporting SRCI in the automation market.

“By having our robots connect seamlessly to a global industry leader like Siemens, we can now offer our partners and customersfaster integration and higher ease of use,“ saysDaniel Friedman,global director -strategic partnerships at Universal Robots. “We strive to make cobot automation as simple as possible for our customers and this is yet another step in our commitment to provide automation for anyone, anywhere.”

The uniform cross-manufacturer data interface of the SRCI makes robot implementation interoperable, and it standardises definitions and robot commands between UR cobots and Siemens PLCs. This allows for easier and quicker set-up, and simplifies the deployment of UR robots into existing and new Siemens ecosystem-based production lines.

“We are encouraged that cobots from Universal Robots can now be controlled via the SRCI and programmed by Simatic users,” says Rolf Heinsohn, senior VP -factory automation segment control at Siemens. “We want to accelerate factory automation and scale the use of robots in industry by making them simple and available to all our customers’ employees.”
For further information www.universal-robots.com

The igus ReBeL cobot (collaborative robot) now has a humanoid hand made of lubrication-free plastics, making it cost-effective and easy to integrate.ReBeL is a compact and lightweight cobot that makes it possible to enter the world of robotics with relatively low investment, making it suitable for assembly tasks, quality inspectionand in-service applications.

“Since the ReBeL is light and affordable, with a weight of around 8 kg and starting from £4200, it’s usedwidely in applications that humans would normally perform,” says Adam Sanjurgo, low-cost automation manager at Igus UK. “For this reason, we received several customer enquiries for a robotic hand that could easily connect to the ReBeL via plug-and-play.”

The ReBeL finger gripper, which can imitate human hand movements, is available from £2668 and is compatible with all ReBeL models.

“With the new low-cost hand, the ReBeL can perform a wide range of simple humanoid tasks and applications, especially in research and development departments,” says Sanjurgo.

As a point of note, Igus delivers all components directly, including flange mount, cables and the control system. The low price is partly due to the use lubrication-free plastics. The plain bearings in the joints, made of ‘Iglidur’,are not only cost-effective and lubrication-free, but also enable smooth and precise movements of the individual fingers, report Igus.

Extensive testing atthe company’s Cologne laboratory in Germany guarantees long life of the humanoid hand. Igus says it is extremely flexible, with control via various interfaces that include including USB, TTL (5 V) serial and internal scripting.

For further information www.igus.co.uk

Tezmaksan has launched three new iterations of its CubeBOX automation solutions that enable operator-free production in tending CNC machine tools.CubeBOX systems integrate with any control unit and any robot of the user’s choice, regardless of manufacturer or communication protocol.

Among the launches is the CubeBOX Pallet Pool, also referred to as Pallet Tower and Pallet Changer. The system is for automating CNC machining centres with limited floor space and can manage up to 24 pallets and 16 tools. Pallets are arranged in a compact circle in front of the machine, using a six-axis robot to load and unload into the system. The equipment reduces reliance on operators for loading and unloading, and can enable up to 24-hour operator-free operation.

Also now available is the CubeBOX RT Stacker (RT-S). The RT-S is suitable for lathes and vertical machining centres. The system uses two pallets for part loading and can tend one or two CNC machines. A key advantage of this model is the ability to stack two pallets on top of one another, enabling higher throughput without any increase in footprint.

Last but not least is the CubeBOX Space Cabinet, whichhas three drawers for holding product which is unloaded using a six-axis robot. Using this system, an operator does not have to restock the system regularly. When restocking is necessary, the CubeBOX Space Cabinet’s design allows drawers to be rolled into a reachable position for easy parts supply.

According to Tezmaksan, CubeBOX can increase night shift productivity by up to 50%, enabling an average return on investment (ROI) of eight months.

For further information https://tezmaksanrobotics.com

New from machine tool company DMG Mori is the PH Cell 500, a modular system for handling machine pallets carrying one or more fixtured components into and out of the working area of various models in the manufacturer’s monoBLOCK machining centre range. These models include the DMU 65 and DMU 75 second-generation verticalmachines, as well as the DMU 65 H horizontal model. Maximum transfer weight including the pallet is 500 kg.

The compact storage and retrieval system offers similar advantages to those of the larger PH Cell 800 for handling loads weighing up to 800 kg. Depending on the configuration of the rack modules, the PH Cell 500 has space for up to 32 pallets. Maximum workpiece dimensions are 500 x 500 x 750 mm.

As part of its ‘machining transformation’ drive, DMG Mori for many years has been developing and introducing customisable handling systems for automatically storing, loading and unloading components into the working area of its machine tools, either fixtured on pallets or directly as individual workpieces. Such configurations enable flexible, efficient production, even of small batches and one-offs. In practice, DMG Mori says the PH Cell 500 can increase productivity by up to 300% and reduce unit production costs by as much as 50% by rapidly presenting parts to the spindle.

The new cell is available as standard with a single storage module featuring three shelves with space for twelve 400 x 400 mm or nine 500 x 500 mm pallets. An alternative version with four shelves can accommodate 16 of the smaller or 12 of the larger pallets. A combination of different pallet sizes is possible.

DMG Mori can retrofit the PH Cell if the machine has been prepared at the factory for automation.

For further information www.dmgmori.com