The search for suitable automation solutions is currently at the top of the list for many manufacturers. At the EMO 2025 exhibition (22-26 September) in Hanover, organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) says a broad range of automation solutions will be present, from simple handling systems to autonomous factories with self-driving systems. 

“Against the background of higher costs and a shortage of skilled workers, automation is vitally important for the industry,” emphasises VDW executive director Dr Markus Heering.

A major topic for automation at EMO will be the use of robots. According to the IFR (International Federation of Robotics), around 4.3 million industrial robots are currently in use worldwide. Last year alone, their number rose by 10%. The IFR also expects double-digit growth rates in the coming years.

Many SME manufacturers and those with rather small production runs are asking themselves whether it actually makes sense to use industrial robots. Often, cobots (collaborative robots) present an interesting option. Thanks to their ease of use and rapid deployment, cobots are suitable for companies of all sizes. They also offer the benefit of delivering a straightforward introduction to automation and can be connected using a plug-and-play principle. This capability makes cobots particularly suited to pick-and-place tasks or the loading and unloading of machines.

Cobots can also take on internal transportation tasks. They work well in harmony with AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) and can help to increase efficiency in production, not only by loading machines but also handling materials. At EMO, numerous exhibitors will be offering automation solutions with robots, including those from KUKA, Robojob, Wick, Apex, FANUC and many more. 

More information https://emo-hannover.com/automation

Lang Technik has launched its RoboTrex Compact automation system into the UK market. Currently available in two larger capacities, the RoboTrex Compact launch was prompted by high customer demand for a smaller option.

RoboTrex systems are able to load and unload unmanned machine tools and provide lights-out production. Ever increasing competition, rising cost pressures, the desire to increase machine tool utilisation and the shortage of skilled labour are among the reasons existing users cite to justify their purchases of RoboTrex Automation Systems.

The new RoboTrex Compact was designed for the unmanned production of workpieces within the size envelope of 65 x 50 x 95 mm, up to a maximum weight of 7 kg. The system’s storage rack provides space for up to 100 Makro Grip Micro vices, while its footprint of just 2 sq m delivers an excellent ratio of storage capacity to space.

By changing grippers manually, the flexible RoboTrex Compact can hold larger vices from the Makro Grip 77 series. It means the RoboTrex Compact’s maximum storage capacity is 50 vices.

Thanks to various loading options, the cost-effective system can easily connect to almost any machine tool. According to Lang Technik, the RoboTrex Compact is characterised by user-friendly operation that requires no specialist knowledge and minimum training requirements. Just as the larger capacity RoboTrex systems, the RoboTrex Compact is also a simple plug-and-play solution that ensures a quick installation. In addition, the new system delivers a rapid return on investment (ROI), reports the company.

More information https://lang-technik.co.uk/

FANUC says it has launched the world’s first ever explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot (cobot) for industrial painting applications. Suitable for wet spraying, dry powder coating and multiple other processes that include adhesive dispensing, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT is designed to improve the precision of paint jobs, reduce waste, increase productivity and boost safety by protecting workers from paint fumes.

Approved for use in ATEX-certified Cat II Group 2G and 2D, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT enables human employees to work in the same painting area as the cobot without safety fences, thanks to a sensitive contact-stopping function. Ease of use is another of its key features.

“Few paint shop workers have extensive knowledge of robotics, which is where cobots can help,” states Claude Seiler, manager products and application – European technical support robotics at FANUC. “Our CRX-10iA/L PAINT, with its easy-teach features and drag-and-drop functionality, means no expertise in robot programming is necessary.”

According to FANUC, paint shop professionals can complete programs in minutes via an icon-based app on a tablet teach pendant

“Operators can manually move the cobot arm to the first position required, make a save point and continue through the paint path,” explains Seiler. “The cobot will ‘learn’ its entire range of positioning – it’s that easy. What’s more, users can save and apply paint paths to other parts.”

The IP67-rated FANUC CRX-10iA/L PAINT six-axis cobot offers a maximum payload of 10 kg and what is said to be the longest reach in its class of 1418 mm. Process flexibility arrives courtesy of its floor, upside-down or angle mounting option, while its novel under-flip motion means users can manipulate the paint gun in confined spaces. The cobot is fully compatible with almost all automatic end-of-arm guns.

More information www.fanuc.eu

KUKA’s central iiQWorks software platform supports the entire automation process and enables seamless data exchange across all planning and production stages. With the help of digital twins, working with robots is now easier and faster than ever before. Offline programming and virtual commissioning provide innovative automation solutions aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0.

The Kuka iiQWorks engineering suite eliminates the barriers between different production steps and makes robots easier than ever to deploy by programmers, start-up technicians, sales engineers and project managers. In combination with the new KUKA operating system iiQKA.OS2, iiQWorks allows users to create a complete digital twin of a KUKA robotic system. This enables users, for example, to conduct feasibility studies, expand existing facilities, and plan new ones with high precision – whether for brownfield or greenfield projects.

The central element of the engineering suite is iiQWorks.Sim: with the simulation software, KUKA robots can be programmed offline, namely without access to a real robot. A digital twin provides a realistic simulation of the planned application. This capability simplifies the process of planning, designing and optimising the robotic cell. At the same time, users retain full control of the process in all phases.

iiQWorks offers various advantages. First of all, it ensures fast and reliable planning processes by mapping all the key steps of the digital customer journey centrally in iiQWorks: from initial information to configuration and maintenance of the company’s own automation solution. Thanks to the digital twin, robot programs and cell layouts can also be checked in advance for practical suitability, cycle times and process stability. In this way, iiQWorks accelerates time-to-market, giving businesses a competitive edge.

More information www.kuka.com