Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW) presented a new solution for modular automation at the recent Automatica 2025 exhibition in Munich. The Mobile i-Cell robot cell is a scalable unit that flexibly connects assembly, logistics and machining stations. It supports manufacturing companies in the automated and efficient machining of a wide variety of components and order volumes without rigid interlinking or complex integration.

“As a mobile unit for automated machining, the Mobile i-Cell opens up new possibilities, from small-scale to easily expandable large-scale automation,” says Roman Wolf, team leader for control technology development at SW Automation.

With its combination of high productivity, modular design, flexible application options and end-to-end connectivity, the self-sufficient Mobile i-Cell fits seamlessly into modern manufacturing environments, especially where product diversity and dynamic production requirements are commonplace.

The i-Cell is mounted on a mobile carrier system and can be moved through the production environment using a driverless transport system (Mobile i-Wagon). The cell docks at the desired station, be it machining, washing, assembly or a DMC laser station. An integrated robot with a gripping system takes the raw material from upstream storage stations, known as Mobile i-Storages, loads the machining station, and returns the workpieces after completing the process.

The Mobile i-Storages are also automatically movable by the Mobile i-Wagon, with workpieces fed and removed independently of the cell.

“Flexible docking eliminates the need for complex and rigid coupling of the processing stations with the robot cells – and our customers gain efficiency and design freedom,” explains Wolf. This saves space, increases machine availability, and makes production processes more adaptable.

More information www.sw-machines.com

Panasonic Factory Solutions and long-standing partner SYN-TIG have upgraded the production line for medical furniture manufacturer, Haelvoet, using Panasonic’s TAWERS G4 welding robot system. The project will enable manufacturing subcontractor, Grovinvest, to increase flexibility and automation in the production of specialist medical equipment for customers across Europe.

First deploying previous iterations of Panasonic’s robot cells in 2009, with a subsequent upgrade delivered in 2014, the upgraded production line at Grovinvest’s northern Romania facility enables it to manufacture four variations of Haelvoet’s medical bedframes. With all required components automatically detected prior to production starting, Panasonic says its TAWERS G4 welding robot system delivers the required precision and speed, while minimising ramp-up time.

The integrated Panasonic TAWERS G4 optimises welding process management into a single controller for high-speed, high-quality arc welding. It features increased controller processing speeds, and optimised communication between the controller and the robot. When compared with previous models, the G4 is more reliable and smaller, saving space and costs without compromising reliability.

Furthermore, the G4’s teach pendant touchscreen simplifies programming on the production line, while consumables – such as contact tips – last longer than previous models. This reduces the need to keep excessive spares and minimises maintenance downtime.

The G4 also features offline programming software, enabling remote digital access to real-time production and system operating data. This enables Grovinvest’s engineers to re-program all or some of the parts of the welding process while the robot is still running.

Bogdan Pienaru, managing engineer at Haelvoet contractor Grovinvest, says: “The welding quality provided by the G4 is superb; Panasonic continues to set the standard in welding precision, speed and accuracy.”

More information www.bit.ly/41NI4yd

Global automation specialist, Emerson, demonstrated how the company is helping to transform the future of industrial manufacturing and automation through the proven ‘Floor to Cloud’ approach and its comprehensive solutions portfolio at the recent Automatica trade fair in Munich.

Visitors to the Emerson booth learnt how companies of any size can apply a Floor to Cloud strategy to drive sustainable growth, maximise performance quality and boost workforce productivity for immediate and long-term success. Emerson’s immersive and interactive hub
showcased how products from its portfolio – including the Afag, Movicon, PACEdge and PACSystems brands – combine to form intelligent solutions that transform operations across the factory floor and deliver ongoing value.

Live demonstrations in the Emerson booth focused on ways the solution provider can help companies leverage advanced automation and data-driven operations to boost manufacturing performance, achieve carbon-neutral manufacturing and maximise worker potential.

Exhibits included a plug-and-play bowl feeding solution that leverages standardized, flexible, high-precision components to boost accuracy, speed and reliability of small and micro-part feeding applications. Elsewhere on the stand, a global dashboard display, which helps companies unlock the power of their operations with seamless data integration, proved popular among visitors. By connecting machine by machine and factory by factory, manufacturers can compare performance and energy consumption, apply benchmarks and drive continuous improvement.

Also on the stand was a high-speed, electric pick and place system, which demonstrated how manufacturers can improve the precision and performance of this common production line application. Visitors also got to see an automated ballpoint pen assembly solution, which showcased how the full range of Emerson technologies can work together in a seamlessly integrated system to assemble a product.

More information www.emerson.com/en-gb/automation/home

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/