Kassow Robots Installs Controller in Edge Edition Cobots
- A collaborative robot manufacturer has integrated a controller into the base of its 7-axis cobots.
- The integration simplifies automation by housing the robot control, typically separate, within the robot's base.
- The combination of collaborative robots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is gaining traction.
Cobot wiht Integrated Controller Enhances Mobile Automation
Table of Contents
- Cobot wiht Integrated Controller Enhances Mobile Automation
- Cobot with Integrated Controller: The Future of Mobile Automation
Stuttgart
A collaborative robot manufacturer has integrated a controller into the base of its 7-axis cobots. The models feature a DC connection for operation, allowing them to be powered by mobile robot batteries.
The integration simplifies automation by housing the robot control, typically separate, within the robot’s base. The compact footprint, measuring 160 mm x 200 mm, allows for more space-saving automation solutions.While external controllers are suitable for static applications like labeling, CNC machine tending, or palletizing, a compact design offers advantages for mobile solutions.
The combination of collaborative robots and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is gaining traction. The new cobots, with their DC connection, can connect to an AMR’s battery, enabling operation in various production locations. These cobots are compatible with different mobile robot manufacturers’ models.
One company, Project service & Production, showcased a complete solution using the technology at a trade show in Stuttgart. Jan Hanenkamp, Managing Director of Project S&P, stated that their mobile handling solution represents significant progress in factory automation, especially in the areas of material handling and intralogistics.
He added,It is indeed our main goal to maximize the efficiency and to give our customers a competitive advantage.
He noted the robots’ low weight, ease of programming, and long battery life as key benefits.
Flexible Applications in Workshop and Warehouse
Pairing the integrated cobot with a mobile robot enables diverse production tasks.This includes repetitive tasks such as loading machines with materials or replacing empty coils with full ones. The compact solution is also suitable for handling small load carriers (KLT) in intralogistics.
Project Study Highlights Opportunities
A project study in Great Britain explored the use of KLTs in a factory setting. ADM Automation, based in Durham, combined a cobot with an AMR from Icart. The cobot, mounted on the mobile unit, delivers components to operators for final assembly, reducing the need for employees to travel to the warehouse.
The integrated solution autonomously navigates to the designated picking area, retrieves the box, and transports it for assembly. The cobot is powered by the AMR’s battery, allowing for 6 to 7 hours of continuous operation on a full charge due to its low power consumption.
Cobot with Integrated Controller: The Future of Mobile Automation
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation, the integration of collaborative robots (cobots) with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is transforming how businesses approach production and logistics. This article explores the innovative advancements in cobot technology, specifically focusing on cobots with integrated controllers and their impact on mobile automation.
What is a Cobot with Integrated Controller?
What is a Cobot?
A cobot, or collaborative robot, is designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots typically do not require safety cages and are equipped with safety features to prevent injury.
Why Integrate the Controller?
Traditionally, the robot control unit has been separate, but now, the integration of the controller within the cobot’s base streamlines the automation process. This innovative design offers several advantages, especially for mobile applications.
Key Benefits of Integrated Cobots in Mobile Automation
How Does Integration Benefit Mobile Automation?
Simplified Setup: Integrating the controller typically housed separately within the cobot’s base allows for a considerably simpler installation and setup process.
space-Saving Design: The compact footprint (160 mm x 200 mm) of the integrated system allows for space-saving solutions beneficial for various automation tasks.
Mobility and Flexibility: The new cobots, featuring a DC connection and powered by mobile robot batteries, can operate in different production areas, boosting operational flexibility.
What Are the Advantages of Using These Robots?
advantages:
Enhanced Efficiency Cobots boost efficiency in material handling and intralogistics.
Improved Flexibility: The robots’ low weight and ease of programming enhance their usefulness.
Extended operation: The low energy consumption of the robots enables extended battery life.
How are cobots improving factory automation?
The combination of cobots and AMRs represents notable progress in factory automation, especially in material handling and intralogistics. Mobile handling solutions enhance efficiency and offer customers a competitive advantage.
Applications of Cobots with Integrated Controller
What tasks are these cobots used for?
These cobots enhance various production and logistics operations:
Machine Loading: Automate the loading of machines with materials.
Coil Replacement: Replace empty coils with full ones.
Intralogistics: Handle small load carriers (KLT) in intralogistics applications.
Component Delivery: Deliver components directly to operators for assembly.
Examples of Usage
One company,Project service & Production,demonstrated a complete solution at a trade show in Stuttgart,highlighting its potential for factory automation. Another project study in Great Britain utilized a cobot with an AMR,which successfully delivered components within a factory.
Technology and Compatibility
How do these cobots get power?
the DC connection allows the cobots to connect directly to an AMR’s battery.
Are these cobots compatible with all AMRs?
The robots are designed to be compatible with models from various mobile robot manufacturers.
Case Studies: Real-World Applications
How Are These Technologies Applied in Real-World Scenarios?
A project study in Great Britain showcases the technology’s capabilities.ADM Automation combined a cobot with an AMR to deliver components for assembly, reducing the need for employees to travel to the warehouse. The cobot, powered by the AMR’s battery, offers 6 to 7 hours of continuous operation on a single charge.
Project Study Outcomes:
Autonomous navigation: The integrated solution autonomously navigates.
Component Retrieval: The solution retrieves required boxes from the designated picking area.
* Continuous Operation: the cobot operates for 6 to 7 hours on a complete charge.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details | Benefit |
|——————————|——————————————————————————-|—————————————————-|
| Integrated Controller | Housed within the robot base | Simplified setup, space-saving |
| DC Connection | Allows direct connection to AMR batteries | Mobile operation, flexibility |
| Applications | machine loading, coil replacement, intralogistics, component delivery | Enhanced efficiency, streamlined processes |
| Operation Time | Up to 6-7 hours on a full charge (project study example) | Extended operational capabilities |
Conclusion
Integrated cobots mark a significant step forward in mobile automation. These improvements not only streamline operations but also boost efficiency, making them a valuable asset in modern manufacturing and logistics environments. The ongoing advancements in cobot technology continue to reshape the landscape of industrial automation.