Košarica
×

Idi na detalje
Oznaka artikla

Moj račun

×

Integrating your robot into a fully automated chain

The industrial robots of today are less expensive, more flexible and easier to program than the robots we were seeing just few years ago. However, even though this ensures more companies are now able to consider robot adoption, how is it best to achieve optimum integration among your chain of operations? Well, several options are available, with the decision often dependent on factors such as your specific application and budget.

 By Sampsa Paasisalo, Product manager at SMC Automation Oy


APRIL 2023
For many tasks, traditional electrical and pneumatic motion systems are simpler to implement and less expensive. In this scenario, it is possible to combine systems in an optimal way to complete serial operations such as conveying workpieces, opening trays and so on.

Maximise creativity
Our team here at SMC provides full support for this activity. Working closely together maximises creativity, generating truly unique solutions in many instances. We provide everything from cylinders, valves, filter/separator/dryer systems, vacuum ejectors, speed controllers, fittings, rotary joints and tubing, through fieldbus systems, wireless valve systems and sensors, to card motors, end-of-arm-tools (EOAT) and EOAT changing systems. EOAT tooling includes pneumatic, electric, magnetic and non-contact grippers, as well as vacuum pads.

SMC´s Auto Hand Changing System – MA Series; Double Gripper Reversing Unit – MHS Series; Air Gripper with Finger Changer Function – MHF2-X7076A Series

In all cases we adapt our solutions in line with your specific requirements, optimising common applications such as pick and place, packaging and palletising, as well as vehicle productions tasks like welding and painting.

Move forward
Of course, there is another way to enhance the integration of your robot. Get it to move! As an approximate estimate, around 10% of manufacturing facilities adopt motion systems for their articulated arm robots. Firstly, it makes the robot’s working range far bigger, allowing it to complete a whole host of tasks, such as picking workpieces from a bin or conveyor, loading them into the work-holding device of a machine, removing it once the operation is complete, transferring the part to the next machine/workstation, and so on.

Here at SMC we provide complete support in synchronising the robot and the fully integrated motion system. For instance, an electrical actuator (EA) can extend your robot’s working range when serving a CNC machine tool or storage system. In simple terms, the robot controls the movement of the EA with digital input and outputs, in this case from material supply point to CNC machine and material drop point. The component list is therefore short: robot and EA with 24 VDC digital I/O controller. Of course this solution is also possible using a fieldbus system such as PROFINET.

Whether the requirement is providing a motion system for your robot, or simply optimising your gripping or vacuum handling capabilities, SMC is able to integrate your robot into a fully automated chain. Just like your robot, all you need to do is reach out.

Discover SMC´s solutions for Robotics

Sampsa Paasisalo | Product manager at SMC Automation Oy

The year was 2006 when Sampsa joined the Finnish SMC family. By that date he had been working as automation engineer making logic programming, electrical engineering, and commissioning for machines. At SMC Sampsa started as product specialist and worked his way up to be a product manager for electrical actuators, field bus, air management system, EOAT and lots more. 
Outside the working hours you can find Sampsa from an archery range or building scale models. Among those he enjoys convertible cars and reading. Maybe few of the mentioned hobbies can also be combined with a nice pint of beer.

Want to be up-to-date?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and get this type of content, and more, straight to your mailbox

 

Follow us

 

Downloadables

 

You may find as well of interest

 

Give your robot grippers ‘electric’ performance
By Mattia Di Gaetano, TSE Mechatronic & Network, SMC Italia
Read more 

Use robotics to take a firm grip on production flexibility
By Marcus Mazetti, Global Account Manager, SMC Sweden
Read more 

Modular media control saves time and cost in robotic welding
By Zdenek Velfl, Business Consultant, SMC Czech Republic
Read more 

Cobots and end effectors team up for affordable flexible solutions
By Andrea Trifone, Cobot project leader, SMC Italy
Read more 

SMC Expertise in: Understanding your daily challeges

Read on about when our customers bring our products to life