Schlagwort-Archive: Industrial Automation

ABB is the first manufacturer to provide intuitive, block-based no-code programming for all cobots and six-axis industrial robots

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  • First-time users can program their collaborative robots and industrial robots for free within minutes
  • System integrators and experienced users can develop, share, and customize sophisticated programs for application-specific features

ABB Robotics has expanded the scope of its free Wizard Easy Programming software for collaborative robots to include all six-axis industrial robots running on an ABB OmniCore™ controller. This makes ABB the first robot manufacturer to offer an easy-to-use no-code programming tool for cobots and six-axis industrial robots. This lowers the barriers to automation for early adopters and provides ecosystem partners and integrators with an efficient tool to support their customers.

„If we want to promote and advance the use of robotic automation on a global scale, we need to address the challenges and opportunities of the industry,“ says Marc Segura, head of the robotics division at ABB. „By adding our six-axis industrial robots to Wizard Easy Programming, ABB Robotics is responding to the skills shortage and increasing demand from manufacturing companies for simple and easy-to-use programming software for their robot fleets.“

Create robot applications without prior training

Wizard Easy Programming uses a graphic, drag-and-drop, no-code programming approach designed to simplify the development of robotic applications. The software allows both first-time and experienced robot users to create applications in minutes – a task that typically requires a week of training and another week of development work. Since its launch in 2020, Wizard Easy Programming has been used in a wide range of applications in conjunction with ABB’s YuMi, SWIFTI™ and GoFa™ collaborative robots.

Wizard Easy Programming, previously available for ABB’s collaborative robots, is now available for all of the company’s six-axis industrial robots. (Image: ABB)

The software offers users the opportunity to create complete programs for applications such as arc welding or machine tending without prior training. An intuitive graphical user interface allows you to customize existing programs and pre-programmed blocks to control various actions – from robot movements to signal instructions and force control – for added flexibility.

Efficiently generate specific codes for specific applications

Wizard Easy Programming also includes Skill Creator, a tool that helps system integrators and experts create custom, application-specific wizard blocks for their customers. Skill Creator simplifies the creation of new blocks for highly specific tasks such as machine tending and welding, but also for difficult applications such as medical tests. Ecosystem partners who develop accessories such as grippers, feeding systems and cameras will have access to a digital tool that allows them to share product-specific functionalities regardless of the type of robot to be used.

Wizard Easy Programming is pre-installed on all cobots and new six-axis industrial robots running ABB’s OmniCore controller. The leading robot controllers of the OmniCore family are characterized by an energy saving potential of 20 percent on average and a high degree of future-proofing – thanks to integrated digital connectivity and over 1,000 scalable functions.

More information about Wizard Easy Programming is available here.

Digital Robot HORST1000 with a payload of up to 8 kilograms

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Constance, February 28th, 2023 – Up to 8 kilograms payload, a reach of 1,018 millimeters, short cycle times: fruitcore robotics is launching HORST1000, a new robot whose performance parameters enable a wide range of additional applications and better meet the growing market for industrial processes such as machine placement and pick & place applications.

HORST1000 is a completely newly developed robot kinematics system that incorporates all the knowledge gained from industrial practice in recent years. Building on existing technology innovations, fruitcore robotics‘ patented robot transmission for HORST1000 has been further optimized using a machine learning algorithm, resulting in a significant increase in performance. In terms of design, fruitcore robotics focuses on a compact footprint and aesthetics, as it has done with its robots that have already won multiple awards in the past, such as the Fokus Open Award and the German Innovation Award. With the introduction of the new model, the predecessor HORST900 will no longer be continued.

Performance improvement based on existing technology innovations

In HORST1000, key performance features such as payload, range and workspace have been significantly improved. The new all-rounder has a payload of up to 8 kilograms and a reach of 1,018 millimeters. The developers placed particular focus on the workspace of HORST1000. The threedimensional workspace has increased by 40 % compared to HORST900, allowing 50 % larger trays to be processed. From the base, HORST1000 can move around 230 millimeters further forward than its predecessor, which corresponds to a 43 % longer linear path. This allows customers to enter machines more easily. Higher acceleration values of the individual axes in the nominal load range also ensure shorter cycle times. In a classic pick & place process, this improves the cycle time by up to 20 %.

„The technological innovations of HORST1000 let us further increase the performance difference compared to current cobots,“ explains Jens Riegger, Managing Director (CEO) and Co-Founder of fruitcore robotics. Patrick Heimburger, Managing Director (Chief Revenue Officer) and Co-Founder of fruitcore robotics, adds: „We now allow an even wider range of applications and help our customers implement industrial processes such as machine placement and pick & place even more easily and efficiently.“

Optimized for Machine Loading and Pick & Place

Thanks to its range and workspace design, HORST1000 is tailor-made for loading and unloading any machine tools; especially for lathes and milling machines, the robot is also ideally suited due to its software and interfaces. The robot can reach deep into the machines, the high axis accelerations enable a short cycle time. In addition, the maximum payload of 8 kilograms also allows the use of heavy tools and complex multiple gripper systems. As an automation solution, Digital RobotHORST1000, like its predecessor HORST900 and its brothers HORST600 and HORST1400, includes not only powerful and cost-effective hardware. It follows a coordinated operating concept, which not only makes the operation of the robot particularly simple, but also the implementation of the entire application. All components involved in the process, such as grippers, CNC systems and safety systems, are operated via the horstFX graphical user interface and centrally networked with the horstCOSMOS IIoT platform.

For example, the machine tool can be integrated as a 3D model in horstFX and component variants can be easily traded via the program management of the operating software. Switching between two tools can be mapped on the software side via the multi-tool feature. In addition to the connection to the IIoT platform, all fruitcore robotics robots come with an IIoT surf stick with SIM card as standard. This offers companies the possibility to go online with the robot system without having to integrate it into their company network. Customers can establish an internet connection as required and use horstCOSMOS to view their robot fleet on dashboards, including the process data of the robot application. This allows processes to be optimized independently or in coordination with fruitcore robotics. In addition, availability is increased because maintenance can be carried out via predictive maintenance and a quick response can be made to service cases via remote maintenance.

Pre-orders now possible

HORST1000 can be pre-ordered from the manufacturer from now on. Delivery will take place from 01.06.2023. The price for the new all-rounder can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

Specifications HORST1000:

SpecificationHORST1000
Max. Payload8 kg
Nominal Load5 kg
Max. Range1018 mm
Mounting Surface380 x 380 mm
WeightApprox. 70k g
Repeatability+/- 0,05 mm
Protection ClassIP54
Sound Level< 70 dB (A)
Power Supply230VAC, 50-60Hz, typ. 350W
Surrounding Temperature5-40 °C
Standard ColorRAL 5021 (Water Blue)

Wandelbots – No-Code Robotics – – Kurzinterview

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Sebastian von Robots-Blog konnte ein kurzes Interview mit Annelie Harz von Wandelbots führen. Erfahrt im Interview was Wandelbots ist und warum demnächst vielleicht das Programmieren überflüssig wird.

Robots-Blog: Wer bist du und was ist deine Aufgabe bei Wandelbots?

Annelie: Mein Name ist Annelie und ich arbeite als Marketing Managerin bei Wandelbots.

Robots-Blog: Welcher Roboter aus Wissenschaft, Film oder Fernsehen ist dein Lieblingsroboter?

Annelie: Tatsächlich Wall-E. Ein kleiner Roboter, der Gutes tut und einfach nur liebenswert ist.

Robots-Blog: Was ist Wandelbots und woher kommt der Name?

Annelie: Der Name beschreibt den WANDEL der RoBOTik. Denn das ist genau das, was wir tun. Den Umgang mit Robotern, der heute nur einem kleinem Kreis von Experten vorbehalten ist, ermöglichen wir jedem. Unsere langfristige Firmenvision lautet: “Every robot in every company and every home runs on Wandelbots”. Und das verspricht einen großen Wandel in verschiedensten Ebenen – angefangen für uns bei der Industrie.

Robots-Blog: An wen richtet sich euer Produkt und was brauche ich dafür?

Annelie: Unser Produkt richtet sich derzeit an Kunden aus der Industrie. Hierbei kann unsere Software – Wandelbots Teaching – bei der Programmierung verschiedenster Applikationen wie z.B. Schweißen oder Kleben helfen ohne, dass man eine Zeile Code schreiben muss. Sie ist so einfach und intuitiv designed, dass wirklich jeder mit ihr arbeiten kann, um einem Roboter ein gewünschtes Ergebnis beizubringen. Dies funktioniert durch das Zusammenspiel einer App und eines Eingabegerätes, dem TracePen. Dieser hat die Form eines großen Stiftes, mit dem Nutzende dem Roboter am Bauteil beispielhaft einen gewünschten Pfad vorzeichnen können. Aber auch mit Bildungsträgern arbeiten wir zusammen. Sie sind es, die die nächste Generation von Roboterexperten ausbilden. Da darf unser Produkt natürlich nicht fehlen (Annelie grinst) Und langfristig sind wir – das steckt ja schon in unserer Vision – davon überzeugt, dass Roboter auch als kleine Helfer im Privatleben Einzug halten werden.

Robots-Blog: Welches Feature ist besonders erwähnenswert?/Was kann kein anderer?

Annelie: Unser Produkt arbeitet roboterhersteller-unabhängig. In der Robotik hat jeder Hersteller über die Jahre seine eigene proprietäre Programmiersprache entwickelt. Das macht die Kommunikation zwischen Mensch und Maschinen sehr schwierig. Wir wollen hingegen ein Tool schaffen, mit dem jeder Mensch mit jedem Roboter arbeiten kann – ganz unabhängig von Programmiersprache und Hersteller. Robotik soll dem Anwender unseres Produktes Spaß machen. Dank der hohen Usability und der Bedienung unserer App via iPad ist das heute schon möglich. Und über die nächste Zeit kommen applikationsspezifische Editionen in unsere Plattform – aktuell arbeiten wir beispielsweise an einer Appversion für das Roboterschweißen.

Robots-Blog: Muss ich dann überhaupt noch Programmieren lernen?

Annelie: Nein. Wie eben erklärt muss man mit dieser sogenannten No-Code Technologie nicht mehr programmieren lernen. Es ist einfach, intuitiv und nutzerfreundlich, selbst für Laien. Selbstverständlich muss man aber, vor allem aus Sicherheitsgründen, immer ein gewisses Grundverständnis über Robotik verfügen. Die Gefährdungen durch Roboter sollte man nie unterschätzen, deswegen arbeitet unser Produkt immer nach den jeweiligen herstellerspezifischen Sicherheitsvorgaben.

Robots-Blog: Welche Roboter werden unterstützt? Ich habe einen Rotrics DexArm und einen igus Robolink DP-5; kann ich diese auch verwenden?

Annelie: Wir wollen kurz nach dem Markteintritt natürlich erst einmal die Robotik in der Industrie, beispielsweise der Automobilbranche, flexibler und einfacher machen. Dafür integrieren wir die größten Robotermarken nach und nach in unsere Plattform. Kleinere Robotermarken, die eine oder mehrere Nischen abdecken, werden wir mit Sicherheit auch noch integrieren. Oder – noch besser – dank unseres Software Development Kits für die Roboterintegration können das Roboterhersteller demnächst sogar selbst.

Robots-Blog: Was kostet euer Produkt?

Annelie: Unser Produkt wird über ein Lizenzmodell als Subscription angeboten, wie es im Software as a Service Business üblich ist oder auch klassisch zum Kauf. Die aktuellen Preise für die unterschiedlichen Editionen könnt Ihr auf unserer Website finden (und dort bestimmt noch spannende weitere Inhalte finden)

fruitcore robotics – Industrieroboter HORST zeigt Fingerspitzengefühl

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HORST kann auch feinfühlig 🙂 In diesem Video transportiert Industrieroboter HORST900 mit dem RG2 von OnRobot Sushi und Eier und zeigt uns dabei sein Fingerspitzengefühl.

Mehr Informationen über HORST und fruitcore robotics: https://www.fruitcore-robotics.com

Robot Race: The World´s Top 10 automated countries

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Jan 27, 2021 — The average robot density in the manufacturing industry hit a new global record of 113 units per 10,000 employees. By regions, Western Europe (225 units) and the Nordic European countries (204 units) have the most automated production, followed by North America (153 units) and South East Asia (119 units).

The world´s top 10 most automated countries are: Singapore (1), South Korea (2), Japan (3), Germany (4), Sweden (5), Denmark (6), Hong Kong (7), Chinese Taipei (8), USA (9) and Belgium and Luxemburg (10). This is according to the latest World Robotics statistics, issued by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

“Robot density is the number of operational industrial robots relative to the number of workers,” says Milton Guerry, President of the International Federation of Robotics. “This level measurement allows comparisons of countries with different economic sizes in the dynamic automation race over time.”

The country with the highest robot density by far remains Singapore with 918 units per 10,000 employees in 2019. The electronics industry, especially semiconductors and computer peripherals, is the primary customer of industrial robots in Singapore with shares of 75% of the total operational stock.

South Korea comes second with 868 units per 10,000 employees in 2019. Korea is a market leader in LCD and memory chip manufacturing with companies such as Samsung and LG on top and also a major production site for motor vehicles and the manufacturing of batteries for electric cars.

Japan (364 robots per 10,000 employees) and Germany (346 units), rank third and fourth respectively. Japan is the world´s predominant robot manufacturing country – where even robots assemble robots: 47% of the global robot production are made in Nippon. The electrical and electronics industry has a share of 34%, the automotive industry 32%, and the metal and machinery industry 13% of the operational stock. Germany is by far the largest robot market in Europe with 38% of Europe’s industrial robots operating in factories here. Robot density in the German automotive industry is among the highest in the world. Employment in this sector rose continuously from 720,000 people in 2010 to almost 850,000 people in 2019.

Sweden remains in 5th position with a robot density of 274 units operating with a share of 35% in the metal industry and another 35% in the automotive industry.

Robot density in the United States increased to 228 robots. In 2019, the US car market was again the second largest car market in the world, following China, with the second largest production volume of cars and light vehicles. Both USA and China are considered highly competitive markets for car manufacturers worldwide.

The development of robot density in China continues dynamically: Today, China’s robot density in the manufacturing industry ranks 15th worldwide. Next to car production, China is also a major producer of electronic devices, batteries, semiconductors, and microchips.

The RepRap Project – An open source 3D-printer for less then 500€

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Everybody who has ever designed and built a robot by him self knows about the difficulty by building special components like sensor holders, adapters or axes bearings . Either you have to pay a huge amount of money to a company that is willing to build small product series on it or , which is more common you build them by your self and spend a lot of time on prototyping and manufacturing tasks, and then build it by hand. For the last option the  usage of a 3D-printers can speedup the process.

Generally spoken is a 3D-Printer an industrial robot with several degree of freedoms, that is moving an extruder and injects either plastic or metal in a way that a plastic or metal object (the prototypes)  are created. This technology allows therefore to print physical objects. By using this technology, the coast of one object/prototype are dramatically shrinking. More or leas the coast of one object is given by the material coasts and the time which is needed to build a CAD-Design of the object.

The major drawback of 3D-Print is the acquisition costs. Professional printer can easily coast more then 20.000€. But there is hope. The open source project RepRap allows us to build our own 3D-Printer by coast round about 500€. RepRap stands for Replicating Rapid-prototyper and is a hardware open source project. Like the big industrial machines does this project support a easy way do build your first prototypes.

RepRap from Adrian Bowyer on Vimeo.

Mendel’s improvements over Darwin from Rep Rap on Vimeo.
Of course there is also darkness. The RepRap-hardware is currently on the state of the industrial machines from 5 years ago. For example does the open source version not support to printing two type of material simultaneously. But this is extremely usefully if you have to build object with huge holes, which would collapse if there is no filling material inside that will be removed later.

But still this technollogy makes prototyping that easy and quick that it is worth to give it a try.

Updated:

The „Elektrischer-Reporter“ (German) has a reportage of the background and the ideas for the close future on 3D-Printing and homemade products. The basic stadement is an upcoming change of production lines. Every customers will be also a small factory and an upcoming market of „digital construction plans“ will showup.