Use robotics to take a firm grip on production flexibility

The robots of today need one principal attribute: flexibility. Much of this flexibility comes courtesy of the end-of-arm tooling (gripper). Marcus Mazetti, global account manager at SMC, guides us through the factors to bearing in mind when selecting gripper technology.

Once the preserve of high-volume operations at automotive plants, we’re today finding that robots are infiltrating all sectors of the commercial world. Even beyond traditional manufacturing, inspection and packaging operations, we see robots fulfilling tasks that extend from mining and space exploration, through to surgery and laboratory research, and even fruit picking.

According to a McKinsey report, 88% of businesses worldwide plan to introduce robotic automation into their infrastructure. With so many new industries driving sales, Mordor Intelligence reports that the global robotics market could reach $74.1 billion by 2026 (up from 27.73 billion in 2020), registering a CAGR of 17.45%. However, while the future looks bright for those in the robotics arena, we know from experience that there are certain prerequisites which underline success in sectors other than automotive.

Whereas robots in the high-volume automotive arena typically perform a single task, flexibility is the key word for non-automotive robot applications. Here, users assign robots to different tasks that may change regularly. For those of you thinking that programming is an issue in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments, think again. Robot OEMs, cobot (collaborative robot) specialists and software companies are today providing solutions that ensure straightforward programming, to the point where even operators with little or no experience can generate motion paths in next to no time.

AI and machine learning

While we are all aware that robots perform repetitive tasks more efficiently than humans, there’s a new trend here: with AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning), robots are able to think, learn and draw accurate conclusions without the help of their human colleagues. It’s an exciting prospect for industry across the board, particularly when you consider that robots can support the shift to Industry 4.0/digitalisation, largely because they outperform traditional motion systems in complex tasks.

For instance, while many machines on the shop floor feature full automation, handling tasks from the warehouse to final assembly and packaging are often unautomated due to the inherent complexities involved. Today, however, the latest robotic solutions are assisting continuous flow across the factory, potentially leading to the concept of ‘dark’ or lights-out manufacturing, with no or very few people controlling operations.

With robots set to become a core resource at many types of factory, achieving flexibility is paramount for any tasks that involve handling or servicing. Here, around 50% of applications require finger and/or gripper modifications to suit customer requirements.

For both robot users and manufacturers there are several objectives when it comes to product selection, including price-performance ratio, flexibility, ease of adoption and safety. However, end-of-arm gripper technology is a key factor for tasks such as materials handling, packaging, machine tending, assembly, quality control and surface finishing.

SMC offers a full range of gripper solutions, including pneumatic, electrical, magnetic and vacuum, ensuring adaptability to all gripping needs. The company can also supply FRL units, tubing, valves and serial communication, either using wireless or traditional wired technology, thus creating a turnkey solution for new robot installations or retrofit projects.

SMC helps robotics engineers tap into ‘languages’ with which they are likely unfamiliar, such as pneumatics, by helping to translate or interpret the requirements of air-driven motion control and the benefits it can bring. Its expert team can help explain everything from valve island technology and filtration, to air flow and system pressure. Even though SMC offers an extensive series of electric actuators, pneumatics remains its principal language, which is why increasing numbers of robot OEMs and manufacturing plants are requesting our help.

Rapid tool changes

To deliver flexibility, robots frequently need to use multiple different grippers, which is why fast and reliable tool-change technology is paramount. However, many solutions are expensive and carry some risk due to complex air/signal connections. For this reason, SMC developed the MHF2-X7076A, a modular, low-profile air gripper with finger-change function.

This automatic tool-change device for robots means users simply replace the end of the gripper (the finger) without any risk. The wiring and piping are bundled together in the body of the air gripper (robot side) to improve electrical contact during tool changes and reduce air leakage.

As a further market differentiator, SMC offers wireless communication with the gripper to eliminate any risk of communication loss and stoppages. The EX600-W wireless system means less cables and connectors, reduced installation and maintenance, and fewer breakages and disconnections to deliver totally reliable, noise-resistant communication. Robot users are increasingly adopting our fast-response EX600-W wireless system improve their OEE (overall equipment effectiveness), a key metric for any production or process operations.

SMC Pneumatics

Vincent Avenue
MILTON KEYNES
MK8 0AN
UNITED KINGDOM

07836260158

More products
1 day ago
maxon is giving away a Swiss Army Knife every day in December
maxon has launched its 2023 Advent Calendar, giving away a classic Victorinox Swiss Army Knife every day in December until Christmas Eve. To enter maxon’s Advent Calendar, visit the maxon prize draw 2023 and click on the door for the corresponding day.
1 day ago
Yaskawa commits to UK with state-of-the-art facility
Yaskawa – a global technology supplier in segments drives, motion controls and robotics – is opening a new, state-of-the-art UK headquarters and manufacturing facility in Sunderland.
3 days ago
NSK bearings help pet food plant raise OEE
When a major UK pet food producer wanted better machine utilisation with the aim of raising its OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) by 3 points, it asked experts at bearing specialist NSK if they could evaluate processes and systems to help with this improvement goal.
4 days ago
Beckhoff UK and HepcoMotion’s mechatronics showcase takes centre stage
Automation technology specialist Beckhoff UK, in collaboration with leading manufacturer of linear motion systems, HepcoMotion, hosted a mechatronics showcase at MK7, the home of Oracle Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes, with several innovations from both companies on display, as well as a brand-new product reveal – the GFX-r guidance system.
4 days ago
PPMA re-brand puts automation at the heart of UK manufacturing
The PPMA Group of Associations has re-branded and has changed its name to AutomateUK to better represent the needs of its membership and their end user customers in the ever-changing manufacturing landscape.
1 hour ago
steute Technologies restructures its business fields
steute Technologies, an international technology company offering switches, intelligent sensors and wireless systems, has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its business fields.
7 hours ago
Showcasing design, production and process engineering in the food and drink sect
Taking place on 1 May 2024 at the National Motorcycle Museum, Food Manufacturing Live serves the design, production, process and maintenance engineering teams across the UK food and drink manufacturing sector.
1 day ago
Understanding safety and security for the protection of human and machine
How do you master employee protection, liability protection, productivity and data protection? How do you increase your quality and simultaneously prevent manipulation on your machines? How do you protect your data and employees in equal measure? Pilz is hosting a free webinar on 15 December, 9:30-10:30 am, to address just these questions.
1 day ago
Schaffner opens new regional channels for its range of EMC solutions
EMC solutions provider, Schaffner, announces new partnerships with three distributors to further broaden the reach and scope of its product range and support services across Europe. The new agreements with Telerex, CATS and DSL Components will open new supplier corridors and enable customers to have local and faster access to products.
1 day ago
New SCARA robot transforms pick-and-place and assembly operations
ABB Robotics is expanding its industrial SCARA robot portfolio with the addition of the IRB 930. The new robot, compromising three variants capable of handling 12 kg and 22 kg payloads, has been designed to meet the demands of new growth opportunities in traditional and new markets.

Login / Sign up