Which machines can be automated with robots?
CNC lathe/milling machine
CNC lathe, lathe, automatic lathe, CNC milling machine, milling, milling, turning
Testing, Measuring, Inspection
Mechanical and optical testing machines, machines for inspection, quality control, testing and measuring
Bending bench, Laser, Bending machine
Bending machines, press brakes, edging benches, Laser cutting machines, laser marking
Plastic, injection molding
Potting equipment, injection molding machines (SGM), Plastic injection molding machine, molding, deburring, QA
Punching, Pressing, Drilling, Grinding
Punching and stamping machines, eroding machines, punch presses, press, drilling machines, grinding machines, sawing machine, woodworking
Rotary indexing tables, special machines
individuelle Special machines with or without PLC controls, rotary indexing tables, rotary indexing assembly systems, rotary indexing machines, assembly systems
What tasks do robots perform on the machine?
Loading blanks into machine
Remove finished parts from the machine
Open or close machine doors
Communicate with the machine
Blow off coolant and chips and clean parts
Downstream processes, e.g. deburring, polishing, testing or assembly
Robots play a central role in the automation of our machines. A large part is already requested with robotics.
Possibilities for interaction with the machine
Digital input/output signals
Often there are several, single lines, which contain either a “low” (=0 V voltage) or “high” (= 24 V voltage) signal. Since many machines are themselves controlled by a PLC, data transmission via IOs is the most common variant. The lines are routed from terminal strips of the machine controller to the robot controller.
Industry and communication protocols
More complex machines with a computing unit also frequently have interfaces at a higher level. For example, signals can be exchanged in real time via the EtherCAT and PROFIBUS industrial protocols. Modbus, IO_Link, OPC UA are also common standards for communication between robots and machines.
Robot uses control panel
It is also conceivable that the robot imitates the worker and, for example, presses keys on a control panel or can detect errors on the machine display with the aid of a camera. The advantage is that no additional effort is required on the machine; a disadvantage is that these interactions cannot always be implemented in a process-safe manner.
Common signals for communication between robot and machine using the example of a CNC
| Roboter Input/Output Connector, IO-Nr, Pin | Signal Description | CNC IO-Nr, Input/Output |
|---|---|---|
| I1 | 24 V: CNC indicates that new part is ready for pickup and can be gripped by the robot 00 V: no new part on CNC fixture ready for pickup or available | OUTPUT, No. 1 |
| I2 | 24 V: CNC Clamping device closed 00 V: CNC clamping fixture open | OUTPUT, No. 2 |
| I3 | 24 V: CNC has errors 00 V: CNC without error | OUTPUT, No. 3 |
| O1 | 24 V: Error on robot or in robot program 00 V: Robot program is running or robot is ready for use | INPUT Nr. #1 |
| O2 | 24 V: Robot in waiting position, ready to pick up next part from CNC 00 V: Robot not in waiting position | INPUT Nr. #2 |
| O3 | 24 V: Gripper on robot has gripped machined part in clamping devic 00 V: Gripper on robot is open or currently no part is gripped | INPUT Nr. #3 |
| O4 | 24 V: Robot has moved new blank into clamping device and waits until clamping device is closed 00 V: No new blank present in clamping device | INPUT Nr. # |
| O5 | 24 V: Robot is in the collision area of the CNC. CNC / clamping device must not move 00 V: Robot has moved out of collision area, CNC can move chip preparation/ / tools | INPUT Nr. #5 |
| O7 | 24 V: Robot needs new layer, grid is full. 00 V: Robot loads current grid. | External signal lamp |
Further possible applications for flexible robotics
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