Robotic Components New Developments from Front to Back on the Robot

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Robots, end effectors and sensors work closely together in successful automation solutions. Sensors from Schunk, an AGV from Kuka, grippers from Schmalz and laser scanners from Areotech are new to the market.

Schunk: A Sure Instinct for Robots

Robots increase efficiency and quality in production and save costs. However, they can only guarantee production without rejects if all production steps and their monitoring function absolutely reliably. The demands on the individual components are correspondingly high. With its new Robot PLUS portfolio, Schunk offers the basis for this. It covers the area between the robot flange and the end effector and includes tool changers, compensation units and force/torque sensors.

As an end-of-arm solution, the 6-axis force/torque sensor FTS from Schunk ensures maximum efficiency and process reliability in automation and is used in a variety of applications such as quality control, process monitoring or in grinding and assembly processes. Where robots reach their limits due to their lack of tactile sense, the AGV gives them the necessary sensitivity to solve difficult tasks. It measures with maximum accuracy and resolution, enabling precise monitoring of processes in various applications.

Versatile in Use—from Battery Cells to Rehabilitation

Dexterity is required when joining battery cells for electric vehicles. When placing the battery modules in the battery tray, the robot places them on adhesive tracks. The AGV ensures that the robot bonds each battery with the same contact pressure. This creates the basis for functional and safe batteries of consistent quality.

The AGV plays a central role in the automated assembly of circuit boards in the electronics sector. With its high sensitivity, it ensures that the robot places the small and fragile components reliably and with the correct contact pressure in the holes provided without damaging them.

In medical technology, the FTS is used directly on patients: it is used in therapy robots for the mobilization of patients. With the help of the 6-axis force-torque sensor, the robot enables movements of individual or multiple joints in passive, actively supporting or active form, which are combined with targets such as strength, range of motion or coordination. The sensor evaluates various parameters and can thus recognize the patient's development.

Intelligent Sensor Technology

For maximum precision, the FTS is equipped with strain gages. These record the mechanical deformation of the sensor body and convert it into high-precision signals in all six degrees of freedom (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz). In combination with low-noise signal processing, the foil strain gauges ensure high resolution and signal quality. Its high rigidity makes the robust base body durable and ensures high measuring accuracy even in dynamic applications. The force/torque sensor complies with protection class IP67 and can even be used in demanding environments. Integrated LEDs for power, communication and sensor status facilitate status monitoring.

Standardized ISO mounting patterns on the tool side and adapter plates on the robot side enable quick and uncomplicated installation. The sensor can be easily and seamlessly connected to existing network topologies via the interface box with Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT and Profinet interfaces. A user-friendly interface simplifies commissioning. With nine sizes and measuring ranges (Fxy: 30–3,600 lbf, Fz: 70–7,200 lbf, Mxyz: 3–2,100 lb·ft), the FTS force/torque sensor offers the right solution for a wide range of measuring requirements in a wide variety of applications.