Robotics With a modular construction kit for the appropriate Cobot substructure.

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item Industrietechnik GmbH

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Collaborative robots, which work in direct contact with people, are considered practical helpers in warehouses and production. However, only with a suitable substructure can the Cobots be integrated into different areas of application. With a modular construction system, these constructions can be quickly implemented and individually adapted.

The lightweight robotics and cobot industry has experienced a boom in recent years that continues. According to a study by Interact Analysis, the international market for cobots has grown by 45 percent from 2020 to 2021. An ongoing annual growth rate of almost 30 percent is also expected for the next five years.

Cobots can easily automate various processes. They are relatively quick to program – extensive IT knowledge is not necessarily required. In contrast to heavy industrial robots, the lightweight robots only require a small footprint, which is why they can be used without any problems even under spatially limited production conditions. With the appropriate base, they can be easily moved if changes are made to the production lines and are quickly ready for operation again. But cobots are not only mobile, but also can be used around the clock. This is a particular advantage in times of an ongoing shortage of skilled workers. Many companies produce in single-shift operations due to a lack of workers. At night, the lightweight robots can not only work efficiently, but also simultaneously prepare for the next day shift. This means the facilities are optimally utilized and the employees can start the shift productively – where the cobots can also support them. Ideally, robots take over the exhausting and monotonous tasks and also relieve the employees of ergonomically disadvantageous movements.

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Adapt cobots to the field of application.

The areas of application for cobots are diverse. In addition to palletizing and pick-and-place tasks, the robots are also used for welding tasks due to their repeat accuracy. But for cobots to work efficiently, they need to be optimally adapted to the respective application field. The construction basis to which the robot is coupled is crucial in this respect. Therefore, the frame structure serving as the substructure should not only be compatible, but also flexible and modular. This allows it to be used in various areas as needed and to reliably and permanently meet the new requirements of the industry. If the cobot, including the substructure, can be easily integrated into all production lines, production can resume immediately even after a conversion.

Modular construction kit for cobots.

The modular construction kit for cobots offered by Item Industrietechnik with more than 4,500 components: Based on an aluminium profile technology, everything needed for implementing different robotic applications is available. The individual profiles are screwed together using versatile connection technology to form secure constructions. Preload in the flanks of the profile technology ensures permanent hold, even under the highest loads. The constructions can be used for different applications. In addition to mobile robot stands and modular robot tables, it is also possible to use whole workstations and complex enclosures. Minor modifications, for example, additional handles for easy transport of a mobile solution, can be mounted and implemented retrospectively in a very short time. The relatively low weight of aluminium ensures that mobile constructions used in conjunction with steering or lifting rollers for transport purposes can be moved by a single employee. This also applies to enclosed mobile robotic applications. All components of the construction kit are compatible with one another, so the base frame of an independent robotic solution can be adapted to changed requirements thanks to the detachable connection technology and the coordinated modular system.

With engineering tool for suitable peripherals for cobots.

The compatibility is an advantage of the system construction kit. "The customer invests in robotics because they want to automate and implement an application," says Hannes Fröhlich, product manager for robotics at Item Industrietechnik. "To match this, they need the appropriate peripherals - but they usually only deal with this after they have already decided on a Cobot." For this reason, Item focuses on individually adjustable sample solutions and offers mounting plates for popular models from established robot manufacturers. Alternatively, there are also universal mounting plates available for individual hole patterns and machining. This allows the Cobots to be easily connected to the designs. There are numerous sample solutions to choose from, such as a base module, mobile and permanently installable Cobot columns, robot workstations, worktables or robot cabins. These designs can serve either as a source of inspiration or can be ordered directly. With the Item engineering tool, sample solutions can be easily customized to meet current requirements. Depending on the need, the user can change the dimensions of the designs with the online software or add desired components. This allows the bases to be redesigned with just a few twists. To implement complex projects, Item involves partners from its expert network.

Remain flexible in the event of process changes.

The system construction kit from Item is suitable for the peripherals of lightweight robots and Cobots. Decisive for the stability and design of the entire construction are the maximum forces depending on the operating conditions of the robots. The total weight of the robot, its maximum load capacity and travel speed, taking into account the acting levers, are decisive. "Even if the operator presses the emergency stop switch at the maximum forces, the construction must hold and be designed accordingly," explains Fröhlich. Due to their design, the aluminum profiles are lightweight and robust as well as universally applicable - important aspects for the construction of the substructures, which are subject to different requirements. An adaptable connection technique and component compatibility helps companies to remain flexible even when processes change. As a result, the system construction kit from Item Industrietechnik enables a flexible and secure implementation of scalable systems.