PRODUCT REVIEWS
Robotic programming by ‘ hand guiding ’
Automation brings many advantages for companies , particularly for dangerous , strenuous or monotonous tasks . The sticking point often remains the programming , however . How do you teach the mechanical assistant what it should do ? With hand guiding , KUKA believes that its ready2 _ pilot solves this problem .
“ One of the main obstacles preventing robots from becoming more widespread is frequently the operator control aspect . Potential users believe that they would have to invest heavily in training and personnel and frequently reject robotic solutions for this reason . One solution to this challenge is our ready2 _ pilot . In line with the ‘ easy programming ’ principle , the solution is aimed primarily at companies with no particular experience in robot programming ,” said KUKA .
The employee guides the robot manually along a workpiece using the “ Commander ”, a type of 6D mouse , and “ shows ” it what it is supposed to do . The motions are
Above : The operator controls the robot by means of hand guiding via the Commander .
converted to commands via the wireless connection to the teach pendant ; these commands can then be freely modified or added to , as required . In this way , tasks can be recorded very quickly by simply moving your hand .
The tool used for this is the “ Commander ”, a control head that is similar to the 6D mouse on the KUKA smartPAD . It can be moved in all directions and also recognizes forward and backward commands . The Commander can be attached directly to the robot and responds very sensitively . In this way , work steps can be performed directly on the workpiece .
“ Its major advantage is that even people with little experience quickly get used to the robot in this way and simply ‘ give ’ it tasks without the need for in-depth training or certification . The Commander is also multifunctional . It can be used equally with all robot types , so the investment pays for itself very quickly ,” explained KUKA .
“ With our ready2 _ pilot hand guiding system , employees work practically hand in hand with the robot . Guiding the robot arm feels almost like carrying out the welding , drilling or bonding task yourself ,” commented Dieter Rothenfußer , Handling ,
WATCH Machining & Processing Portfolio Manager , KUKA . n
VIDEO www . kuka . com
Digitalised forming technology portfolio
Press and line manufacturer , Schuler , is accelerating the digitalisation of its product portfolio as a customer productivity driver . With its “ Digital Suite ”, the Göppingen-based technology group presents its first virtual product platform that allows users to test , configure and order the entire spectrum of existing and new digital Schuler solutions for forming technology .
Through the Digital Suite , existing and potential customers also have direct access to product experts from Schuler to discuss specific application cases and request additional detailed information .
Rohitashwa Pant , Chief Digital Officer ( CDO ), Schuler , explained : “ Our goal is for each product in the Digital Suite to be able to help reduce unit costs and increase the efficiency of machines and systems at the customer end . The use of open interfaces and standard technology makes our products easy to integrate into customer IT networks . The fact that we ’ re now making our networked solutions available on a virtual platform in a bundled format shows that digitalisation in forming technology is becoming increasingly important , and that we are playing a leading role in this process .”
Products in the Digital Suite include Schuler Connect as a virtual service system for
Above : Products in the Digital Suite include Schuler Connect as a virtual service system . © Schuler .
troubleshooting without on-site technicians , improved Track and Trace solutions for end-toend performance monitoring of components in a press as well as Visual Die Protection ( which uses artificial intelligence for the advance identification and elimination of imminent sources of damage where dies are used ).
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated digitalisation in almost all areas of life . Video conferencing , for example , has become an integral part of communication . “ Schuler Connect ” is a portal developed for the support of industrial services that transmits live images via app for smartphone or data glasses . Numerous innovative add-ons also enable optimal support for remote maintenance .
“ In the process , our experts use augmented reality technology to blend targeted information into the image signal , providing effective assistance for the line operator ,” explained service sales manager , Ernst Schwoshuber . With Schuler Connect , time-consuming and costly service calls can be reduced , thus shortening downtimes . Schuler has placed particular emphasis on the security of data transmission , emphasized Schwoshuber .
Within the company , the system has already been in use for a year , for example for communication between construction and internal assembly , or for quality assurance and acceptance of presses in China . It is part of the press manufacturer ’ s “ Digital Suite ”.
Schuler offers customised technology in all areas of forming — from the networked press to press shop planning . In addition to presses , its products include automation and software solutions , dies , process expertise and service for the metalworking industry . n
:// digitalsuite . schuler group . com / en / index . html
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