OnRobot launches new tooling system for ‘full range’ of collaborative robots

OnRobot says it has launched a new tooling system for “full range” of smaller robots.

The company says its new Digital I/O Converter Kit and Quick Changer for OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) “dramatically simplifies” automation because it provides a single platform for a full range of collaborative and light industrial robotic systems

Denmark-based OnRobot, a specialist EoAT provider for collaborative robot applications, has introduced two new products – the Digital I/O Converter Kit and Quick Changer – which together with other OnRobot EoATs, creates a “unique One-System Solution that dramatically simplifies automation”, says the company.

OnRobot’s Digital I/O Converter Kit allows OnRobot EoATs to work with “full range of leading collaborative and light industrial robot brands”.

Building on that initiative, all OnRobot products now have a unified mechanical and communications interface based on the OnRobot Quick Changer, which is now an integrated part of all OnRobot products.

An additional Dual Quick Changer incorporates these same new capabilities onrobotwhile allowing the use of two tools in one cycle, mixing and matching to suit application needs and maximising robot utilisation.

Now, with a single robotic system, single platform for programming and training, and single vendor relationship, manufacturers have access to a full range of tools, full robot compatibility, and virtually unlimited possibilities for collaborative applications.

This new one-system solution speeds deployment so manufacturers save time and money and can quickly realise the benefits of automation.

Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot, says: “Manufacturers are demanding more from their robotic applications, and end-of-arm tooling has become the key to optimising their investments.

“This integration of our Quick Changer across our current product lineup makes it easier than ever to switch between tools and robot types, allowing flexibility and reducing downtime for more efficient production and faster automation return on investment.

“This brings us another step closer to a unified OnRobot one-system solution that makes it easy, fast and cost-effective for manufacturers to build collaborative applications, no matter which robots they choose.”

Growing adoption of robotics in Southeast Asia

The roll-out of OnRobot’s One-System Solution is timely as Southeast Asian countries are embracing robot adoption faster than Europe and the USA.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, Singapore leads the region and is at the second position worldwide, with a density of 658 robots per 10,000 workers.

The report also highlights that Thailand, though with a density of 48 robots per 10,000 workers, has adoption rates 159 percent higher than its wage levels would predict.

A recent report estimates global sales of robotic EoAT will surpass $2 billion in 2019, up from USD 1.9 billion in 2018. The constant pressure faced by industrial ecosystems to enhance productivity and reduce operating costs is driving up demand for collaborative robots (cobots).

This subsequently brings EoATs to the fore as they play a crucial role in offering the desired functionality to meet the evolving roles of cobots.

James Taylor, general manager, APAC at OnRobot, said: “Demand for EoAT in Southeast Asia is rising as robot adoption continues to grow. Our commitment to provide complete collaborative robot solutions in the region is further strengthened with the introduction of the One-System Solution.

“This new EoAT innovation is a huge step forward for the industry, helping manufacturers especially SMEs embrace automation easily – truly enabling automation for all.”

‘Unified platform’ across tooling and robot brands

With the OnRobot Quick Changer – which is now integrated in all OnRobot tools – a single cable provides a universal interface for tools and communications, so there is no need to disconnect cables when changing tools, and extended communications options support a full range of robotic platforms.

For Universal Robots: For Universal Robots robot arms, OnRobot now provides a unified URCap that allows all tools to work together, even in a single program.

For example, using the new Dual Quick Changer, manufacturers can use an RG2 two-finger gripper together with a VG10 vacuum gripper in one cycle, achieving greater utilisation of a single UR robot.

Thanks to the unified programming solution, the setup time on UR robots is now faster than ever.

Fieldbus solution for other robot brands: All OnRobot products now have a unified communication platform using standard fieldbus protocols, making it easy to program the tools, regardless of robot used.

With the new fieldbus protocols, manufacturers can easily set software values and use more functions via a standard Ethernet cable, supporting an increased level of sophistication with a simple plug-and-produce approach that doesn’t require additional cables.

Deployment time can be cut from three hours to 30 minutes, so manufacturers can get their collaborative application up and running quickly.

OnRobot WebLogic for Digital I/O for any type of robots: For robots that connect through digital I/O, the new OnRobot one-system solution includes an Onrobot WebLogic interface.

Using the IP address of the OnRobot Compute Box, manufacturers can sign in via the OnRobot WebClient from a phone or any other network-connected device to monitor the robot or create simple robot programs.

Manufacturers can preset values and create elaborate programming logic using the feedback values from OnRobot grippers and sensors to provide finer control.

This makes OnRobot tools compatible with an even broader range of robot arms and helps manufacturers get their collaborative application up and running quickly.