June 2020

TECHNOLOGY n 15 www.drivesncontrols.com June 2020 THE DANISH COLLABORATIVE robot (cobot) specialist Universal Robots (UR) has announced a kit that, it says, will simplify the integration of autonomous bin- picking of parts and accurate placement in machines using its cobots. The ActiNav autonomous bin- picking kit synchronises vision processing, collision- free motion planning, and autonomous real-time robot control, eliminating the complexity and risk usually associated with bin-picking applications. These applications usually need substantial efforts in terms of both integration and programming. Most existing bin-picking products concentrate on the vision aspect of the picking process and often need hundreds of lines of additional programming to bridge the gap from“picking”to“placing”– especially if the “placing”is not simply dropping items into a box or tote, but inserting them accurately into fixtures for further processing. UR says that the new kit will allow manufacturers with limited or no bin-picking expertise to achieve high machine uptime and accurate parts placements with few operator interventions. The kit combines autonomous real-time motion control, collaborative robotics, vision and sensor systems in an easy-to-use, fast-to-deploy way. It needs no vision or robot programming expertise, but is based on “teach-by-demonstration”, using a six- step, wizard-guided set-up process integrated into a cobot teaching pendant. According to UR, it can be deployed easily and quickly by manufacturers’ in- house automation teams – or with help from a distributor or integrator – to boost productivity, quality and efficiency. There are various approaches to automating machine-tending, many of which use trays, bowl feeders or conveyors to get the parts to the machine. ActiNav bypasses this step.“Parts are often already in bins, so the most flexible and scalable option is to Autonomous bin-picking kit places parts into machines RITTALHAS announced a tool for configuring its small enclosures that, it says, can cut the time it takes to choose, configure and purchase a compact enclosure by up to 95%. The Rittal Configuration System (RiCS) allows users to browse through an online catalogue of more than 250 accessories, but only shows them components that are suitable for a chosen cabinet. Once selected, the accessory can be positioned in an online 3Dmodel of the enclosure. The tool also allows users to mark the positions of cut-outs and drill holes for later machining. This avoids the need to switch to alternative CAD programs when planning an enclosure. Once an enclosure has been configured, the system provides a downloadable CAD file that can be loaded into a local Perforex panel-tailoring machine. Alternatively, the machining can be done by Rittal before shipping. In either case, the work is said to be millimetre-precise. At the same time, the enclosure and its accessories can be ordered via Rittal’s online shop. As well as saving time during planning and configuration, the tool is said to allow error-free selection of accessories, and automatic generation of documents and data. Users can transfer the data from the configurator to Eplan’s Pro Panel software to create 3D electromechanical designs of the enclosure with production documentation for the workshop. www.rittal.co.uk Tool can slash small enclosure configuring times by 95% deliver that bin of parts to the machine and then pick them directly from the bin and place them into the machine,” explains Jim Lawton, UR’s vice-president of product and applications management. “This minimises floor space and reduces the need for part-specific tooling.” The system can insert parts autonomously into CNC or processing equipment, such as drilling, deburring, welding, trimming or tapping machines. A high-resolution 3D sensor and CAD matching allow accurate picks using an “autonomous motion module” that decides how to pick the part, then controls the robot to pick the part and place it into a fixture. The module allows the cobot arm to operate inside deep bins that hold more parts – something that standalone bin-picking vision systems struggle to do, according to UR. www.universal-robots.com/actinav UR’s autonomous bin-picking kit places parts accurately inmachine-tending applications. It avoids complex integration and programming, and simplifies applications using end-to-end autonomous motion. Rittal’s configuration software only shows relevant components