The tasks we delegate to our silent co-workers are getting more and more complex. It started off with pick & place, palletizing and intralogistics. However, applications such as welding, bonding, polishing, machined part removal and blank workpiece placement as well as additive manufacturing are increasingly being added to the cobot’s tasks list.
Only referring to the last example: That means that parts been taken from the machine to be automatically fed to downstream processes such as depowdering and dyeing are adding extra layers of complexity. Ideally, the geometry should be recognized automatically and then be assigned to the order or package. This requires an direct data interface to an IT system (MES or ERP) and a modular removal and packaging concept. Employees are probably always working in direct proximity of the currently still a little introverted colleague. As integrator, we become manufacturer and supplier of the application and must guarantee safe installation and operation in accordance with the Machinery Directive.
