The modular ATRO industrial robot system from Beckhoff was first presented to the public in 2022. Fast-forward to today, and more link modules are now being added to increase the flexibility of the ATRO system even further, including in the form of multi-arm robots.
The standardised ATRO motor modules with integrated drive functionality are combined with link modules in different geometries, offering users the flexibility to set up a variety of robot kinematics. This results in robotics solutions that are precisely optimised to suit the application in question. The complete integration of the robot controller into the TwinCAT control platform, with its extensive automation functionalities, also facilitates the whole process of implementing complete solutions for a machine.
As mechanically passive modules, ATRO link modules are used to adapt the kinematic structure or the workspace to the respective requirements. The latest additions to be showcased include a T-shaped link module with two junctions, in addition to both L- and S-shaped models. Automatica 2023 provided the perfect opportunity to present a sample application featuring two-arm robot kinematics based on the T-module, each with four motor modules (i.e. joints) in the arms.
The common main axis could be used as a continuously rotating axis and thus as a moving robot base, since all axes in the ATRO system from the base to the end effector are designed to rotate endlessly due to the internal media feed. The two arms are thus simultaneously guided to different work areas where they can grip, set down, or machine workpieces. The entire structure not only saves space, but also offers a fast and efficient solution. This is because it eliminates the need for the robot to perform any of the typical return travel associated with axis limitations, in which no process execution takes place.
The compressed air or energy supply to the two grippers is routed internally in the structure from the basic main axis to the two end effectors through the ATRO interfaces of the modules. The new L- and S-shaped link modules support kinematics with four degrees of freedom, which can be used for tasks such as palletising. A special feature of one of the new L-shaped link modules was demonstrated at another exhibition: the axes of this robot configuration are designed in such a way that they cannot collide with themselves, which means that the endless rotation of all axes can be exploited to optimal effect. In all other robot configurations, self-collision is avoided by software.
Another innovation in the entire Beckhoff system is the implementation of the pluggable and modular MX-System as a robot and machine controller. An MX-System configuration consisting of a power supply, industrial PC, digital input/output, and safety modules allows the ATRO system to be operated completely control cabinet-free. The robot receives its required 48 V power supply and EtherCAT communication via a single hybrid cable from the new MX-System power supply module with 40 A output current. For pneumatic control of the end effectors, the new pneumatic modules are available in the MX-System. The result is a complete, compact, control cabinet-free robot control system that can easily be expanded for further automation tasks within a machine or cell.
igus puts 3D-printed wear materials to the test igus
Motion Control & Drives
A new igus white paper compares its tribological iglidur 3D-printing materials directly with conventional POM, reporting lower wear, more stable friction and up to ten times longer service life in gear testing for customised, low-volume and replacement components.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE’s expanded local engineering capability SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
At Electra Mining Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE demonstrated how its expanded local engineering capability, digital technologies and lifecycle support strategy help customers improve reliability, energy efficiency and total cost of ownership across the full life of their drive assets.
Read more...Latest Danfoss automation drive Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG has launched the Danfoss iC7-Automation enclosed variable speed drive range in South Africa, backed by significant local stockholding of 400 V models up to 710 kW, approved warranty workshops, and DrivePro digital asset management support.
Read more...Severe-duty workhorses powering mining
Motion Control & Drives
Mining machines such as rock crushers, pumps and conveyors need motors that combine high torque with robust enclosures, seals and cooling. WEG Africa explains how severe-duty motors deliver more than a decade of reliable performance in harsh conditions while meeting modern energy-efficiency standards.
Read more...Looking beyond the spec sheet when choosing motion architecture
Motion Control & Drives
When machine builders focus only on torque, speed and price, engineering time, integration effort and long-term maintainability get overlooked. Kollmorgen explains how thinking at the system level, not the component level, leads to better motion architecture choices.
Read more...Economy drive system closes the drive gap in the entry-level segment Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Beckhoff has launched an economy drive system pairing its new AX1000 servo drive and AM1000 servomotor with the AF1000 dual-axis variable frequency drive on a shared EtherCAT platform, targeting series machines and price-sensitive markets without sacrificing TwinCAT integration or functional safety.
Read more...Mammoet supports critical heavy lift and marine activities for topsides
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet provided specialised heavy lift and marine logistics support for the Munin topsides on Aker BP’s Yggdrasil North Sea development, including a complex transshipment operation and a tidal-window load-out classified as a Class 1 operation.
Read more...High voltage need not mean high complexity
Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen has extended its Essentials motion platform into 400 to 480 V high-voltage applications, allowing machine builders to right-size their motion systems without stepping up to unnecessarily complex or over-specified solutions.
Read more...Sinamics G200 frequency converter for general applications Siemens South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens has expanded its Sinamics portfolio with the G200, a compact general-purpose frequency converter that supports Profinet, TIA Portal integration and built-in safety and cybersecurity functions for a wide range of industrial drive applications.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version