NEO is a cartesian robot developed by INAUTOM Robótica in Portugal for parts removal on plastics machinery, and its aim is to increase system productivity. The company relied on AM8000 synchronous servomotors, the AX8000 multi-axis servo system, TwinCAT software, and the expertise of the long-standing Beckhoff distributor, Bresimar Automação to create this robot.
Picture copyright: Diogo Moreira for Bresimar Automação.
With this in mind, INAUTOM Robótica has entered into a strategic partnership with Bresimar Automação, a company that has represented Beckhoff Automation in Portugal for more than 20 years. The aim of the collaboration was to increase the working speed of the cartesian robots using advanced control and motion solutions from Beckhoff. “As a result, we’ve created a comprehensive, future-proof automation solution for our entire family of cartesian robots,” says Fábio Roleiro, development engineer at INAUTOM Robótica.
Flexibility thanks to an open automation system
The cartesian robots in the NEO series are optimised for the fast and precise removal of injection moulded parts, increasing machine productivity. Key performance indicators, such as high removal and placement accuracy and speed, are crucial elements in reducing cycle time.
The components that the company relies on include a C6015 ultra-compact Industrial PC as the controller, AM8000 synchronous servomotors in combination with the AX8000 multi-axis servo system, and various EtherCAT Terminals from the EL series and EtherCAT Box modules from the EP series. “Working with these plus TwinCAT 3 as the automation platform, the engineers at INAUTOM Robótica were able to deal with all the technical challenges they were faced with.
An important aspect in the development of the NEO series was to achieve the greatest possible flexibility so that handling solutions could be adapted to customer layouts and processes. The finely graduated portfolio of motors and drives enables adaptation to different payloads. In terms of the software, standardisation across all sizes was achieved thanks to TwinCAT. To achieve precise movements that also meet the high requirements placed on speed and acceleration, the three gantry axes are equipped with AM8000 synchronous servomotors. With their dynamics and high holding torques, the servomotors are ideal for applications that require precision and efficiency. Encoders integrated into the servomotors as a feedback system provide precise position values, which are transmitted to the AX8000 multi-axis servo system in real time via EtherCAT, and Beckhoff’s space-saving, weight-reducing One Cable Technology (OCT) connection technology.
Adaptable hardware and software
The ultra-compact Industrial PC provides versatile installation options. Despite the small form factor, Intel Atom quad-core processors provide sufficient computing power to calculate the axis movements of the cartesian robot dynamically and synchronously with TwinCAT. “We can also adapt to the software requirements and operating environments of our customers,” says Roleiro, emphasising the flexibility of the NEO series.
The user interface developed in HTML5 provides a complete solution for managing and operating the robot systems. HTML5 enables combination with mobile operating devices and integration into an existing browser-based HMI for plastics machinery. This saves on the cost of an additional device for commissioning the robot. “In addition, the HTML5-based visualisation simplifies user interaction with the system. Additionally, PC-based control as an open control platform gives INAUTOM Robótica the assurance that it will be able to accommodate future customer requirements as well.
Safety in accordance with IEC 61508 and Euromap 67
INAUTOM Robótica relies on TwinSAFE as its safety technology for implementing safety requirements in accordance with IEC 61508 (SIL3). It uses EL1918 TwinSAFE Terminals (4-channel digital input) and an EL2904 (4-channel digital output). This means that the robots can be integrated into the plastics machines in accordance with the Euromap 67 standard. “This standard is essential for the safe electrification and coding of robot operations,” says Roleiro.
“The solution based on drive and control technology from Beckhoff exceeds our performance requirements and meets the high safety standards set out by IEC 61508 (SIL3) and Euromap 67,” he continues. Integrating Beckhoff’s control and drive technology into INAUTOM Robótica’s cartesian robots enables pick-and-place operations to achieve higher levels of speed and accuracy.
INAUTOM Robótica’s customers benefit from reduced cycle times, resulting in a significant improvement in the productivity of plastic injection moulding machines.
This is because the modular design of the NEO robots allows them to be customised to specific customer layouts and processes in terms of payloads and dimensions. “Our project shows how important exceptional technologies are for meeting specific market requirements, and that strategic partnerships and innovation play a crucial role in the continuous development of industrial automation,” he concludes.
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