ROBOTIC MACHINES

Using robotics in packaging, pick-and-place, assembly and other complex motion control applications can greatly improve a machine’s efficiency and performance. However, integrating robotics into a machine can be complicated and time consuming, often requiring a mix of disparate hardware and software components from different vendors.

Kinematics
But now, Rockwell Automation has made robot control much easier, with Kinematics seamlessly integrated into the Kinetix Integrated Motion Solution. Kinematics provides a single, integrated solution for multiple disciplines, eliminating additional robot and safety controllers, software and special custom function blocks typically needed when incorporating a robot into an application.

Delta Robots
Delta robots in particular bring a range of benefits to packaging and other manufacturing applications. The speed and flexibility of Delta robots make them ideal for applications where the loads are light and the move distances are short. The robots are capable of very high cycle times – up to 180 parts per minute – so providing high throughput. In addition, the robot’s geometry allows it to move rapidly within a three dimensional space and orient a load around its vertical axis.

The ability to easily switch to different products is a key advantage of Delta robot technology. In addition, since the motors are mounted on a base and don’t move, the motor cables don’t need to flex, reducing cable wear and the frequency of replacement. The simple mechanical design results in low noise, long life and low maintenance, with easy access to all moving parts.

Rockwell Automation provides an extensive Logix application instruction library for Delta robot applications. The library includes support for common application functions like pick and place path control, ancillary axis control, conveyor tracking algorithms, vision system interface, operator interface teach and learn, position and time based output control.

Users can program the robot application in familiar, easy to understand ladder logic, structured text, or sequential function chart. This means there is no need to call the robot vendor for programming changes, saving time and money. Additional benefits include easy integration and high machine performance, thanks to the elimination of the performance robbing network interface and the complex cell/line control to robot control handshaking logic.