KUKA Robotics recently featured its KUKA.SmartBinPicking software working in tandem with advanced 3D vision technology from Roboception in a smart bin-picking cell that used two KUKA industrial robots, two of the company's autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and a standard machine tending solution from MAIROTEC. Addressing the needs of small and large manufacturers, the cell allows for precisely locating then performing collision-free picking and placing of randomly organized parts from bins, and the loading/unloading of a machine tool.
In the demonstration, one KR CYBERTECH nano robot from KUKA using the Roboception vision system and KUKA.SmartBinPicking software picked 3" long x 2" diameter steel billets from a randomly assorted bin and placed them onto portable part trays. The second KR CYBERTECH nano machine-tending robot picked the steel billets from the part trays for processing through a CNC turning center.
KR CYBERTECH nano series encompasses compact, yet robust, streamlined, agile and flexible robots, with reaches that include 1,820 mm, 1,620 mm and 1,420 mm. For material handling applications, the KR CYBERTECH nano product family is also available in a High Protection (HP) version. In this version, the entire robot has a protection rating of IP65 for protection against dust, waterjets and other contaminants. With such a protection rating, the robot wrist also withstands high surface temperatures, permanently large quantities of dust, lubricants and coolants. Even temporary submersions have no adverse effects.
The advanced 3D vision solution from Roboception consists of the company's rc_viscore high-resolution stereo sensor with the rc_reason CADMatch software. CADMatch combines best-in-class AI and classical methods with an intuitive user experience for nonvision experts. The vision solution works seamlessly with KUKA.SmartBinPicking software to precisely locate and pick & place items from bins.
Managed by KUKA's AMR.Fleet software, two KMP 1500 mobile units from KUKA traveling between the part station and machine tending station handled trays and part totes. The tray-handling KMP 1500 used an integrated elevating module for unloading and loading trays at both robot cells. The tote-handling KMP 1500 incorporated a conveyor module for unloading and loading of totes at both robot cells and at the tote staging area.
KMP 1500s are omnidirectional, mobile platforms that navigate autonomously and eliminate the need for predefined routes and rigid processes. KUKA's omniMove drive technology allows the KMP 1500s to move in any direction from a standing position. The sophisticated wheel technology offers precise positioning with an accuracy of +/- 5 mm even in tight spaces. This results in space-saving and highly precise automation solutions for logistics.
Within the cell, the bin-picking KR CYBERTECH nano robot was equipped with a Schunk robotic tool change system and a Magswitch magnetic gripper, while FESTO brand valves and air prep system provided the end of arm tooling control. For the machine-tending robot, a standard CNC turning machine tending solution from MAIROTEC-MAIROFlex Compact 8-allowed for fenceless operation.
For more information contact:
KUKA Robotics Corporation
51870 Shelby Parkway
Shelby Township, MI 48315-1787
800-459-6691
robusinsidesalessupport@kuka.com
www.kuka-robotics.com