Some SCHUNK Plug & Work, digitalization of gripping solutions for Universal Robots. (video: SCHUNK)
“Digital technology and artificial intelligence methods will revolutionize assembly and handling over the coming years,” Henrik A. Schunk stresses during the run-up to SPS 2019.
Smart SCHUNK grippers measure, identify during production process in real time
Smart SCHUNK grippers measure, identify and monitor components and the ongoing production process in real-time.
Two fundamental development directions are currently discernible:
- On the one hand, the trend towards simplification, i.e. an easy introduction to robotics and intuitive operation of robots and assembly systems.
- On the other hand there is the trend towards smart solutions: more and more functions, sensors and intelligence are being integrated directly into gripper system components.
Digitalization of gripping systems to monitor the production process
“Tomorrow’s gripping systems can be intuitively programmed, and flexibly used.
They monitor the production process and can increasingly be operated autonomously,” says the CEO of SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG from Lauffen am Neckar.
SCHUNK’s digitalization strategy does not end with the pure component.
Rather, the company spans a digital overall framework from the calculation and design tool via digital twins for design and simulation to commissioning and the ongoing process.
Digital integration with the intelligent PROFINET small components gripper EGI
Using the example of the intelligent PROFINET small components gripper EGI, SCHUNK presented at the SPS how such digital integration can be successful and what advantages are associated with it.
Also included: a smart long-stroke gripper with Plug & Work interface for the lightweight robots from Universal Robots, an intelligent rotary module and co-act grippers for collaborative applications.
