I am writing this from Phoenix while attending the annual meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. That doesn’t prevent reporting on the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). Most of the news I’ve seen on the “automation” side concerns robotics and autonomous mobile vehicles. This news comes from Kawasaki.
Perhaps the most intriguing of their announcements concerns the shortage of skilled workforce—an educational robot platform said to be a fraction of the cost of others. Named Astorino, it equips students with the foundational skills needed for modern manufacturing.
Named after the popular open-source Arduino platform and development partner ASTOR, Astorino leverages Kawasaki Robotics’ extensive technology expertise, including hardware, firmware, control system, application software and training. The platform also supplies STL files so students can rapidly print 3D replacement parts for 99% of the robot. It weighs in at 12 kg and is powered by 110 Vac.
At the core of Astorino is a 1kg payload, 6-axis robot with a structure and programming environment nearly identical to that of a Kawasaki industrial robot. It includes a built-in control system; dedicated firmware and software; Modbus TCP and USB/Ethernet communication, and safety functions such as E-Stop and safety brakes. Motor control uses three signals (pulse/direction/enable) and steel gears reduce backlash to <5 arcmin. The robot is flexible and can also be paired with multiple options such as three kinds of grippers, a 24V IO module, a cube feeder with optical sensors and external sensors.
The base price is just $5000.
Now, we turn to industrial-grade robots introduced at the show.
CL Series
Developed in partnership with NEURA Robotics, the CL Series cobots offer industrial scale performance and speed paired with maximum protection without compromising the safety and flexibility advantages of human/robot collaboration. The CL Series cobots can operate without protective covers in crowded and harsh environments. Operating in Zero Gravity (Zero G), the CL Series cobots requires only light guidance and precise adjustments by hand to create highly efficient solutions for applications such as machine tending and welding.
Robotic Machine Tending Shelf System
This turnkey, no code, easy-to-set-up robotic machine tending solution using a modular shelf system for part feeding was developed in partnership with Hurco, a developer of CNC machining equipment. The demo features a Kawasaki RS013N robot, 16 workpieces—four fixtured to pallets and 12 held in 5th Axis LiteVises and a Hurco VM15Di CNC machine that is all operated using Hurco’s WinMax CNC Controls. The system was designed to keep up with customer demand for high-mix, low-volume parts manufacturing without the need to learn how to program a robot. Ultimately, machinists receive a safe solution that can handle a range of part sizes and volumes and can expand capacity to meet highly specific application needs.
Welding Robots
New models featured at IMTS include the BA013N and BA013L with built-in intelligence, real-time path modification, and adaptive arc welding and RTPM capabilities to help manufacturers improve quality and meet production goals.
Robofin
Developed in partnership with AMT and NEFF Automation, this versatile robotic material removal solution solves various finishing needs. RoboFin can handle diverse materials and surface types, increase abrasive life up to 3X, and provide unrivaled precision and consistency to deliver the same high-quality output every time.
K-Positioners
These positioners enable robots to easily manipulate workpiece position to ensure the welding torch is positioned at the optimal angle and distance for consistent, high-quality welds. By automating workpiece movement, positioners speed up the welding process, reducing overall cycle times while at the same time reducing the need for reworking.
