How SMEs can use an industrial metaverse to explore and deploy robotic solutions rapidly
Gantry robots from Igus have self-lubricating plastic liners that slide and roll smoother and quieter than traditional ball-bearing-based designs. The new design is lighter weight, corrosion-resistant, and maintenance-free, which are important qualities for SMEs. Also crucial for SMEs, these robots cost up to 40% less than traditional gantry robots, providing a quicker return on investment (ROI). These robots are suited for two classes of applications: low speeds with high loads or high speeds with low loads. Representative applications include packaging, pick and place, labeling, material handling, and assembly operations. They are offered in a range of sizes. Available accessories include couplings, end effectors, and motor flanges. Examples of medium-sized gantry robots include: ■ DLE-FG-0006-AC-650-650 is a two-dimensional flat gantry with a 650 x 650 mm workspace. This robot can handle payloads up to 8 kg and has a dynamic rate of up to 20 picks per minute. ■ DLE-RG-0012-AC-800-800-500 is a three-dimensional gantry with an 800 x 800 x 500 mm workspace. It can handle payloads up to 10 kg with a dynamic rate of up to 20 picks per minute.
Figure 3: Palletizing is a common and important activity in manufacturing and logistics operations and can be automated using a gantry robot. (Image source: Igus)
Palletizing prowess
Delta robots Like gantry robots, delta robots are available with two or three axes. Delta robots have a dome- shaped work envelope mounted above the workspace. They have exceptionally high speeds and are often used for material handling and parts placement. Examples of Igus’ delta robots include: ■ RBTX-IGUS-0047 is a three- axis design with a workspace diameter of 660 mm. It has an accuracy of ±0.5 mm, a maximum payload of 5 kg, a maximum speed of 0.7 m/s, and can perform up to 30 picks per minute. (Figure 4). ■ RBTX-IGUS-0059 is a 2-axis design with a workspace
Palletizing products for shipment is an everyday activity in manufacturing and logistics operations. The newest and largest member of the iguverse is the XXL large gantry robot with a working space of 2,000 x 2,000 x 1,500 mm, well-suited for palletizing applications up to 10 kg. Custom designs with working spaces up to 6,000 x 6,000 x 1,500 mm are available. These gantry robots can pick parts weighing up to 10 kg, transport them at a speed of up to 500 mm/s, and place them on a pallet with a repeatability of 0.8 mm (Figure 3). The Igus palletizing robot solution costs up to 60% less than comparable systems.
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