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www.mac<strong>hi</strong>neryupdate.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2018 MACHINERY UPDATE 75<br />
Feature: Automation, robotics and vision<br />
Developing end-of-arm tools to accommodate a wide variety of parts <strong>with</strong> different contours is a key factor in the flexible use of cobots in manufacturing<br />
New grippers deliver<br />
ongoing functionality<br />
Mac<strong>hi</strong>nery Update talks to Piab about its ‘ready-to-go’ vacuum grippers<br />
that can adapt to a variety of contours to handle different parts easily<br />
The functionality of a cobot is<br />
decided at the end of its arm<br />
and the latest Kenos vacuum<br />
gripper from Piab increases<br />
the flexibility of cobots and<br />
the range of applications <strong>with</strong>out the<br />
need for retooling.<br />
End-of-arm tools play a key role in<br />
cobot functionality as it allows the cobot<br />
to pick up a part. And although specific<br />
tools can accommodate a specific part<br />
and perform well in a defined process,<br />
developing tools to accommodate a wide<br />
variety of parts <strong>with</strong> different contours is<br />
a key factor in the flexible use of cobots.<br />
Taking these requirements into<br />
account, Piab has introduced its first<br />
‘ready-to-go’ vacuum gripper unit<br />
specifically for use <strong>with</strong> collaborative<br />
robots (robots w<strong>hi</strong>ch can be used in close<br />
proximity to humans). The <strong>res</strong>ult is the<br />
new, compact KCS series Kenos vacuum<br />
gripper that can pick up products of<br />
many different shapes and is designed<br />
in such a way that different grippers can<br />
be exchanged easily and efficiently via<br />
a quick-change system.<br />
The system consists of a separate<br />
pump unit in w<strong>hi</strong>ch a modular vacuum<br />
generation device is integrated in the<br />
smallest space – and a gripper unit.<br />
Both are connected to each other by<br />
the quick-change system. The entire unit<br />
can be attached to all common cobot<br />
models <strong>with</strong> a suitable adapter.<br />
DETECTION OF WORKPIECES<br />
The main gripper consists of a technical<br />
foam on its underside, w<strong>hi</strong>ch can adapt<br />
to a wide variety of contours and thus<br />
very flexibly handle different parts.<br />
In many cases, t<strong>hi</strong>s eliminates the need<br />
for accurate detection of a workpiece as<br />
well as the detection of gripping surfaces.<br />
In many applications, having to use a new<br />
gripper when changing the parts to be<br />
picked up is not necessary. The cobot is<br />
therefore ready for immediate use during<br />
different processes.<br />
In addition to t<strong>hi</strong>s flexibility in<br />
An FDA-approved<br />
technical foam can be<br />
used for food products<br />
changing between various products<br />
easily, time and cost savings are ac<strong>hi</strong>eved<br />
through shorter downtime and any<br />
retooling times. T<strong>hi</strong>s also supports the<br />
economic production of ever smaller<br />
batch sizes, especially in markets <strong>with</strong><br />
a <strong>hi</strong>gh demand for individualised or<br />
personalised products.<br />
When handling food, the gripper can<br />
be equipped <strong>with</strong> a special FDA-approved<br />
technical foam.<br />
At the same time, for special<br />
applications, such as the handling of<br />
plastic bags filled <strong>with</strong> concentrates or<br />
granules, Piab has developed another<br />
gripper unit, w<strong>hi</strong>ch can be swiftly<br />
exchanged via the quick-change system.<br />
Both of these gripper units are<br />
characterised by their edgeless design,<br />
says the company. Due to the rounded<br />
sides and the technical foam surface of<br />
the main unit, possible injury hazards<br />
are largely eliminated. T<strong>hi</strong>s makes the<br />
gripper units particularly safe to use<br />
on cobots, w<strong>hi</strong>ch co-operate freely <strong>with</strong><br />
humans and thus can also increase the<br />
acceptance by the operators.<br />
T 01509 857010<br />
W www.piab.com