Science fiction films dating back to Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic, Metropolis, have long warned that robotic machines may eventually surpass and dominate their human inventors. While there is no doubt that robots and robotic devices are getting smarter, that artificial intelligence continues to evolve, and that driverless cars are becoming a reality, so far we humans are more likely at risk of a Zombie Apocalypse than a robot rebellion.
A collaboration between Gosiger Automation, Okuma, Fanuc and Kitagawa work holding produced this robotically automated machining cell that significantly reduces the time and labor associated with part-to-part changeovers.
In the early days of CNC machine controls, setting up programs could be a bit challenging. Okuma changed all of that with the Windows-based THINC OSP control that makes getting started quicker and easier than ever before.
There's no doubt that applying robotic automation to part production provides a number of benefits including reduced cost-per-part, better use of machine operator time, increased CNC machine utilization, improved part quality and consistent daily output.
In this video a FANUC M-10iA robot not only loads and unloads a part from a Hardinge Super-Precision T51 SP CNC machine, but also uses a Renishaw Equator Comparative Gauging System to inspect the finished part, all without operator intervention. The video narrator explains how the robot uses a unique software solution to finely control speed and positioning for these delicate procedures without the use of special hardware.
In this brief video Gosiger Factory Automation shows how it used 3-D solids modeling to create a plan view that enabled its engineers to precisely determine the positioning and required movement of a FANUC robot used to load and unload multiple Okuma CNC machines. On-site video then shows the finished production line so the viewer sees how the FANUC robot moves along an overhead rail to flawlessly access each of the machine tool chucks.
It might have started after the successful installation of your last CNC machining center or even at the last machine tool show you attended. But in this day and age, we all eventually begin to look at automation. The world is a small place today and global competition is the norm - no longer a rarity. To get the business your company needs and to prosper long term you have to not only compete, you have to win and win far more often than you lose. Often the process starts with an assessment that automation is too complicated and automation is only for the giant manufacturers but then, over time, it begins to dawn on you. You begin to ask yourself, "What if I could I add automation to the process?" or "Is it really possible to reduce costs and improve throughput - how do the big boys do it?"
