Machine Tending Robots

Robotic machine tending systems loading and unloading of parts, products or materials to a machine tool such as CNC, lathes, milling and turning machines, presses etc. Machine Tending Robots allows industries to reduce product life cycle and allows for the process to run continuously thereby offering higher machine utilization and higher throughput. It also eliminates workforce from being engaged in monotonous or hazardous work and allows them to focus on complex tasks. Machine Tending Robots mimic the role of a human machine operator and often act as an extension of the machine itself. While some robots are simple 1-axis or 2-axis systems, complex machine tending robots have a 7-axis system design, which included 6 industrial robot arms, separate axis for the transportation system (gantry) for consistency and high speed of operations. Payloads vary from 20 kg to 200 kg. Ceiling or overhead mounting is the most common positioning of machine tending robots. Machine tending can be used for metal working as well as other materials including ceramics, polymers and composites. Ancillaries including custom grippers, machine vision, barcode verification and labelling units can be added to completely automate the system.