Coventry-based DMG Mori Seiki UK Ltd (www.dmgmori.com) has introduced a mobile robotic cell — called Robo2Go — for automating its CNC turning centres; both raw billet loading and finished part unloading are performed automatically.

The unit can be relocated easily by pallet truck to serve up to four different lathes sequentially on a shopfloor.
Operation requires no specialist knowledge of robots, as graphics-based programming is offered via an app running directly in DMG Mori’s CELOS control interface.

All the operator has to do is enter the dimensions of the workpiece, select the chuck and gripper, choose one of the pre-defined workpiece tray arrangements and start the automatic process.

Silvio Krüger, CEO of DMG Mori Systems, said: “As no expert knowledge is needed, this intuitive way of programming a robot is especially suitable for small and medium-size enterprises that want to exploit the competitive advantage of flexible unattended production.

Reluctance to automate has been noticeable in this customer segment, partly because of insufficient programming knowledge and uncertainty that the robot would be fully utilised.

“These factors have caused some to regard such an investment as too risky, but the simplicity of Robo2Go has overcome this obstacle.”

Once the system is working, a laser scanner prevents the operator from approaching the machine or robot, so there is no need for physical guarding. If a person encroaches on the periphery of the defined safety area, robot motion slows, while close approach halts movement instantly.

The robot is available with a maximum load capacity of 10, 20 or 35kg. Workpiece diameter can be between 25 and 125mm, while length is from 50 to 250mm.

Included in the purchase price of the cell are an automatic door for the lathe, automation interface, CELOS app and commissioning.