The Feedio robotic component-handling system has been introduced by the Japanese manufacturer Brother to increase the production efficiency of its Speedio range of three- to five-axis machining centres.

Available in the UK and Ireland through Kenilworth-based Whitehouse Machine Tools Ltd (www.wmtcnc.com), this compact unit can be retrofitted to any machine in the Speedio range.

The plug-and-play automation unit, which communicates with the machining centre via a Profibus interface, is supplied with a six-axis ABB robot and the manufacturer’s ‘smart teach pendant’, which incorporates a customised Speedio page.

Offering a handling capacity of 10 or 20kg, the robot can be equipped with standard interchangeable grippers featuring two or three fingers, or an adjustable double gripper — and with an air-blow nozzle, if required.

A camera vision system with built-in PC allows the robot to detect where on the upper inlet conveyor a workpiece has been placed. After machining, the component is placed on an output conveyor.

Access to the machine from the front is maintained by positioning the automation unit to the side, which allows it to serve two Speedios, if required. Options include a static station for re-gripping a component, a turn-around station, and equipment for deburring, washing, air cleaning and part marking.