Automated Storage and Retrieval System Elevates Cobot Productivity

Within the factory of the future program at Applied Cobotics, we have readily embraced the cobot (collaborative robot) nation. Initially, as we were implementing this new technology, we found that one tray of parts did not take advantage of the cobot’s full potential. We quickly realized that we needed some type of lift automation, combined with a storage and retrieval component, that would assist the cobot for much longer unattended production runs.

The solution? We designed and built the ASRS to enhance any robot’s productivity, run a higher mix of parts, and ultimately recoup a greater return on investment.

Collaborative technology for more production power and Cobot Productivity

The ASRS assists most cobots and other robotic applications by providing a continuous arsenal of machinable parts over a much longer time frame. It does this by consistently loading and unloading dunnage trays onto the robot accessible work area, eliminating the need to manually replace each one. The resulting boost in cobot production (Cobot Productivity) is 10- to 20-times that of standard means.

The ASRS from Applied Cobotics features a vertical lead screw-driven shelf, and a horizontal tray loader/unloader. In addition, tray rack towers engineered for the ASRS offer open-spaced shelving that accommodate various part sizes up to 18-inches in height. The rack towers are also capable of holding up to 17 trays. Customized dunnage parts trays can be acquired either through our 3D printing and thermoforming capabilities. For DIY customers, purchase one of our 3D Platform or BCN3D printers and create your own custom trays!

The ASRS works by assisting a robot in longer parts runs. Without the ASRS, a robot will stop running as soon as it finishes that one tray of parts. With the ASRS in place, the robot system is capable of unmanned, continuous production. As the cobot finishes each set of parts on the tray, the tray loader slides the finished parts tray to its predetermined position, and then pulls the next one onto the shelf. Once the tray is pulled into position, the cobot is alerted and automatically resumes its project tasks. Depending on the parts, a project can operate unaided overnight, making each one a potential lights-out automation run. Built-in motor encoders provide highly accurate motion, maintaining the tight tolerances that cobots require.

All together, these features provide reliable and safe load-handling for any part type or size. The ASRS can easily be implemented to automate most CNC lathes, Mills, and many other types of robotic-aided manufacturing for long-running, unattended operation.

ASRS is offered as a package deal with an attached cobot, or as a single component.

Flexibility in Automation

As customers begin to request more custom components, shorter part runs, and cheaper costs, there is an increasing demand for flexibility on the shop floor. The Automated Storage and Retrieval System from Applied Cobotics, in tandem with many types of robots, provides project managers and operators that flexibility. While Applied Cobotics offers the ASRS and cobot as a package deal, the ASRS can be purchased on its own, providing an essential asset to existing automation systems. It offers its own adaptive features such as:

• Compatibility with any cobot/robot with I/O ports
• Compatibility with any cobot-suited application
• Multiple parts programming options within one job run
• Production of an entire cart of trays in conjunction with robots
• Pallet jack accessible design for portability
• Mobile tray rack that can be moved from station-to-station and locks easily into place

Easy to Use and Install

The ASRS from Applied Cobotics is easy to use, and does not require any extensive programming knowledge. For CNC milling machines, our experience has proven that the time investment is less than one day to fully implement the ASRS/cobot package. Other ease-of-use features include:

• HMI touch screen display for easy control
• Software Interface that can be programmed in a few simple steps
• Removable cart for station-to-station mobility
• Optional camera and monitor screen allows operators convenient production viewing

Additionally, the safety characteristics of cobots have been applied to the automated material lift system. If a human worker or any object gets too close to the ASRS, a floor sensor will alert the ASRS to pause its motion until the area is clear again. Use any of the links below to find out how Applied Cobotics is making automation easy for SMEs.