DIY cobot automation as additional work force

Vedos Verspanende Techniek has an extra employee. The Venlo-based company had long been looking for a robot or cobot without a cage or fence around it that could shuttle between different machines and was also easy to program. Their new colleague is none other than Coby CNC, the DIY cobot automation from RoboJob. In November, this very first Coby was installed - a moment eagerly awaited by both customer and manufacturer. For the RoboJob team, this is a learning project, with a customer who wants to think along to make the product even better.

Since 1995, Vedos Verspanende Techniek BV has been producing precision metal and plastic products for high-quality machine construction based on customer specifications. They specialize mainly in precision turning and milling, from single pieces to larger series work, and have a modern machine park at their disposal for this purpose. The company continues to invest and had also been looking for flexible automation for some time. They had a clear idea in mind: a robot or cobot without a cage or fence, which could shuttle flexibly between a FANUC milling machine and a DMG Mori lathe and which they could easily program themselves. 

"During a visit to FANUC Benelux, we were introduced to the new CRX robot and planned to order one. However, through Bert Versteeg, sales manager at our machine supplier Humacs Krabbendam, we learned that RoboJob was also already working on that CRX robot and we were able to get acquainted with a prototype of their latest development, Coby CNC," says Peter van Dijk of Vedos. 

"It was exactly what we were looking for: a cobot that you can shuttle between different machines, that is quick and easy to set up, and completely accessible without additional fencing or scanners. Moreover, we liked the "do-it-yourself" principle, because Jos Beumers and myself are pretty handy at such things. We love to innovate and are always on the lookout for a new project that can take our production to the next level."

Successful first installation

Coby's goal is to make automation completely DIY and extremely approachable. Therefore, it is important to listen carefully to the first customers, even more than usual. The R&D team must use the working points to further optimize the installation process. The first installation at Vedos was therefore an important step in the development of Coby CNC for RoboJob's Research & Development team. All parties are already positive. 

"The installation went as expected. There were a few points that could be improved, but we discussed them with the Coby team and they are being incorporated. Beyond that, it went very smoothly," says Jos Beumers, CNC miller at Vedos. Zeno Gillis, software & robotics engineer at RoboJob, adds: "For us, it is so instructive and interesting to think together with a customer about what can be improved. It is important that we can place the first Coby's with customers who want to think with us and are open to a learning process. That way we can continue to tailor the system to the end user."

Child's Play

Coby integrated quickly and has since become a full member of the team at Vedos Verspanende Techniek. "Oh well, you do notice that it is still a rookie, but we also knew in advance that we would be the first to start working with this Coby," laughs Peter van Dijk and Jos Beumers. "It's actually all going surprisingly well. Once in a while we run into a bug or problem, but RoboJob quickly takes care of it. Other than that, we are completely on our own. We mastered the programming after just a few days. It is actually much easier than I had thought. For anyone who can turn or mill, this Coby really is completely child's play!"    

ROBOJOB - Booth Number 105