Second-generation compact robotic system responds to market demands

The market is evolving rapidly and the industry has ever-increasing demands. As a machine manufacturer, you must constantly take into account the new trends and needs and develop systems that meet them. Since Hermle-Leibinger Systemtechnik GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG, introduced its first compact robotic system, the market has changed dramatically. The need to be able to connect the robot system to additional machine models and the demand for individual storage solutions prompted a further development: the RS 05-2.

Storage module with five telescopic drawers with integrated matrix storage for numerous raw pieces/workpieces.

Numerous installations prove the success of the compact robot system RS 05 from Hermle for workpieces up to 10 kg. The Gosheim, Germany-based specialist has now further developed this automation solution to meet the industry's need to be able to connect this robotic system to additional machine models as well as the demand for individual storage solutions. The second generation of the RS 05 can now be attached to Hermle machining centers either frontally (C 250, C 400 and C 32) or also laterally (C 12 and C 22). With an area of just 2 m² is the robotic system constructed very compactly. Modularity is central. Indeed, depending on the application, the system can be equipped with very different storage modules: as a system with a single matrix, a storage with five telescopic drawers with matrix storage, a pallet storage or also as a Kanban system. Access to working space and storage has been optimized, allowing the operator to easily perform manual setting or checking operations can perform. The robot can perform raw handle pieces/workpieces and also pallets weighing up to 10 kg. It is also used for matrix handling from and into the various storage systems. The robot can be equipped with a single or double gripper and has an additional blow-off unit for cleaning the clamping device.

Optimal workspace access for manual operations.

Proprietary automation software

With the Hermle Automation-Control-System, or HACS for short, Hermle offers its own automation software. HACS has long been used successfully in pallet change and handling systems and in Hermle robotic systems. An additional, rotatable control panel is provided during preparation. The simple and intuitive interface, which can be operated via drag & drop, simplifies operation for the operator on the shop floor. The operator always maintains an overview of the tasks ahead of him. Thus, downtime in production is avoided. The clear structure and simple structure of the system help to avoid errors. HACS is fully integrated and displays all relevant data at a glance for every application at any time: system overview, plans, pallets, production planning, tasks and tools. All newly prepared workpieces are automatically included in the production planning, but one can adjust priorities at any time and thus change the order of operations. With the graphical robot programming (GRP), which is integrated into the touchable SmartPad, the most diverse workpieces are programmed with simple parameters and with a focus on optimal space utilization. The robot processes and positioning of the workpieces in the respective fixture of the machine can also be adapted to the specific requirements with the GRP.