Robot recognises its tools by RFID

Wittmann has introduced a state-of-the-art EOAT (end-of-arm-tooling) recognition system supported by its R7 robot control based on RFID technology.

Wittmann has introduced a state-of-the-art EOAT (end-of-arm-tooling) recognition system supported by its R7 robot control based on RFID technology.

Wittmann UK Managing Director Barry Hill says: "This new technology will further simplify and streamline automated procedures in plastics processing".

"We are delighted at Wittmann UK to be already offering the use of RFID technology in our equipment".

"RFID is showing a dramatic increase in industry generally and already has the potential to replace barcodes used in the retail industry".

During any given tooling change no knowledge about the programme is required in order to safely change to the correct Wittmann Teach robot programming sequence.

This operation is performed automatically at the push of a single button by the Wittmann robot control.

By means of this unique ID, which is recognised without any physical contact, the file manager of the Wittmann R7 control system can establish a link between a specific removal gripper and the robot sequence.

Every removal gripper can be assigned a unique and well defined programme automatically without involvement of the operator.

Preferably, the RFID tooling recognition is combined with a quick-change tooling system which provides the already necessary adaptations for the transponder.

The Wittmann robot control system R7 provides as standard a universal and comprehensive file manager which enables the storage and linkage of a photo (eg finished part) in order to allow simple visual identification of the correct robotic programme.

However, the goal of every process is to create a user-friendly and fail-proof system.

The simple and automatic selection of the correct robotic program for the part removal robot on the moulding machine is no exception, as wrong program sequences can cause damage to the mould, end-of-arm tooling and the downstream equipment.

An economical and low-priced transponder is placed on the tooling to provide a 64bit long, freely editable and remotely accessible identification number.

The transponders are approximately 3.5mm in diameter by 30mm long.

On the robot side, a reader with antenna is fixed to the vertical axis and immediately detects tooling changes.

A big step in the direction of user friendliness and fail-proof systems was undertaken by Wittmann many years ago with the introduction of coded end-of-arm tooling systems.

At that time "hard coded" gripper systems were introduced, which allowed by means of electrical inputs and outputs simple recognition of the tool.

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