Complete solutions for machine automation

The four-axis and six-axis kinematics of Stäubli’s TS2 and TX2 series robots have earned a reputation over the years as indestructible marathon athletes in machine tool automation, as well as individual processing tasks such as workpiece deburring and machine tending operations that require consistent part handling and transfer.

This is mainly due to the fully encapsulated design of the six-axis robots which are water-resistant to IP 65/IP67 standards in the HE specification and can therefore even be installed and operated inside machine tools. This makes them ideally suited for machine tending applications such as loading and unloading machine tools as well as metal processing tasks, particularly laser welding, plasma cutting, polishing, and grinding, where accuracy and precise trajectories are crucial. The robots are not adversely affected by constant contact with cooling lubricants or swarf, and their proprietary drive technology impresses by virtue of its precision, dynamics and high availability.

At EMO, Stäubli Robotics will launch “Performance Level 2”. From now on, its product portfolio will include standardized mobile robot solutions such as the PF3 mobile platform and the FL1500 self-driving counterbalance forklift, enabling the interlinking of machine tools from a single source. Additionally, Stäubli robots now have AI capabilities. Through a collaboration with Munich-based specialist robominds, the company is opening a new chapter in AI-supported robotics.

Artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities

The combination of Stäubli robots and AI from robominds will likely prove particularly beneficial in machine automation. This is especially true for applications that involve small batch sizes and large numbers of variants. There is no need for constant programming and teaching new variants, as the AI robots can independently recognize, grasp and stack a wide variety of workpieces. “This is a huge advantage that significantly reduces time and costs and takes productivity to a new level,” adds Yann Stragiotti, Global Head of General Industry.

Easy programming even without AI

There is also good news for users who are hesitant to get involved with AI. In the VAL Blocks graphical user interface, Stäubli developers have created a tool that makes it easy to set up Stäubli robots with no prior programming knowledge. In line with the modern concept of “no-code programming”, every application can be configured, visualized, and adapted intuitively.

Even users who prefer to program in their own PLC environment will find the right solution at Stäubli, as the company was one of the first robot manufacturers to work with SRCI (Standard Robot Command Interface) and offers the most comprehensive implementation of SRCI functions. The uniVAL pi interface enables Stäubli robots to be programmed in a preferred PLC environment, including the Siemens TIA Portal. All requisite robot function blocks are contained in the Simatic Robot Library from Siemens, and communication with the robots takes place via SRCI.

Combined with Stäubli’s open controller architecture, designed to interface with diverse production systems and protocols, these programming options offer unmatched adaptability for metalworking and other high-precision applications.