The Technology that Takes a Cobot to the Next Level

Learn which technologies an OB7 cobot uses to make set up, cycle time, and CNC machine tending fast, easy, and safe.

It is fascinating to watch a collaborative robotic arm tending a CNC machine in an automated workstation. The cobot works consistently without missing a beat - loading and unloading parts unattended without breaks. While it’s easy to focus on the system as a whole, learning about the different elements of the cobot and the various pieces of equipment that work together to create the automated system is equally important to fully understand the value that cobots provide.

In this blog, we’ll break it down the features of a cobot, accessories that come with them, and unique features that make some cobots, like Productive Robotics' OB7, beneficial for applications like CNC machine tending.

High Tech Features for High Performance Cobots

The features you look for in a cobot depend on your specific application and production goals. Cobots come in various shapes and sizes, but they are all equipped with safety features that make them safe to work alongside individuals without being enclosed behind a fence or cage. Cobots come with add-ons to extend their capabilities as well. Here are some common features of cobots:

Axes of Motion

Axes of motion allow a robotic arm to move in different directions. Multiple axes on a single arm allow for flexible movements to move in different directions like inside boxes or in machines. Many cobots only have six axes but adding a seventh, like what you'll find in the OB7 cobot, provides an additional degree of freedom to be placed to the side of the machine door, allowing access to the workpieces and interiors of CNC machines. A robot with 6 axes would have to be placed directly in front of the machine door, blocking access for the machine operator.

Grippers and End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)

Grippers and tooling are available for almost any application. A caliper or encompassing style gripper is very common but other options include suction or vacuum cups or three or more “fingers” for manipulating delicate objects. Some cobots can even be equipped with grinders or cutting tools. The weight of the gripper or tooling counts toward the payload, or weight limit, of the arm.The OB7, for example, accepts multiple tools such as the OB7-PG1 gripper, Robotiq 2 finger-82, Robotiq 2 finger-140, Robotiq parallel gripper, Schunk collaborative gripper, On-Robot brand grippers, Phd brand grippers, and most other collaborative grippers.

• The OB7, for example, accepts multiple tools such as the OB7-PG2 gripper, Robotiq 2 finger-82, Robotiq 2 finger-140, Robotiq parallel gripper, Schunk collaborative gripper, On-Robot brand grippers, Phd brand grippers, and most other collaborative grippers.

• When a task requires two different grippers, a dual gripper adapter can be used to quickly switch between them. An example such as lathe operations, which generally have short cycle times requiring an operator to constantly wait for the machine. Using a dual gripper frees up time and allows the operator to focus on preparing other jobs.

Teachability

Many cobots offer “easy programming” but the smartest cobots require no programming at all. OB7 cobots from Productive Robotics can perform complex tasks without the complex programming associated with traditional manufacturing robot automation. An intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for operators to understand how to give the cobot work instructions as they move it through each part of a task. Once saved, the instructions are run over and over, performing the steps it learned repeatedly until it’s told to stop. Not only does this make it quick to get a cobot set up and running, it’s easy to update directions or even redeploy it to another workstation entirely.

General Equipment Interface

The CNC machine is the star of the show while the cobot arm plays a supporting role by tending the machine, loading and unloading parts, and pressing the start button. But to optimize workflow and cycle time, these partner machines need to be in sync. OB7 simply relies on a general equipment interface module to keep the machines coordinated. With multiple inputs and outputs, it’s simple for them to signal each other when each task is finished. For example, the cobot loads a blank and signals the CNC lathe, the lathe then closes its door, completes its operation and re-opens the door, then signals the cobot to remove the finished workpiece.

Remote Access and Connectivity

The CNC machine is the star of the show while the cobot arm plays a supporting role by tending the machine, loading and unloading parts, and pressing the start button. But to optimize workflow and cycle time, these partner machines need to be in sync. OB7 simply relies on a general equipment interface module to keep the machines coordinated. With multiple inputs and outputs, it’s simple for them to signal each other when each task is finished. For example, the cobot loads a blank and signals the CNC lathe, the lathe then closes its door, completes its operation and re-opens the door, then signals the cobot to remove the finished workpiece.

Vision

Advanced image processing and quick recall make it possible to teach a cobot to identify the correct object to be picked up. An on-board camera stores image of object you show it, then stored in memory for future reference. Can recognize object in about a second, then gripper activates to pick it up.

Productive Robotics’ OB Vision makes builds upon the "No Programming" approach to robot training. OB Vision is fast, simple and completely automatic in most common robot vision

applications. Just show OB7 what you want to pick up, push one button, and OB Vision learns to recognize the object, and to pick it up in one fully automatic step.

Power and Force-limiting Design

One thing that sets cobots apart from traditional industrial robots is safety features and built-in sensors that keep workers safe around them. For example, sensor technology can detect the presence of a human (or even just a limb) and slow the arm’s operating speed automatically. Sensors also detect potential and actual collisions and automatically stop the arm if it bumps into something. Be aware that even though sensor and processing technology are quick, the amount of force and time required to come to a complete stop is affected by the weight of parts and tooling as well as the extension of the arm. The OB7 cobot is compliant with ISO 102018-1 and requires no guarding or fencing, and remains cool to the touch.

Multiple Speeds

Many cobots have multiple operating speeds: slow for work when humans are nearby and fast for working unattended. In addition to changing speeds manually, a cobot’s sensors detect people or other objects in their path and switch to a slower speed automatically.

Productive Robotics Puts CNC Automation Within Reach

To get the most value for your investment in manufacturing automation, look for the technology that really counts. A collaborative robot arm that’s easy to set up and “teach,” safe, and offers flexible use options can be used for a variety of applications.

Are you ready to learn more about what sets the OB7 cobot apart? Please contact us!