Robot Compatibility Taken to the Next Level with the OnRobot One-System Solution

September 10, 2019

OnRobot A/S has today announced the release of a new end-of-arm-tooling (EoAT) interface to dramatically simplify automation; making it faster and easier for manufacturers to unlock the benefits of collaborative robots. Now, with a single system, single platform for programming and training, and single vendor relationship, manufacturers have access to a full range of tools, full robot compatibility, and virtually unlimited possibilities for collaborative applications. This new one-system solution speeds deployment so manufacturers save time and money and can quickly realize the benefits of automation.

Along with the new one-system solution to simplify automation, OnRobot continues to improve its EoAT to meet changing market demands. The RG2 and RG6 grippers have been re-designed to be stronger, more sensitive and easier to mount. The grippers also now come standard with TÜV certified Cat. 3, PLd level safety guards. The Gecko Gripper’s pads have been improved with a maximum payload, depending on the material, now up to 6.5kg.

Drive to One-System Solution Incorporates Electronics into Integrated Quick ChangerThe new unified mechanical and electrical interface for any OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) works with a full range of leading collaborative and light industrial robot brands. An additional Dual Quick Changer incorporates these same new capabilities while allowing the use of two tools in one cycle, mixing and matching to suit application needs and maximizing robot utilization.

“Manufacturers are demanding more from their robotic applications, and end-of-arm tooling has become the key to optimizing their investments,” says OnRobot CEO Enrico Krog Iversen. “This integration of our Quick Changer across our current product lineup makes it easier than ever to switch between tools and robot types, allowing flexibility and reducing downtime for more efficient production and faster automation ROI. This brings us another step closer to a unified OnRobot one-system solution that makes it easy, fast and cost-effective for manufacturers to build collaborative applications, no matter which robots they choose.”

Unified Platform Across Tooling and Robot Brands

With the OnRobot Quick Changer – which is now integrated in all OnRobot tools - a single cable provides a universal interface for tools and communications, so there is no need to disconnect cables when changing tools; and extended communications options support a full range of robotic platforms.

For Universal Robots:

For Universal Robots robot arms, OnRobot now provides a unified URCap that allows all tools to work together, even in a single program. For example, using the new Dual Quick Changer, manufacturers can use an RG2 two-finger gripper together with a VG10 vacuum gripper in one cycle, achieving greater utilization of a single UR robot. Thanks to the unified programming solution, the setup time on UR robots is now faster than ever.

Fieldbus solution for other robot brands:

All OnRobot products now have a unified communication platform using standard fieldbus protocols, making it easy to program the tools, regardless of which robot is being used. With the new fieldbus protocols, manufacturers can easily set software values and use more functions via a standard Ethernet cable, supporting an increased level of sophistication with a simple plug-and-produce approach that doesn’t require additional cables. Deployment time can be cut from 3 hours to 30 minutes, so manufacturers can get their collaborative application up and running quickly.

OnRobot WebLogic for Digital I/O for any type of robots:

For robots that connect through digital I/O, the new OnRobot one-system solution includes a OnRobot WebLogic interface. Using the IP address of the OnRobot Compute Box, manufacturers can sign in via the OnRobot WebClient from a phone or any other network-connected devicetomonitor the robot or create simple robot programs. Manufacturers can preset values and create elaborate programming logic using the feedback values from OnRobot grippers and sensors to provide finer control. This makes OnRobot tools compatible with an even broader range of robotic arms, meaning manufacturers can seamlessly integrate EoAT’s with any of their existing equipment.

New product specifications can be downloaded here: https://onrobot.com/en/downloads

About OnRobot Established in 2015, the company merged with Perception Robotics and OptoForce in 2018, followed by an acquisition of Purple Robotics a few months later. In April 2019, OnRobot acquired the intellectual property of Blue Workforce, a Danish company making grippers and a vision system. Now, the OnRobot product range features a wide assortment of end-of-arm tooling including: electric grippers, force/torque sensors, a vacuum gripper, the award-winning Gecko Gripper, and tool changers. This new combination of offerings from OnRobot makes it quicker and simpler to automate tasks such as packaging, quality control, materials handling, machine tending, packaging, assembly, and surface finishing. The company plans to grow through further acquisitions in the coming years. Headquartered in Odense, Denmark, OnRobot also has offices in Dallas, Soest (Germany), Barcelona, Warsaw, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Budapest. For more information, visit www.onrobot.com.