PBC Linear Collaborates with Universal Robots as a Certified Partner
Introduction:
PBC Linear, a leading manufacturer of linear motion systems, has announced that its Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder has received Universal Robots+ (UR+) partner certification from Universal Robots (UR). The Cobot Feeder is a CNC machine feeding application kit that delivers and stages parts for machining processes. It includes a storage unit, an enclosed rack dunnage tower, and an HMI touch screen display for easy control. The Cobot Feeder helps manufacturers address material handling and labor shortage issues, boosting production without increasing labor. It provides a standardized platform for storing, staging, and delivering parts, improving efficiency, productivity, cost containment, flexibility, recruitment and retention, and ROI. Learn more about the Cobot Feeder and its benefits by accessing the online ROI Calculator provided by PBC Linear’s Applied Cobotics team.
Full Article: PBC Linear Collaborates with Universal Robots as a Certified Partner
PBC Linear, a leading producer in linear motion systems, has announced that its Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder has received Universal Robots+ (UR+) partner certification from Universal Robots (UR). The Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder is a CNC machine feeding application kit designed to deliver and stage parts for a machining process.
Key Features of the Cobot Feeder
The Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder includes a base storage and retrieval unit with a UR cobot pedestal and an enclosed steel rack dunnage tower with a 17-tray capacity. The dunnage tower can safely store up to 50 pounds of material. The Cobot Feeder also features an HMI touch screen display for easy lift control and supports various communication protocols such as Ethernet IP, Modbus, and standard UR cobot communications.
Addressing Material Handling and Labor Shortage Issues
The Cobot Feeder is specifically designed to address material handling and labor shortage issues in manufacturing. By integrating the Cobot Feeder with a UR cobot, manufacturers can increase cobot production without the need for significant increases in labor. This solution helps achieve a higher return on investment (ROI), with paybacks in as little as two months when operating 24/7.
Loading and Unloading Efficiency
This CNC machine-tending tool provides a standardized platform for storing, staging, and delivering parts into a position that the UR cobot can easily access for loading and unloading. Reliable loading and unloading of dunnage trays enhance the cobot’s efficiency and improve the overall production process.
Benefits of Using the Cobot Feeder with UR Cobot
Operating a Cobot Feeder alongside a UR cobot brings several benefits to shop floors, including:
1. Higher efficiency: The Cobot Feeder reduces changeovers and robot downtime, resulting in increased cobot output.
2. Increased productivity: It can provide a significant boost in cobot production, up to 16 times more than single-tray applications.
3. Cost containment: By mitigating the impact of rising labor costs, the Cobot Feeder helps control expenses. With one operator overseeing multiple stations, the focus can be on production flow and quality control.
4. Greater flexibility: The Cobot Feeder enables shop floors to adapt to dynamic markets with multiple parts runs, lights-out automation, and shorter lead times.
5. Recruitment and retention: The Cobot Feeder creates a more engaging, fulfilling, and safer work environment, making it appealing to young recruits and helping retain experienced workers who seek skill development and an improved workplace atmosphere.
6. Higher return on investment: The cost of the Cobot Feeder, the UR cobot, and accessories can be recovered in approximately six months with a single eight-hour shift or as little as two months with 24/7 operation. To calculate the ROI, manufacturers can access the online ROI Calculator.
Customization and Quick Accommodation of New Product Introductions
PBC Linear Applied Cobotics offers flexible and cost-effective custom-molded or machined nests to accommodate specific application requirements. Using sample parts or CAD files, the team can provide customized dunnage trays in as little as a day, allowing manufacturers to quickly adapt to new product introductions.
Conclusion
PBC Linear’s Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder, certified as a UR+ partner product by Universal Robots, offers manufacturers a reliable and efficient solution for material handling and labor shortage challenges. By combining the Cobot Feeder with a UR cobot, manufacturers can increase productivity and achieve a higher return on investment. The Cobot Feeder’s flexible customization options and quick accommodation of new product introductions make it a valuable addition to any manufacturing operation.
Summary: PBC Linear Collaborates with Universal Robots as a Certified Partner
PBC Linear, a leading producer of linear motion systems, has announced that its Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder has received Universal Robots+ partner certification. The Cobot Feeder is a CNC machine feeding application kit that delivers and stages parts for machining processes. It includes a storage and retrieval unit, a dunnage tower with a 17-tray capacity, an HMI touch screen display, and various communication options. The Cobot Feeder addresses material handling and labor shortage issues, increasing production without significant labor increases. It provides a standardized platform for storing, staging, and delivering parts to UR cobots for loading and unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Question: What is robotics?
Answer: Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with the design, development, and operation of robots. It involves the use of computer programming, mechanical engineering, and other disciplines to create machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention.
2) Question: How are robots programmed?
Answer: Robots are programmed using a variety of programming languages, depending on their intended applications. Common programming languages in robotics include C++, Python, and Java. The programming is typically done by writing code that dictates the robot’s movements, actions, and responses to various stimuli.
3) Question: What are the different types of robots?
Answer: There are different types of robots designed for various purposes. Some common types include industrial robots used in manufacturing and assembly, collaborative robots (cobots) designed to work alongside humans, service robots employed in healthcare or customer service, and autonomous robots used in exploration or transportation. Each type of robot has its own specific features and capabilities.
4) Question: What are the benefits and potential risks of using robots?
Answer: The use of robots can bring several benefits, such as increased efficiency, improved accuracy and precision, reduction in human error, and enhanced productivity. Robots can also perform tasks that are too dangerous or physically demanding for humans. However, there are potential risks associated with robotics, including job displacement, ethical concerns regarding robot decision-making, and potential security vulnerabilities if not properly protected against cyber threats.
5) Question: How does artificial intelligence (AI) contribute to robotics?
Answer: Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in modern robotics, enabling robots to adapt to changing situations, learn from experience, and make decisions based on available data. AI algorithms are used to process sensory inputs, interpret the environment, and perform tasks effectively. Machine learning techniques, such as deep learning, are utilized to train robots for specific tasks or enable them to generalize knowledge from various sources. AI facilitates the development of more advanced and capable robots.
