Flexible robot cell smooths the path to automation
Perceived barriers inhibiting the adoption of automation include complexity, investment cost, training, and skills. The new ZiMo flexible robot cell from Zimmer Group addresses these perceived barriers by offering a cost-effective and straightforward process automation solution for small, medium-sized, and alternating batch sizes.
Zimmer’s flexible robot cell enables both rapid deployment and intuitive operation, smoothing the path to the introduction of automation.
The proliferation of collaborative robots (cobots) in recent years, together with a general increase in the adoption of the smaller variety of industrial robots, has certainly sparked a greater interest in automation and encouraged many to explore the possibilities through the integration of robots for a wide range of tasks.
The robot or cobot itself however is but one part of the overall solution. The robot still has to be installed alongside the manufacturing process, interfaced to the line, and of course equipped with the necessary tooling and technologies to enable it to perform the required tasks.
ZiMo’s compact design and mobile positioning concept enables the rapid deployment of the system where and when it is needed, overcoming the perception of complexity. This, combined with a comprehensive range of gripper and EOAT options, means that the system can be easily configured for a variety of handling and process operations.
The fact that ZiMo can be used without the need for any complex integration means that the handling system offers absolute freedom of use and the versatility to be quickly and easily reconfigured for new assembly, pick and place or even training requirements. A significant benefit for users of ZiMo is the fact that no prior programming knowledge is required when commissioning the system.
ZiMo’s ‘robot neutral’ concept means that this flexible robot cell can be used with a wide range of smaller industrial robots or cobot’s and be set up and commissioned intuitively via the Zimmer HMI. This saves valuable time and resources, allowing users to focus entirely on areas of production that offer real added value for their business.
A comprehensive range of accessories including gripper and vacuum systems, sensor technology, and the MATCH robot modules, mean that should production needs or processes change, ZiMo can be reconfigured quickly, without any significant effort or expense, to meet the new requirements. In instances where the system is to be used in conjunction with one of the smaller industrial robot types, floor scanners can be integrated on each of the four corners of the system to provide the safe operating environment required when using this type of robot.
Zimmer Group UK’s managing director Richard Mason comments on the advantages of the system: “ZiMo makes it possible for users, even those with no prior automation or programming experience, to take advantage of the benefits of a small industrial robot or cobot by supporting their employees in monotonous, time-consuming tasks throughout the day, and at night if required.
“The variable set-up options for the workbench and its compact size make ZiMo a reliable, flexible robot cell for almost any small robot or cobot application, including loading and unloading of machines, pick-and-place tasks, or assembly. Users of the system will benefit from reduced cycle times, enhanced productivity and improvements in consistency and quality.”
The ZiMo concept of a mobile, flexible automation platform, capable of being used with small industrial robots or cobots from a wide variety of manufacturers, and which is simple and intuitive to set up and deploy, will no doubt alleviate the obstacles for those looking to take their first steps into automation, or indeed those seeking to further expand the use of this type of technology within their manufacturing operations.
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