SMErobot: A new generation of robots for small and medium-sized enterprises at Automatica 2008

European research project presents new prototypes of cost-effective, modular and interactive automation solutions for small and medium-sized manufacturing productions

This release is available in German.

A new generation of industrial robots which meets the requirements of SMEs. Click here for more information.

Automation makes a business competitive – this has long since been true also of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, for many SMEs, the standard commercially available solutions are often too inflexible, too big or too expensive. SMErobot™ now promises to give new impetus to the introduction of robot technology in small and medium-sized businesses: this EU project is developing an entirely new, modular and interactive generation of robots which, in addition to being quick to install and easy to operate, will also help to make European SMEs more competitive thanks to their cost-effective design. Scheduled to last four years, the EU project is being coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA in Stuttgart.

The robot cells on show at AUTOMATICA 2008 will present examples of automation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises in various branches of industry:

• An all-new robotics system based on parallel kinematics, simultaneously combining the advantages of high stiffness, low cost and modularity, all of which makes the system especially suitable for machining operations in casting foundries, forges and metalworking shops.

• A cost-effective and easy-to-relocate robot cell designed to be used in the narrowest of spaces for general handling tasks (such as picking up randomly arranged components) or for loading machines with components.

• The robot as the worker's “third hand” in cooperative assembly and handling tasks or for operations at a manual workplace.

• The woodworking assistant as a versatile tool for a joiner or carpenter in a crafts joinery.

• The welding robot, which the worker himself can set up for a new workpiece in just five minutes using intuitive user interfaces such as the use of language, graphical symbols or programming by demonstration.