Trends and Technology Robotics Robotics in Automation Supporting complex production and assembly processes through sophisticated robotic tools Robotics are becoming extremely important, in-demand tools in manufacturing platforms for automation-intensive industries ranging from semiconductors, packaging, automotive production to machine tool and heavy industry. These manufacturers are increasing the use of both Cartesian-type six axis robots and more advanced robots such as SCARA and Delta robots to automate complex manufacturing, assembly and product flow and movement (i.e. packaging, cartoning, palletizing) applications. These high-level applications demand a high level of control; at the same time, OEMs, systems integrators and manufacturers seek to implement these systems faster, and have easier long-term control over them, since many robotics control platforms have, in the past, required extremely advanced programming and motion control engineering resources. Learn how Bosch Rexroth answers these challenges through a family of robotics and handling control systems that combine sophisticated performance with user-friendly capabilities designed to ease programming burdens and streamline robotic systems design, implementation and lifecycle operation/management. distributed intelligence Key Trend: Defining Robotics Rexroth’s approach to robotic control begins with clearly defining what is meant by robot control and distinguishing it from other types of automation motion control challenges. A robot control manages the coordinated motion of a kinematics system -- e.g. a robot. Kinematics is a number of axes that moves a Tool Center Point (TCP) such as a gripper, welder, or other tool and interpolates Point-to-Point movements, linear movements and circular movements through a path following programmed speed, acceleration and deceleration parameters. In a robot control, a coordinate transformation converts machine axis positions (Joint Coordinates) to XYZ (World coordinates). In the control the end points can be programmed in world coordinates or joint coordinates. Read Tutorial: The Expanding World of Robot Applications (PDF 37 KB) Case history: Rexroth controls help R.J. Reynolds modernize case packers and robotic palletizers -- read the Packaging World story. Featured Products: IndraMotion MLC Rexroth’s advanced IndraMotion MLC (Motion Logic Controller) system provides the advanced high-performance platform for driving a wide range of robotic systems, including Cartesian, Delta, SCARA and other types. We have engineered two robotics IndraMotion MLC solutions, with system components. function logic blocks and programming tools developed specifically to enable faster, more efficient robotic development. IndraMotion MLC with Robot Control Suitable for the most sophisticated robotic applications, Rexroth’s IndraMotion MLC Robot Control controls up to 16 robotic kinematics concurrently and up to 64 axes of motion and logic on a single controller. It supports a wide range of high-throughput communication interfaces including SERCOS II and SERCOS III Ethernet /IP (Scanner/Slave) DeviceNet, Profibus (master/slave) and Ethernet TCP/UDP/IP. Key capabilities include: Kinematics with a maximum of 16 axes (positioning, orientation, belt); over 100 Kinematics available Both translation and rotation of default world coordinates supported Motion interpolation fully supported, including point-to-point (joint), linear and circular Programming: Robot axes handled through standard PLCopen function blocks Get latest details on IndraMotion MLC Robotic Control. Download Presentation. IndraMotion for Handling IndraMotion for Handling The ideal system for efficient coordinated-axis motion in fully-automated production environments, IndraMotion for Handling is Rexroth’s turnkey automation solution for a wide range of Cartesian robot-type handling applications. Its advanced features include: Only PLC-based solution for handling systems available Uniform PLC platform according to IEC 61131-3 Supports Cartesian kinematics and coordinated PTP movement Up to 6 axis per kinematic, 3 main and 3 orientation axis Includes blended movements, teach-in position, jogging, single step and online display Versatile uses -- fully automated loading/unloading, handing in rough environments, high speed palletizing and pick and place Get latest details on IndraMotion for Handling. Download Presentation. Expert Help on Robotics Our applications engineers can show you the most effective way to use Rexroth controls platforms and other drive and control technologies to create flexible, powerful robotics solutions to drive your automation performance forward. Contact us.