The new Robot PLUS portfolio from SCHUNK offers versatile options for flexible robot automation. It includes tool changers, compensation units, and 6-axis force-torque sensors that can be variably combined with grippers from the extensive SCHUNK portfolio. This allows SCHUNK to provide flexible and efficient design of end-of-arm solutions from a single source.
Flexibility is the key to modern automation - and SCHUNK delivers the right solutions. The technology pioneer expands its future-proof end-of-arm portfolio for robot applications, manufactured by SCHUNK in Germany. The portfolio covers the area between the robot flange and end effector and can be flexibly adapted to individual needs. This positions the company for the future while building on decades of experience in automation technology.
Tool changers: efficiently mastering the variety of components
With a tool changer, robots can perform different handling or processing tasks flexibly and without additional setup effort. They allow for quick and easy swapping of grippers, tools, and other end effectors. This reduces downtime to a minimum. The Robot PLUS portfolio currently includes three different products in this area.
The two tool changers CPS and CPB are suitable for industrial applications. They automatically exchange end effectors using pneumatics. Additionally, they enable versatile media transmission through a wide range of signal, pneumatic, fluid, and communication modules.
The tool changer CPS is a flexible all-rounder, where the changing head (CPS-K) and adapter (CPS-A) connect securely and process-safe via compressed air through a ball-bearing locking mechanism. The system enables quick and process-safe changing of grippers and other tools with handling weights of up to 1,000 kg. Since hardened steel is used in all functional parts, it is particularly suitable for use in harsh machine environments.
The series includes 18 sizes, providing the right changer for every robot. When replacing an existing SCHUNK changer, users save on re-teaching, as the CPS is fully compatible.
The tool changer CPB offers efficient tool changes and thus maximum flexibility and process safety. The special feature of the CPB is the robust locking mechanism with bolts. Here, SCHUNK has utilized its more than 20 years of experience in stationary clamping technology to bring the proven system from the machine table to the robot. The form-fit, self-holding bolt mechanism made of vacuum-hardened stainless steel offers maximum stability and a long service life. The integrated ISO interface also allows for quick assembly and reduces the effort during commissioning.
The manual changing system CMS is the optimal complement for various tasks in manufacturing, handling technology, or assembly workplaces. The small, handy system allows for quick changes at the robot front end. The CMS can be easily and with minimal effort locked and unlocked thanks to proven lever technology without additional tools. It handles loads of up to 58 kg.
The integrated query sensor technology ensures additional operational and process safety. Thanks to the ISO flange design, the CMS can be mounted on all common robot types without additional adapter plates.
Modular compensation unit with a large load capacity range
The compensation unit AGM effectively compensates for tolerances in automated processes with robots. For example, it can prevent forced situations during loading and unloading of machine tools, inaccuracies in joining processes, or jamming during bin-picking. The modular AGM product family offers 23 sizes, ensuring no compromises need to be made regarding the disturbance contour. With a variety of variants, users can always find the right unit for every requirement.
The AGM also excels in compensation behavior: it can compensate movements in all directions (XY, Z, W) and their combinations (XYZ, WZ). Especially impressive is the large load capacity range, which ranges from a few grams to over 400 kg. The patented spring and air cartridges enable reliable weight compensation even in horizontal or inclined positions, while the stable and robust guides ensure a long service life.
Accuracy counts: 6-axis force-torque sensors
Whether for quality control, for example in battery production for e-mobility, process monitoring, or in grinding and assembly processes - the 6-axis force-torque sensor FTS captures process forces and moments with high resolution and accuracy. The sensor reliably evaluates the acting forces. Continuous monitoring leads to precise results and consistent quality in production. Equipped with protection class IP67, the FTS sensor offers reliability even under demanding conditions in nine sizes. The interface box with interfaces for EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, and PROFINET allows for easy integration into existing systems.
With the Robot PLUS portfolio, SCHUNK creates versatile design possibilities for flexible robot automation. Thanks to its decades of expertise in developing tailored, well-thought-out automation components, SCHUNK stands for particularly high productivity, flexibility, and resource conservation.
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Follow-up: four questions to Sebastian Höpfl, Executive Vice President, Gripping Technology & Automation Technology at SCHUNK
What are currently the biggest challenges in robot automation?
The increasing complexity of applications poses great challenges for companies: handling a growing number of different components in demanding processes with high productivity is the task. Therefore, robot solutions today must not only be precise and efficient but also very flexible. At the same time, users expect these solutions to be easily integrable - even in existing production environments. And all three - productivity, flexibility, and simplicity - should also be complemented by high reliability. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize downtime and ensure stable production.
What added value does SCHUNK provide its customers with the new portfolio?
Our customers need competent advice in plant planning, high global availability of standard components, and the fastest responsiveness in sales and aftersales. This also applies to Robot PLUS. The coordinated components make processes in robot automation more efficient, flexible, and productive. Highest quality standards ensure maximum tool life in the plants.
A large part of the portfolio is available from stock and is provided worldwide through our branch network. These added values help to optimize modern production environments and thus ensure long-term investment security. We draw on decades of experience in automation, solid engineering expertise, and a global network.
How does SCHUNK support companies in implementing automation solutions?
We follow a comprehensive approach that considers both beginners in the world of automation and those who are already advanced and have specific requirements. We support from analysis and consulting to design, validation, and final commissioning. Our portfolio includes standard components that can be adapted to our customers' wishes. For custom special solutions, we offer fast and industry-specific engineering that flexibly adapts to the individual requirements of our customers. And we achieve this with regional contacts worldwide. Thus, we accompany our customers in every phase of automation – for a smooth implementation and long-term success.
In which target applications and industries is the Robot PLUS portfolio used?
The Robot PLUS portfolio is designed to be so versatile that it can be used in a wide range of industries and applications. Especially in our focus industries – automotive, e-mobility, life science, electronics, and aerospace – we see great potential. An example from e-mobility is our tool changer CPS, which is used in battery cell production. Here, it enables fast and precise tool changes to efficiently implement various handling and assembly steps. In the automotive and aerospace sectors, our compensation unit AGM is frequently used. It compensates for tolerances, for example, during loading and unloading of machine tools or during joining processes, thus ensuring smooth processes and high process reliability. Thanks to the flexibility and precision of our products, the solutions can be individually adapted to demanding applications – regardless of the industry or specific requirements.
The force-torque sensor FTS captures process forces and moments with high resolution and accuracy, leading to precise results and consistent quality in automated manufacturing.
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