Machine Tool Loading

Abstract

Over 800 robots are now in use in the United States for machine loading applications. The primary advantage of robot use for this application is that the robot works tirelessly and consistently with higher cutting time or more output for the same investment. Joseph F. Engelberger, President of Unimation, Inc. has listed 13 robot attributes for machine tool applications (Ref. 1):

• 1. Up to six infinitely controllable articulations between robot base and gripper appendage.

• 2. Fast “hands-on” instinctive.

• 3. Repeatability to 0.01”.

• 4. Speed equivalent to that of human operator.

• 5. Program selection capability for cut-out or alternative action.

• 6. Compatibility with wider NC systems.

• 7. Palletizing and depalletizing capability.

• 8. Local and library program acceptance.

• 9. High reliability — not worse than 400 hours MTBF.

• 10. Dual gripper capability.

• 11. Mobility in work area.

• 12. Automatic sensing for chuck alignment.

• 13. Adaptivity — including rudimentary vision.