Unlocking efficiency and productivity in manufacturing

Integrating robots into a control system offers a myriad of benefits, with increased efficiency and productivity being one of the most significant. Robots excel at performing repetitive tasks much faster than humans, leading to faster turnaround times and more efficient use of resources. Automation helps eradicate bottlenecks, reduces cycle times, and increases overall production capacity, resulting in streamlined manufacturing processes that minimise waste and maximise productivity.

Moreover, robotic automation ensures higher quality control by performing tasks with greater precision and consistency than human workers. Robots maintain strict tolerances, perform quality inspections and measurements and quickly identify defects, thereby reducing the risk of errors and enhancing product quality.

An easy way of integrating robots into manufacturing lines is to implement a modular approach using motion control solutions — like Beckhoff’s Automation Technology for Robotics (ATRO) — so that machine builders can secure a complete automation solution from a single source. This technology is specifically designed for robotic applications, offering highperformance and precise motion control capabilities. The system consists of a range of hardware and software components that work together to achieve high levels of accuracy and repeatability in motion control. Using a motion control system to integrate robotics into a manufacturing line ensures that all software and hardware components are optimally matched, from the machine’s power supply to cobot-enabled modules, and all functions such as robotics, vision, safety, cloud robotics, and machine learning are fully integrated on a single control platform and architecture, enabling direct combination with intelligent transport solutions. www.beckhoff.co.uk

The ATRO system is built on Beckhoff’s TwinCAT software platform, which provides a wide range of programming options and tools for motion control. This software platform allows for the creation of custom motion control algorithms, as well as the integration of other automation systems, such as vision systems and sensor networks. The software also includes a range of diagnostic tools for monitoring and troubleshooting the system.