THE ROBOT REPORT_DESIGN WORLD_SEPTEMBER 2022 by WTWH Media LLC

www.therobotreport.com A Supplement to Design World - SEPTEMBER 2022 AMRs and the Cloud: Cloud robotics platforms give warehouse teams the tools, intelligence and strategies needed to enable faster, more accurate and less stressful order fulfillment. page 108 INSIDE: brains & brawn poweringdemand-driven warehouses • IKEA deploys MiR robots to help clean up warehouse 114 • How 5G can enhance AMRs .................................................. 118

Jim Lawton | VP and GM, Robotics Automation | Zebra Technologies

108 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com THE ROBOT REPORT The Robot Report brains & brawn demand-drivenpoweringwarehouses and the Cloud: AMRs

Cloud robotics platforms give warehouse teams the tools, intelligence and strategies needed to enable faster, more accurate and less stressful order fulfillment. Automation has evolved. Robots have evolved – om fixed-arm industrial robots isolated to a work cell and able to perform a single task to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that require a fixed path to navigate environments to today’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).One critical reason robots have evolved is that computing has evolved. The early days of main ame computers are a distant memory for most in the industry today. Now cloud computing is replacing tethered workstations and making critical data available on the floor and in the back o ce for near real-time intelligence on all aspects of an operation. The combination of hardware – the AMR, equipped with sensors and cameras – and so ware – machine learning, cloud-based so ware and workflow execution – is a game changer for warehouse operations. As mobile, sensor-rich systems with broad visibility, AMRs collect visual imagery and data for safety/hazards, compliance, tra c and material flow, and throughput to gain real operational insights for companies to take action on meaningful improvements.

Harnessing brawn and brains for warehouse optimization Today, AMRs are deployed in warehouses and distribution centers to reduce travel time, lower physical risk, improve accuracy and productivity and lower costs. These so ware-driven machines are versatile, safe enough to work in concert with people and cost-accessible for even the smallest operations. AMRs can be used to optimize order, batch, case or pallet picking operations and can automate virtually any other manual material movement including dunnage removal, put away, returns, etc. Having demonstrated the value they can deliver in terms of reducing the physical workload on people, AMRs are evolving again. Cloud robotics is a game changer for AMRs in industrial environments, facilitating: • faster deployments • ﬂexibility and responsiveness • easy integration with a wide variety of applications • protection of mission-critical data with advanced security•higher adoption rates with a simple and intuitive user interface This innovation is essential in demanddriven fulﬁllment operations – especially those that support e-commerce channels. As consumers expect to purchase everything om clothing and daily living supplies to electronics online – and get them fast – the warehouse has become a critical link in the customer experience. Speed, accuracy and volume are the metrics that matter most in warehouse operations. Today, as an autonomous payload transport and data capture platform, these devices make it easy to measure comparative analytics and understand at a glance how the operation is performing: • total units picked by day • out-of-stock events • tote full events • average unload time by day • average load time by day • average tour time by day

THE ROBOT REPORT www.therobotreport.com September 2022 109 | Adobestock.com

Lane adherence and robot velocity: collecting statistics on tra c ﬂow, analytics to gain real insight, take action to improve 110 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com

• automatic

for WMS reslotting•resource imbalances • missing

inventory • forkli near misses • disinfection testing and duration • cleaning performance • blocked ﬁre doors and ﬁre extinguishers•chainofcustody tracing

Zebra Technologies acquired Fetch Robotics, a San Jose, Calif.-based developer of autonomous mobile robots for logistics in July 2021 for $290 million. Before the acquisition, Zebra already owned 5% of Fetch Robotics through an earlier investment. Fetch Robotics was founded in 2014 by robotics industry veteran Melonee Wise. Now Zebra’s vice president of robotics automation, Wise received the 2022 Engelberger Award for her contributions to robotics technology. Hazard detection: collecting visual documentation of safety/hazard compliance• RFID analytics: locating and tracking movement patterns to optimize inventory• Data visualization: providing a single source of truth for warehouse data, e.g. areas of heavy congestion adjustments and unexpected

Zebra Technologies acquired Fetch Robotics

The Robot Report Safety, ﬁrst Safety has to come ﬁrst in any operation where machines and people need to work together in close proximity. AMRs navigate dynamically using a map to plan paths and travel quickly and e ciently. AMRs can safely perform tasks no matter how busy the surrounding environment is by using a combination of cameras, sensors and machine learning that allows the machine to: • compare the obstacle to an image om the point cloud • use that information to recognize and react to people, forkli s, obstacles and really anything that may get in its way • autonomously navigate complicated and dynamic environments. Gold mine of intelligence driving action to improve The cloud robotics platform is a powerful solution for capturing and sharing a wide range of information. Some applications include:•

An autonomous mobile robot from Fetch Robotics navigating around a warehouse. | Fetch Robotics

THE ROBOT REPORT

•

Quick Connect ® motor

is necessary. High-capacity cross roller bearing

Innovative ring gear inherently compensates for interference between meshing parts, ensuring consistent, low backlash for the life of the gearhead.

efﬁciency performance, maximizing elapsed operational

includes a

HPG Gearheads Low Backlash for Life

High Load Capacity Output Bearing

Flanged

Easy Mounting to a Wide Variety of Servomotors adaptation system clamshell style

High Efﬁciency Up to 95% Efﬁciency

Harmonic Drive®, Harmonic Planetary®, Harmonic Gearhead® and Quick Connect® are registered trademarks of Harmonic Drive LLC. Harmonic Drive LLC | 42 Dunham Ridge | Beverly, MA 01915 | 800.921.3332 | www.HarmonicDrive.net Servo Gearheads for AMR/AGV Propulsion

for convenient, stable wheel mounting. The Harmonic Gearhead® gearbox design allows for backdrivability while ensuring

Flange Output Standard output is standard hightime before recharging supports heavy payloads.

A Cross-Roller bearing is integrated with the output ﬂange to provide high moment stiffness, high load capacity and precise positioning accuracy.

servo coupling and piloted adapter ﬂange.

His experience in developing and delivering leading-edge innovation – including early days in e-commerce, supply chain optimization, and collaborative robotics – has shaped his passion for helping manufacturing, supply chain and logistics organizations capitalize on the intersection of technology and business performance.

This information is uploaded to the cloud, where it can be accessed through data services APIs, e.g. barcode generator barcode intelligence print from cloud for RFID Theblockchaininformation is then shared with the back office. The data-driven insight gives warehouse operations teams visibility into what is working and what needs improvement in real-time, so that action can be taken to resolve issues quickly.

•

For warehouse robotics, the cloud is the change agent required to meet the needs of the demand-driven operation. Cloud robotics platforms give warehouse teams the tools, intelligence and strategies needed to enable faster, more accurate and less stressful order fulfillment. RR About the Author Jim Lawton is vice president and general manager of robotics automation at Zebra Technologies. He is focused on helping customers harness intelligent automation and advanced robotics to transform their operations with greater efficiency, higher productivity, and lower costs.

Connect and discuss this and other engineering design issues with thousands of professionals online DO THINK?YOU

WHAT

• cloud connect

•

112 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com THE ROBOT REPORT The Robot Report How it works On the operations side, the AMR collects two categories of data: Robot Tasked Data Collection Robot On-Board Sensor Data • Cycle Counting • Position • Physical Inventory Check • Proximity • Find / Locate Inventory • Velocity • Asset Tag Tracking • Motion • Completed Deliveries • Dwell • Machine Vision • Laser Scan • Distance Traveled • Robot Utilization

Changing the way warehouses work

•

• device health •

•

The vision for the cloud in the warehouse is simple: Connect workers and workflows everywhere and all the time Gain visibility into assets, people and processes Augment workers with technology to streamline tasks and refine workflows Automate and optimize the workflows of both humans and robots

Jim holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University, an MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, where he was a Fellow in the inaugural MIT Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program.

Robot Report deploys MiR robots to help clean up warehouse Mike Oitzman | Editor, The Robot Report IKEA MiR500 autonomous mobile robot works with warehouse employees to transport pallets and other loads that weigh up to 500 kg.

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The

As part of a joint investment with its client, IKEA, the wellknown furniture maker, FM Logistics deployed a MiR500 autonomous mobile robot (AMR) om Denmark-based Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) that will improve logistics processes in a warehouse in Jarosty, Poland. IKEA wanted innovative and ﬂexible technology that could be eely conﬁgured and used in everyday warehouse operations.

The MiR500 is equipped with laser-scanning technology that delivers a 360-degree visual for optimal safety. 3D cameras have a range of 30-2,000 mm above ﬂoor level to detect pallets. | Mobile Industrial Robots

Solution

FM Logistic Central Europe is part of FM Group, a global third-party logistics provider (3PL) in Roissy-enFrance. FM Group has a presence in 14 countries on three continents.

THE ROBOT REPORT www.therobotreport.com September 2022 115

Labor shortages o en force companies to operate with fewer people. In a response to labor shortages, many manufacturers are embracing the values of lean manufacturing, including removing non-value-added activities.Thehandling of materials le over in the manufacturing process is one of these non-value-added activities. Extraneous material can be acquired om product returns, packing processes, and especially manufacturing processes. This material is o en handled manually by dedicated employees who remove recycling and trash to the waste collection areas. In a market constrained by labor, this is one process that can be automated so that workers can be redeployed to higher-value tasks.

“During tests, the robot traveled over 60 km (37.2 mi.), successfully completed 180 missions, and transported over 1,500 empty pallets,” said Edyta Smiechowicz, Jarosty Site Manager of FM Logistic CE. “Thanks to this, it was possible to optimize the movements while maintaining the full safety of employees and guaranteeing the profitability of this investment.”

Results

“The implementation of the MiR robot at the IKEA distribution center in Jarosty is another step in optimizing processes, as well as implementing innovative solutions to our warehouse operations,” said Sebastian Kaczmarski, central fulfillment operations manager for Poland at IKEA. “It is an example of using the synergy between our companies and joint learning to improve and adapt warehouse processes to the new reality –a hybrid between manual and automatic processes.” RR 116 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com Robot

Report

MiR was founded in 2013. It said its sales rose by 1,246% from 2015 to 2020. The company was acquired by Teradyne in 2018 for $272 million. Teradyne also owns AutoGuide Mobile Robots, Energid and Universal Robots. MiR has a distribution network in more than 60 countries, with regional offices in New York, San Diego, Singapore, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Tokyo, and Shanghai.“Inorder to build a competitive advantage for the company and our clients, we invest in innovative solutions that are flexible, easy to use and, therefore, cost-effective,” said Alexander Damie, innovation and process manager, FM Logistic Central Europe. “Mobile Industrial Robots’ technology is much cheaper to use than the competing concept of AGV trucks. In this particular case, it is a solution more than two times cheaper than an AGV.”

Furniture maker IKEA is using MiR500 robots to transport pallets and other payloads up to 500 kg around a warehouse in Jarosty, Poland.

The machine will work independently at the IKEA distribution center in Jarosty. Warehouse employees and those who will supervise the robot were trained, and the MiR500 robot began working fully autonomously 24 hours a day, seven days a week within a few weeks.

THE ROBOT REPORT The

“This implementation for our client requires transport of significant amounts of empty wooden pallet columns due to their use in storage in automatic warehouses,” said Śmiechowicz. “It is an ideal process for automation.”

| Mobile Industrial Robots

When looking for solutions to automate material transportation tasks, IKEA wanted innovative and flexible technology that could be freely configured and used in everyday warehouse operations.

| Mobile Industrial Robots

The MiR500 robot will cooperate with warehouse employees to transport pallets and other loads that weigh up to 500 kg. The main concept is to relieve employees of unproductive activities, improve worker safety and optimize warehouse costs.

LEARN MORE

Robotics can create more productive, competitive and profitable distribution centers. The smart flexible depalletizer adapts to pallet configurations without pre-programming or human intervention. © 2022 Honeywell Intelligrated. All rights reserved.

ADAPT DEPLOY DELIVER

118 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com THE ROBOT REPORT The Robot Report AMRs How 5G can enhance 5G private wireless networks can deliver the high bandwidth, reliable, low-latency connectivity and IoT capabilities to meet the needs of current and future AMR deployments.

By: Kyle Hable • Omron, and Guilherme Pizzato • Nokia

Figure 1: AMRs like the OMRON model shown need reliable wireless communications so they can safely and e ciently navigate and coordinate with people, equipment, and other industrial vehicles. | OMRON

While there is significant consumer interest in 5G for improved mobile device performance, there is also a great need among industrial companies to implement the technology within their facilities. This is because the demand for innovation and digitalization of factories has never been greater. When it comes to improving material flow, which in turn reduces machine idle time and other disruptions, the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in conjunction with other computing and connectivity technologies is o en the best solution. Indeed, the increasing size of AMR fleets and the expanding use of Industry 4.0 and industrial internet of things (IIoT) technologies on the shop floor are driving the need to adopt industrial-grade 5G private wireless communications. This upgrade to a more capable communications technology is needed to handle the increased networking loads with reliable, low-latency connectivity.

THE ROBOT REPORT www.therobotreport.com September 2022 119

Today’s AMRs work well with Wi-Fi, but there are many compelling reasons why local on-site 5G connectivity improves AMR performance. In some cases, AMRs are implemented over existing Wi-Fi systems already used for business and other IIoT purposes, limiting network performance.Othernewer AMR capabilities are compounding the need for increased bandwidth and better response times:

120 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com THE ROBOT REPORT

• High-mix, low-volume material

• Addition deeper application automation, progressing from semi- to fully•automatedMulti-sensor fusion frameworks, such as inspection cameras on and off board

The Robot Report For efficient processes and operations, it is crucial that AMRs get the right job assignment at the right time, can perform the task when it is expected, and coordinate well with other AMRs and site conditions. High-speed and reliable connectivity are required to perform these and other tasks. For these reasons, industry leaders in the fields of AMRs and 5G wireless are teaming up to roll out the coordinated use of these technologies in the field.

Although AMRs do operate independently to an extent, they must also safely work in close proximity to people, equipment, and other industrial vehicles, which requires them to navigate and coordinate intelligently (Figure 1).

While a small AMR fleet may work fine with Wi-Fi, any increase in size, functionality, and loading typically requires a dedicated network solution for these mission-critical applications. Successful and scalable AMR deployments need predictable network performance to enable improved OEE and deliver a faster ROI.

AMRs in action Material transport within facilities was often a manual or semi-automated process, with limited flexibility. For many years, AMRs have been applied to improve this situation by delivering reliable material transport in facilities while improving worker safety. AMRs directly improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by reducing machine idle time waiting for materials. They also minimize the need for people to perform mundane, repetitive, and unwieldy tasks.

• Insufficient cybersecurity

AstraceabilityWi-Finetworks become loaded — and overloaded — when used for too many purposes, they may remain adequate for non-critical applications, but real-time functionality will suffer. Some users bump into Wi-Fi challenges like:

On-board sensors do part of the work, but much of the interaction is through wireless communications to a fleet management system. To fully unlock operational value, an efficient and well-planned AMR fleet also needs to be extremely flexible to meet varying demands. Used correctly, the typical AMR ROI is less than 24 months.

• Limited/spotty coverage

• Undependable handoffs between access

•pointsDeclining bandwidth

• Unpredictable latency

Figure 2: Nokia is an industry leader in developing 5G technologies that outperform Wi-Fi in all aspects. | OMRON Figure 3: 5G technologies are developed to address the needs of consumers, commercial users, and industrial applications in terms of bandwidth, latency, reliability, and massive IoT connectivity. | OMRON

CGI Motion standard products are designed with customization in mind. Our team of experts will work with you on selecting the optimal base product and craft a unique solution to help di erentiate your product or application. So when you think customization, think standard CGI assemblies. Connect with us today to explore what CGI Motion can do for you. copyright©2021 cgi inc. all rights reserved. YOUR CUSTOM SOLUTIONS ARE CGI STANDARD PRODUCTS Advanced Products for Robotics and Automation 800.568.GEAR (4327) • www.cgimotion.com

• Latency: 1-10 ms, remaining stable even with more connections supporting TSN

• Bandwidth • Latency and reliability • Massive IoT connectivity One example of industrial engagement is 5G support for crucial aspects such as time-sensitive networking (TSN), which ensures critical communications are transacted in under 1 ms. Other top 5G performance features applicable to industrial applications include:

encoder

The Robot Report 5G advantages Wi-Fi is very IT-centric and was not conceived to operate in the most challenging environments. Nokia has been providing 2G (GSM), 3G (UMTS), 4G (LTE), and 5G cellular networks to both communication service providers and enterprises and is the global leader in private wireless networks. While the requirements of the first generations of mobile communication were mainly driven by service providers focused on consumer needs, the story has changed withIndustrial5G. automation companies have contributed to defining the requirements for the 5G standards, based on the needs of OT. Furthermore, companies like OMRON and Nokia have entered into strategic partnerships to accelerate the use of 5G solutions in the industrial sector, helping the move to Industry 4.0. 5G technology improves on many areas where Wi-Fi can falter, and it is estimated to deliver a 25% performance improvement in terms of availability and optimization for real-time manufacturing environments (Figure 2). 5G is rolling out in phases, and the cornerstones are based on optimizing the following aspects in all environments, including industrial (Figure 3):

• Security: Zero-trust design with military-grade security through authentication and end-to-end

• Interference: Ability to use dedicated

• Geo-positioning: Targeting up to 20 cm

•encryptionServices:One network handles all voice, broadband, video, IoT, and TSN traffic

encoders achieve the highest

Powerfully positioned for innovative motion control. www.renishaw.com/encoders usa@renishaw.comRenishaw Inc., West Dundee, IL 60118 © 2022 Renishaw Inc. All rights reserved. #135509 – Industrial metrology solutions See us at: IMTS 2022 Your partner for manufacturinginnovative

• Quality of Service (QoS): Traffic management with prioritization

• Indoor coverage: typically a 2060 meter access point radius able to penetrate multiple building walls

to address

• Capacity: can handle 1 million connected devices per square kilometer

•spectrumNetwork slicing: For segregating traffic

your

control With

• Performance: Predictable data rates, with six-9’s reliability • Mobility: Devices can move at speeds up to 500 km/hr

WhileaccuracyWi-Fi operates on an open spectrum susceptible to interference, 5G is a frequency-licensed technology. Users can either deploy their own scaledencoders for position and motion a comprehensive line up of solutions, Renishaw brings the expertise needed your manufacturing challenges. Whether application calls for optical, magnetic or laser technology, our levels of accuracy, durability and reliability.

Superior

GAM Mechanical Drive Solutions for Robotic & Motion Control Applications From zero-backlash gearboxes to rack & pinion, GAM has the flexibility and broad product range for all your motion control and robotic applications. GAM’s broad product offerings in the gearbox industry, as well as the in-house engineering design experts and manufacturing capabilities to develop customized solutions, we can help with your application. GAM Can. 7th Axis/Robot Transfer: Dyna Series + Helical Rack & Pinion Designed for optimal system performance GCL Cycloidal Withstands shock loads of 5x nominal torque. Available with integrated pre-stage GSL Strain Wave with harmonic gearing for precise motion and high ratios GPL Planetary Zero-backlash, vibration-free, continuous coordinated motion www.gamweb.com | info@gamweb.com | 888.GAM.7117

AMRs and 5G — better together AMRs generally demand better than 100 ms of latency between the AMR and the fleet manager. While some existing technologies can do this, none can do so with all the other benefits provided by 5G. AMRs communicate with supervisory systems to send (upload) and receive (download) data and information like: • Download configuration/map changes • Upload activity data • Upload image/camera information • Upload/download navigation/ coordination information

End users of any size can benefit from 5G private wireless because it’s possible to install and run small-scale plugand-play solutions, along with larger and more robust platform options. It is also possible for independent systems integrators (SIs) to deploy, operate, and maintain on-site 5G networks for their clients. Another option is for a large telecom operator to offer 5G services to localized end users as a slice of the public network or as a private wireless network, leveraging their own frequency spectrum.

Some of these activities are case,slowdownbestlessappropriatesharedcanbetoostreamingthesetechnologies,whereotherslow-latency/low-bandwidth,constantwhileareintermittenthigh-bandwidthlatencyislesscritical.Withcurrentusersmustbeawareofneedsandbalanceactivitytoavoidtoomuchdataorperformingmanychangesatonce,sotherewillnomomentaryoverloads.HighlatencyleadtotrajectoryinformationbeingtoolatefortheAMRtomakeansteeringdecision,causingthanintelligentbehavior.Inthecase,userswouldonlyexperienceaincycletimes,butintheworstacollisioncouldoccur.

Deployments of 5G for connecting AMRs have been evaluated and are in production at the OMRON Kusatsu factory and the Nokia Oulu factory.

AMRs using 5G will accelerate applications AMRs are helping companies everywhere work more efficiently and safely. As digital transformation and IoT initiatives progress, it is natural for users to incorporate advanced data gathering, visualization, and fleet management tasks into their AMRs. In many cases, however, the existing WiFi infrastructure constrains this growth.

www.therobotreport.com THE ROBOT REPORT

The Robot Report

One rollout is for a large industrial manufacturer, which wants to deploy 5G technology at 250 manufacturing plants worldwide. They are becoming acquainted with the technology and training their IT team because they want to operate and manage their 5G private network themselves.

For industrial operations, 5G private wireless networks deliver the high bandwidth, reliable low-latency connectivity, and massive IoT capabilities to meet the needs of current and future AMR deployments. 5G is becoming mainstream for commercial use, and there are many options for integrating it into industrial environments. OMRON and Nokia are leaders in AMR and 5G technology, and the two companies are working together to deliver field-proven solutions. RR 2022

To overcome these challenges, OMRON and Nokia are working globally to install 5G in both development and production facilities to capture detailed data for future product development.

Figure 4: This heat map showing AMRs with respect to Wi-Fi signal strength is representative of the analysis tools developed because coverage is so important for deployments. Private 5G overcomes a variety of problems so AMR fleets run more effectively.

OMRON down 5G network localized on a site, or they can work with a communication service provider who dedicates slices of the public network for a specified end user. For most industrial applications, the private wireless network approach would be preferred for security, performance, andOnreliability.5Gnetworks, the handoff of a device from one access point to another is very smooth because 5G devices are constantly communicating with multiple access points and the handoff decision is centrally controlled. This results in an improved performance compared to WiFi, especially when it comes to packet losses and interruptions in the communication when the device is moving. Wi-Fi often has problems with certain physical signal barriers, whereas 5G benefits from reflections caused by the large quantity of metal typically found in industrial environments (Figure 4). For all these and other reasons, there is significant industry interest in applying 5G to many types of industrial applications. At many locations, existing Wi-Fi infrastructure is proving insufficient, so the build-out using new technology may already be under way or imminent.

124 September

IncIntec,SCHUNK2021© Everything for your Articulating Arm Robot More than 3,000 components for handling and assembly. schunk.com/equipped-by NEW:GripperUniversalPGN-plus-PforcehigherUpCompensationTCUdeflectionmaximumUpSystemQuick-changeSWSgripperfaster90%changeto3°ToleranceUnitto50%gripping

At CGI we serve a wide array of industries including medical, robotics, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, motion control, and many others. Our core business is manufacturing precision motion control solutions.

CGI’s diverse customer base and wide range of applications have earned us a reputation for quality, reliability, and ﬂexibility. One of the distinct competitive advantages we are able to provide our customers is an engineering team that is knowledgeable and easy to work with. CGI is certiﬁed to ISO9001 and ISO13485 quality management systems. In addition, we are FDA and AS9100 compliant. Our unique quality control environment is weaved into the fabric of our manufacturing facility. We work daily with customers who demand both precision and rapid turnarounds. CGI Inc. CGI Inc. 3400 Arrowhead Drive Carson City, NV 89706 Toll Free: 1.800.568.4327 Ph: 1.775.882.3422 Fx: 1.775.882.9599 ISO 9001• ISO 13485 AS9100 ITAR GPL Series Robotic Planetary Gearbox combines the lowest backlash and high tilting rigidity with vibration-free operation for smooth, controlled

WWW.CGIMOTION.COM ISO QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS:

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motion in robotics and motion control. • Backlash ≤ 0.6 arcsec (≤ 0.1 arcmin) is 10x better than cycloidal gearboxes • Backlash does not increase over the 20,000 hours of service live – no adjustment necessary • Precise, smooth path control and positioning allows for vibration-free continuous coordinated motion • Lower cost replacement for direct drive motors with equal or better performance • 7 sizes, up to 7000 Nm torque • Conﬁgurations including solid or hollow ﬂange output, component or fully enclosed with motor mount. The GAM GPL series robotic planetary gearbox o ers a unique level of precision and performance unseen in other gearboxes on the market today! GAM 801 E Business Center Drive Mount Prospect, IL 60056 888.GAM.7117 | 847.649.2500 info@gamweb.comwww.gamweb.com GAM GPL: The New Standard in Zero-Backlash Gearboxes

126 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com THE ROBOT REPORT Robotics

SIX SIGMA AND LEAN PRACTICES ARE EMBRACED DAILY WITHIN THE CULTURE Robotics GAM’s

Robotics

1. Choose compact motorization where possible - Drives must ﬁt into restricted spaces, as they are sometimes integrated into existing trucks. A small footprint is critical for applications in logistics.

THE ROBOT REPORT www.therobotreport.com September 2022 127 Robotics

5. Prioritize safety – select motor options with integrated sensors. maxon’s IDX motor has a diameter of only 56 mm, its performance is equivalent to that of a motor with a footprint 25% larger. The IDX motorization thus combines performance in a compact size and ideal for AGVs. Go to Drive.tech for more details. Visit www.maxongroup.us for more maxon solutions.

Today’s AGVs must be compact and functional robots which are able to move vertically and carry heavy loads. These AGVs cannot fail, and so the choice of their motorization is crucial. There are 5 key points to consider when motorizing an AGV.

3. Opt for fast delivery of your motor solution

Motorizing an AGV maxon precision motors, inc. 125 Dever Drive Taunton, MA 02780 Phone: info.us@maxongroup.comwww.maxongroup.us508.677.0520

2. Focus on ease of use – select a plug-and-play solution.

Harmonic Drive Servo Grade AMR Propulsion Drive Trains

4. Base the design on modularity - Not all AGVs do the same job and therefore having the ﬂexibility to select a solution to match needed speciﬁcations is essential.

The integral cross roller bearing construction contributes to an excellent balance of torque density, sti ness, and radial load support in a compact and reliable package. Available in dozens of standard reduction ratios, these low backlash drive trains include motor adaptation as required. 42 Dunham Ridge Beverly, MA 01915 United States www.harmonicdrive.net

Harmonic Drive is a registered trademark of Harmonic Drive Systems

The drive wheels on Autonomous Mobile Robot platforms beneﬁt from the inherent characteristics of harmonic planetary technology; primarily, smoothness of travel, backdrivability, and an e ciency curve that does not degrade over time.

Renishaw’s FORTiS™ delivers superior repeatability, reduced hysteresis, and improved measurement performance due to an innovative non-contact mechanical design that does not require a mechanical guidance carriage. It provides high resistance to the ingress of liquids and solid debris contaminants. It features an extruded enclosure with longitudinally attached interlocking lip seals and sealed end caps. The readhead body is joined to a sealed optical unit by a blade, which travels through the lip seals along the length of the encoder. Linear axis movement causes the readhead and optics to traverse the encoder’s absolute scale (which is ﬁxed to the inside of the enclosure), without mechanical contact.

Flexible machine table fixtures – Robots are widely identified for their ability to handle workpieces. They also excel at automatically replacing fixtures and other peripheral tooling.

128 September 2022 www.therobotreport.com THE ROBOT REPORT

An encoder series designed for use in harsh environments

Automating multiple tasks – Use the robot to accomplish a secondary task. Instead of remaining idle during machining, the robot can automatically deburr workpieces.

Robotics

Renishaw, Inc. 1001 Wesemann Dr. West Dundee, IL, 60118 Phone: 847-286-9953 email: usa@renishaw.com website: www.renishaw.com

Maximize Robot ROI with E cient Re-Deployment

Adjustable custom tooling – Use dove tails and adjustable mountings in EOATs to expand tools for changing conditions or reach requirements. Many standard solutions are available - make the most of your investment with automation expert support today! SCHUNK: 211 Kitty Hawk Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560 info@us.schunk.com919-572-2705

Robots are ﬂexible and adaptable. Quickly re-tasking robots for job variety can be challenging. Some common solutions: Changing workpieces – Quick-change gripper ﬁngers and gripper changeouts are easily automated for workpiece variety or changing workpiece characteristics during manufacturing.