Automation at IMTS 2016: Embedded PCs, Collaborative Robots and More



There are only four days left until IMTS 2016 kicks off in Chicago.

Here are just a few of the automation solutions you can expect to see on the show floor.


Embedded PCs from Beckhoff Automation


With the introduction of the new CX81xx Embedded PC series from Beckhoff, small controllers now offer significantly increased computing power.

The CX8190 for Ethernet communication is the first device in the series and is also the first PC-based controller in an ultra-compact “Bus Coupler format” for TwinCAT 3 automation software.

The 32-bit, 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor offers three times the CPU performance compared to the existing CX8000 series, as well as an eight-fold memory increase with 512 MB of RAM. The Beckhoff CX8190 Embedded PC comes equipped with an Ethernet port and a 2-port switch for real-time Ethernet or EtherCAT Automation Protocol (EAP).

Windows Embedded Compact 7 is used as the operating system.

The small controller is programmed with TwinCAT 3 via the fieldbus interface or the additional Ethernet interface. TwinCAT 3 I/O software provides the basic runtime functionality, but further TwinCAT 3 supplements can be added as options.

The CX8190 also offers a 1-second UPS for storing persistent data, a 512 MB microSD card which can be extended up to 8 GB and an impressive operating temperature range from -25° to +60° C (-13° to 140° F).

EtherCAT Terminal (E-bus) and Bus Terminal (K-bus) I/O systems from Beckhoff can be directly connected to the CX8190 Embedded PC, providing instant access to an industry-leading I/O product spectrum with more than 1,000 available terminals.

The CX81xx Embedded PC series is being introduced with the device for Ethernet first and will be expanded to cover additional fieldbuses in the near future.

For more information, visit Beckhoff Automation at IMTS at booth E-4410 or visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.


New Robotics, Educational Demonstrations and More from KUKA Robotics

KUKA will be curating automated live booth demonstrations to showcase the hot topics of today’s manufacturing revolution at IMTS 2016.

KUKA Robotics in-booth demonstration at IMTS 2016 will include:

3D Metal Printing Additive Manufacturing Demonstration by Midwest Engineering

Official KUKA Robotics System Partner Midwest Engineered Systems has partnered with several international industry leaders to develop a complete and scalable additive metal manufacturing solution.

Additive manufacturing commonly referred to as Industrial “3D Metal Printing” is a digital process, which uses 3D design data to build components in layers by depositing material. This demonstration by an Official KUKA Robotics System Partner will showcase the strategy for manufacturing of a workpiece, preparation of the slicing program, translation into the robot path program, process development for the laser welding, laser delivery system, hot wire feed of material, and dynamic deposition measuring to compensate for adverse conditions.

The FARO Cobalt Array Imager - unlimited configurable Robotic Inspection

Unique on-board processing enables unlimited multi-imager array configurations by expanding the scan area to deliver automated rapid inspection of all features and surfaces, dramatically improving cycle time.

The actionable data is displayed as a simple go/no-go result or an easy-to-read dimensional deviation color map. This new technology from FARO showcases easy integration into production environments, automated deployment options when attaching Cobalt Imagers to a robot, and overall improvement with throughput and productivity of 3D measurement workflows. The FARO Cobalt Array Imager brings unparalleled performance at an affordable price for quality inspection and factory automation applications.

Collaborative Robots

KUKA will feature multiple collaborative robots showing a range of applications demonstrating how collaborative robots can be used in Human Robot Collaborative applications industry.

KUKA will also feature how it is possible to use traditional industrial robots in collaborative applications by incorporating auxiliary safety technology.

EMCO Educational Cell

KUKA Robotics introduces the EMCO Concept TURN 260 as part of KUKA Robotics’ education area.

The Concept TURN 260 brings CNC training with industrial performance. This high performance semi-industrial CNC lathe is part of EMCO Industrial Training where students are able to program advanced to complex CNC programs using a 3-axis lathe with a life-tooling turret at industrial standards and a 3-5 axis milling machine with industrial performance rates and complexity.

Siemens Run My Robot

Demonstration featuring a KR 6 R700 showcasing Siemens Run MyRobot Machining provides a standardized solution for the machining robot based on the combination of CNC and robotics know-how.

By utilizing the KUKA robot, Siemens Run MyRobot offers a cost-effective and greater productivity solution for large machining areas. High accuracy by machining is also achieved with the KR 6 R700 because the precision is supplemented by the support of the robot-specific know-how making the robot a CNC robot with the Siemens Run MyRobot.

North American Introduction KUKA Connect software

KUKA Connect is an all-new software platform that connects KUKA robots to the cloud.

Using KUKA Connect, customers can easily access and analyze their robots’ data on any device, anywhere at any time. Built on open global standards, KUKA Connect securely leverages cloud computing technologies and big data analytics to provide customers maximum visibility into their connected KUKA robots.

KUKA Connect is a subscription-based platform that requires zero software installation and provides customers immediate access to new features and functionalities. Leveraging the latest web and mobile technologies, KUKA Connect features a responsive user interface that allows administrative users to construct seamless workflows with easy accessibility to multiple layers of robot data.

KUKA KORE Official Robotic Education

KUKA Robotics introduces the new KORE Official Robotic Education Cart designed to support the education market’s need to make robotics a KORE part of their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education programs.

With the KUKA KORE package students are given the opportunity to learn and perform basic robot programming and operation skills on robotic hardware. Students will also have the opportunity to mine for clues in the KUKA booth and take the KUKA Kraze mobile quiz to enter for a chance to win a STEM party for their class visiting IMTS.

KUKA KORE can also be found in the Smartforce Student Summit in booth NC-631 with a maze challenge for students understand the basic behind-the-scenes programming and the opportunity to win KUKA-branded giveaways.

North American Introduction of KR 3 and Cybertech

KR CYBERTECH nano series boast the world’s largest model range in its class offering 6 kg to 22 kg payloads in the future.

With the KR CYBERTECH nano series, payload intervals of 6, 8, and 10 kg is perfectly equipped for arc welding. The new hollow wrist features a level of performance and quality that enables the robot to move up close to workpieces with infinite rotation and motion precision.

The KR 3 AGILUS is built for the production of the smallest components and products. This new small robot is ideal for use in 600 x 600mm automation cells since it excels at reaching maximum automation performance in confined spaces. The KR 3 AGILUS is one of the fastest robots in its class offering minimum cycle times and larger production outputs.

This robot is ideal for applications such as assembly of small parts, pick and place, dispensing, screw fastening, brazing, etc.

KR AGILUS KR 6 R900 Sixx demonstrating CNC lathe tending

This cell demonstrates the speed and agility this small robot was designed for by minimizing the cycle time while tending a CNC machine tool incorporating vision inspection and post machining part deburr. End of arm tooling is a dual gripper for quickest possible part change.

For more information, visit KUKA at IMTS at booth N-6200 or visit www.kuka-robotics.com.


Self-Driving Vehicles from OTTO


The OTTO 100 self-driving vehicle is designed for light-load material transport.

With a payload capacity of 220 lbs and a maximum speed of 4.5 mph, OTTO 100 does not rely on external infrastructure for navigation, delivering materials through dynamic paths and with collaborative features including obstacle avoidance and light indications for behavior.

OTTO Motors, a division of Clearpath, was named the winner of a Gold Stevie in the 13th Annual International Business Awards. The company was recognized in the category of Best New Industrial Product of the Year for their OTTO 100 self-driving vehicle, designed for light-load material transport.

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. The 2016 IBAs received entries from more than 60 nations and territories.  Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 200 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process from May through early August.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners at a gala awards banquet in Rome, Italy on 21 October.  For a complete list of winners, visit stevieawards.com.

The OTTO 100 self-driving vehicle will be showcased at IMTS Sept 12-17, 2016 at Chicago the McCormick Place at booth NC-660. For more information, visit www.clearpath.ai.