Rethink Robotics recently announced a new software platform that connects robot controllers, like that of the company's Sawyer cobot, to the entire work cell.
The new software, called Intera 5, reduces the amount of time needed to deploy full work cell automation down to a matter of hours, rather than weeks. The software also allows manufacturers to control the robots, orchestrate the work cell and collect data.
“With the introduction of Intera 5, we’ve created the world’s first smart robot that can orchestrate the entire work cell, removing areas of friction and opening up new and affordable automation possibilities for manufacturers around the world,” said Scott Eckert, president and CEO of Rethink Robotics. “Intera 5 is driving immediate value while helping customers work toward a smart factory and providing a gateway to successful industrial internet of things (IIoT) for the first time.”
In response to consumer expectations for greater personalization and shifting market demands for cost-effective innovation and agility, manufacturers can control conveyors, equipment and other machines from a central Intera 5-powered robot.
Tuthill Plastics Group, a full-service custom injection molding company, is using a Sawyer robot with Intera 5 to power improved product quality and more efficient production.
Operating 24 hours a day, five days a week, Sawyer with Intera 5 is picking parts from a conveyor belt and communicating with a computer numeric control (CNC) machine to place parts into the machine by using the platform’s force-sensing capabilities.
Using the new software platform, Tuthill has been able to improve part quality and consistency, reducing a length defect on the part by 98 percent since implementing Sawyer.
“Sawyer with Intera 5 is a major step forward in manufacturing automation,” said Richard Curtain, president of Tuthill. “Part placement is extremely critical to our machining process. Sawyer is able to effectively ensure product quality and consistency, handle the variability of the production line and automatically re-register to the environment in the event that any parts move.”
The Intera 5 software platform also offers compatibility for:
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Embedded vision to reduce the need for expensive part presentation fixturing and additional integration costs;
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Adaptive force-sensing, allowing users to precisely set the amount of force required or enable the robot to feel and respond to a specific force, to allow for adaptive decision-making;
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Intera Studio, a new tool to simplify deployment of automation.
“By implementing our robots equipped with Intera 5, manufacturers will have unprecedented work cell coordination, greatly reducing the need for complex, time-consuming and outdated automation options,” said Eckert.
Beginning in March, Intera 5 will be available for download on all existing Sawyer robots and will come standard on all new robots. For more information visit the Rethink Robotics website.