ARMROID, the first robot-arm integrated in a CNC machine by OKUMA, is an automation innovation that is easy to operate directly on the native OSP numerical control.
ARMROID – advantages for an innovative manufacturing
Due to the decline in the workforce, problems such as the retirement of skilled workers and the shortage of workers from the younger generation are becoming more commonplace in manufacturing.
In addition, the diversification of market needs requires high-mix, low-volume production, and machine shops trying to maintain daily deliveries are running as hard as possible. After machining, cleaning is done, then part unload/load, and the process restarts. The workers are overburdened and their working hours have increased.
Customers are interested in introducing robots, but system integrators are needed to get started, or the operators need to acquire special skills when there is no time to learn the new technology. ARMROID solves these problems. System integrators are not required at startup. Okuma’s ROID Navi enables robot operations in the same way a machine tool is controlled. So the operator can work with confidence and without worrying about collisions.
Increase productivity through the fusion between machine and the robot
OKUMA offers efficient automation solutions for various needs. At EMO 2019 Hannover, two new automation technologies were presented, which are superior to conventional robots.
ARMROID integrated robot-arm in the CNC machine
ARMROID is a robotic arm integrated in a lathe-type CNC machine tool (eg OKUMA LB3000EXII). This opens up completely new possibilities for the manufacturing process and makes automation available to small businesses as well.
Integration
System integration is not required during installation. ROID Navi Okuma allows the robot to be operated in the same way as a CNC machine tool.
Easy to operate
Easy to install and operate. Special skills are not required.
Without a doubt, it’s because of our advanced fusion technology, which enabled a smooth integration of machine tool and robotics engineering. First of all, we are putting a robot that can perform various collision-free jobs in the work area while turning a part. That enables us to provide a machine with built-in robotic automation in the same space as a conventional machine tool. I think this is a big achievement.
ARMROID integrated robot – usable as workpiece holder
The built-in robot can perform various tasks. In addition, the robot, instead of an operator, can work in the machine to remove chips, which is another troublesome but necessary task. ARMROID can also perform mixed blasting of coolant and air to prevent chips from getting entangled with the workpiece.
In addition, ARMROID can work in tandem with a sliding workpiece stacker attached to the front of the machine, making it is easy to work share—operator for morning/afternoon shifts— robot for lunch-break/night shifts. I think the working hours for employees can be reduced and the way they work can be changed.
End-Effector Stocker
The gripper stocker can store up to 3 End-Effector Units, the total inter-change time of 25 seconds:
- Parallel gripper with 2 or 3 jaws for parts with a diameter of Ø20 ~ 150 mm
- Chip nozzle unit or internal cleaning fluid.
- Workpiece holder during machining
Flexibility
ARMROID integrated robot arm – flexible production
In addition, ARMROID can work in tandem with a sliding workpiece stacker attached to the front of the machine, making it is easy to work share—operator for morning/afternoon shifts— robot for lunch-break/night shifts. I think the working hours for employees can be reduced and the way they work can be changed. We believe the introduction of ARMROID will surely take us to a new future in manufacturing.
To increase the efficiency of the machine and to move from one range of parts to another, the programming of the robot does not require additional specialization. The programming is intuitive and is done by indicating the start and end point of the robot arm movement curve.
OKUMA continues the ROID story with STANDROID, offering a robotic arm integrated in its own separate cell. The cell can be connected to machine tools (eg OKUMA MB-46VA E). With these solutions, OKUMA makes automation accessible to businesses of different sizes.
