Robotiq has launched a screwdriving solution designed for manufacturers looking to automate screwdriving applications – eliminating the need for expensive, complicated custom designed solutions.
Catherine Leclerc, product owner at Robotiq Inc, explains: “Screwdriving is a dull and repetitive task that often leads to fastening inconsistencies and stress injuries. Lots of manufacturers want to automate this application, but can’t find a solution that works for today’s manufacturing reality – one where products are constantly evolving and manufactured in small, high mix batches. Manufacturers need an ultra-flexible solution that can be ordered off the shelf, deployed by staff on-site, and adapted to daily production needs. They need all that without a massive upfront investment.”
The Robotiq screwdriving solution enables five minute changeovers, so manufacturers can produce multiple products per assembly line. Plus, Robotiq says, it’s affordable and easy to deploy. With the screwdriver controlled directly from the teach pendant, and built-in programming and error proofing intelligence embedded in the pick and screwdriving nodes, automating this task has never been easier.
“Getting separate components to communicate together is a complex task for the end user, so making it seamless was our top priority. The patented Screw Feeder will also resonate with the cobot (collaborative robot) market because it’s entirely adaptable. Within one minute, you can adjust the feeder to fit another type of screw and you’re good to go.”
The screwdriving solution provides precision fastening to torques of 1Nm – 4Nm. It also has error proofing features for uninterrupted screwdriving, such as screw presence detection, torque control, and position monitoring.
As a pioneer in the UR+ ecosystem, Robotiq continues its tradition of high-quality products. This includes the screwdriving URCap software that lets users program many different screw fastening processes in just a few minutes.
“Designed to keep up with frequent changeovers, reach tight spaces, and deliver a quick ROI, the Robotiq screwdriving solution is one of the most elaborate and innovative products we’ve built so far,” comments Jean-Philippe Jobin, CTO and co-founder at Robotiq. “While it’s fairly easy to fasten small screws manually, it’s much harder to automate. We’ve managed to simplify that process for the end user. After a pandemic year and the resulting changes, this is the perfect time to introduce a solution that will help factories automate better and faster, elevate their workforces, and free human hands from repetitive tasks.”
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
