All-in-one cookers with outstanding performance

TX2: The next generation of Stäubli TX robots, a perfect combination of precision, speed, stiffness, size, and working area.

SP2: The next generation of handheld control device with an HTML-based interface. This specially developed interface simplifies interaction with the robot.

CS9: The next generation of control for the TX2 robot series with integrated safety functions. All modules, the status display, and the filters are easily accessible from the front.

They are no larger than their predecessors and look very similar to them. But after the Redefining Performances upgrade, they are more powerful than ever: they are faster, more flexible, more efficient, even safer, and work hand in hand with humans when needed. In short: the TX2 generation is here and is redefining the six-axis robot.

Gerald Vogt, Dipl.-Ing., Managing Director of Stäubli Robotics, sums up what the new six-axis robot generation TX2 and the development motto Redefining Performances are all about: “Redefining Performances means that we have tested all the performance features of our six-axis robots and redefined them. The goal was to improve the robots in every criterion, integrate superior safety technology, and thus create a technologically leading overall package. We wanted to build the best Stäubli robot of all time, and we succeeded.”

At first glance, the performance leap of the new six-axis robots in the three model series TX2-40, TX2-60, and TX2-90 is not obvious. On the contrary: the new models clearly show their heritage, looking a bit more refined and dynamic here and there. The ultra-compact design remains, now with even sleeker lines. These machines, covering load capacities from 2 to 15 kilograms and reach ranges from 515 to 1450 millimeters, remain the first choice for applications in confined spaces in the future as well.

More Revolution than Evolution

What initially appears “only” as evolution reveals itself as a revolution upon closer inspection. Of course, the new machines are lighter, more powerful, more dynamic, and energy-efficient through a variety of measures – but the technological quantum leap lies in safety technology. Breakthrough safety functions have been integrated here. With the TX2 series and the CS9 controller, Stäubli Robotics is opening a new chapter in human-machine cooperation.

Terms like Safe Speed, Safe Stop, Safe Zone, and Safe Tool point the way into a new era of robotics. Future direct collaboration between humans and machines without safety fences will be possible. “When we talk about safe human-machine cooperation, we don’t mean safety components from the supplier shelf, but self-developed, technologically leading safety solutions. The six-axis robots of the TX2 series feature a dedicated digital safety encoder per axis and an integrated safety board. All safety functions are TÜV-certified and meet the strict requirements of safety categories SIL3-/PLe. This ensures perfect protection for operators and expensive process equipment,” emphasizes Vogt.

To ensure maximum safety, every movement of the robot is monitored sensorically. All coordinates of the robot, as well as speed and acceleration, are recorded in real time. Stäubli uses configurable, safe I/O modules and real-time Ethernet fieldbus systems in the TX2 series to guarantee maximum safety and compatibility.

If a person approaches the robot’s working area, the robot automatically reduces its speed to a safety level. The major advantage: the robot can continue working at low speed, does not go into emergency stop mode, and does not require an elaborate restart. If the operator gets too close, the robot further slows down or completely remains in safety mode.

All “vital functions” of the robot remain active, allowing it to continue its work without restart once the operator leaves its workspace. These two groundbreaking functions enable true cooperation between humans and machines.

Another highlight: with the Safe Tool and Safe Zone functions, a specific area around the end-of-arm tool can be precisely defined and continuously monitored. If an obstacle is detected within the safety zone, the robot automatically stops. This safely prevents damage to expensive handling systems or process equipment.

Redefining Power and Efficiency

While all safety innovations are implemented, the mechanical side relies on proven solutions: like their predecessors, the new six-axis robots feature the typical enclosed structure in protection class IP65, with the wrist even rated IP67, making it waterproof. The TX2 series is thus suited for use under demanding cleanroom and hygiene conditions, as well as in applications with harsh environmental conditions, such as in machine tools. All six-axis robots of the TX2 generation have a vertical cable entry and can be mounted on the floor, wall, or ceiling.

Stäubli robots have always been regarded as highly precise. The new TX2 series continues this tradition. The new six-axis robots also achieve exemplary values in repeatability, dynamics, and speed, ensuring the shortest cycle times. The high rigidity of the sealed mechanical design and the compact, directly driven JCM® gear motors, an in-house development of Stäubli, enable this exceptional performance.

“The TX2 series represents a new dimension in quality, precision, speed, and dynamics. But above all, the six-axis robots open up new possibilities for human-machine cooperation. Additionally, future-oriented web-based diagnostics and programming options are available. With this superior overall performance, the six-axis robots will contribute to higher productivity and efficiency in all industrial sectors, both for standard applications and new deployments,” Vogt is confident.