Schmalz at Motek 2018: Components for Cobots and Co.

Vacuum generator ECBPi for applications in mobile and collaborative robotics. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

When Motek opens its doors for the 37th time, Schmalz presents numerous products in Hall 3, Stand 3101, from the fields of vacuum automation and handling. In addition to standard components, new and improved grippers for manual lifting tasks will attract the attention of industry visitors. Furthermore, the vacuum expert showcases intelligent devices for networked production with its Smart Field Devices.

J. Schmalz GmbH will display solutions for production and assembly automation at Motek (October 8-11, 2018) in Stuttgart. An important topic is human-machine collaboration. Mobile robots are particularly suitable for light handling tasks. However, they also place new demands on components, which must be lightweight, flexible, and safe. Schmalz develops ready-to-connect grippers designed as end-of-arm tooling for use on portals and robots. The latest example is the FXCB flat gripper – an efficient solution for numerous applications in intralogistics, such as end-of-line packaging or pick-and-place operations. With flexible foam as a gripping surface, it can securely hold cartons or boxes weighing up to eight kilograms. Thanks to a large contact surface and low impact forces, it meets the ISO TS 15066 standard – a norm for collaboration between humans and cobot industrial robots. Equipped with current communication technology, the gripper can also be easily integrated into automation environments.

Also on display in Stuttgart is the FXP/FMP flat gripper. It is especially suitable for automated palletizing and depalletizing, as well as sorting and order picking of various goods and workpieces.

Smart Helpers

A prerequisite for safe gripping and holding is an appropriate vacuum. With the electric vacuum generator ECBPi, Schmalz offers a pressure-independent solution that is used both in mobile robotics and in fully automated small parts handling, as well as stationary handling tasks. The so-called CobotPump is part of the special program of Smart Field Devices – intelligent components that can network with the production environment. They collect, monitor, and analyze energy- and performance-relevant data in the vacuum system via IO-Link and NFC. Other products include the vacuum and pressure switch VSi and the compact terminal SCTMi. Like all NFC-capable Smart Field Devices from Schmalz, they can be read and parameterized via an app.

From vacuum automation, Schmalz also presents standard components for all common applications. These include various elements for building custom vacuum systems, as well as suction cups, connection elements, system monitoring components, filters, connections, and vacuum generators.

Modular System for Flat Booms

There are also new products for manual handling. Schmalz has developed a modular flat boom made of aluminum specifically for applications in low-clearance spaces. Based on the modular system for jib cranes, it offers an ergonomic solution for applications in the lower load capacity range. The modularity is reflected in the product design and structure: instead of a complete assembly, the standalone solution is assembled from individual components. The crane is an ideal complement to vacuum lifters like the JumboFlex hose lifter. It will also be on display at the trade fair booth, demonstrating how lighter goods up to 50 kilograms can be moved ergonomically and at high cycle rates.