Together with several partners, Schunk transforms the vision of the smart factory into reality. Condition and process monitoring and communication are directly done at the component level with Schunk sensors. The smart Schunk modules are closing the gap in handling objects, and allow a consistent flow of information from the gripper finger to the ERP system.
The industry 4.0 assembly cell, designed by Schunk, the software specialist Orbis, the plant builder Erhardt + Abt, plusdrei engineering team and SIM Automation shows how pick and place units, 3-axis room gantries, robots and mobile platforms autonomously cooperate during assembly, control, packaging and transportation, and therefore allow smart production. With every new component, and every prioritized order, the cell newly invents the matching choreography. Every individual process step is monitored in detail by sensors, and is reported to the handling system or even the plant control unit and the ERP. The Schunk assembly units and handling components and even the system control unit are connected with each other by fieldbus or Ethernet, and build a cyber-physical system. Smart, intelligent Schunk grippers, lightweight arms, pick and place units and linear direct axis allow a decentralized control on the components level, making a dynamic and flexible process.
Schunk mechatronic grippers and Schunk force-moment sensors can be adjusted by force and position, allow precise condition monitoring. The Schunk FT sensors detect the slightest deviations even before a failure of malfunction could happen, and create the best preconditions for a predictable and effective intervention in the framework of predictive maintenance. They allow a decentralized intelligence within the individual task, and are suitable for controlling the process parameters, decentralized quality assurance and documentation of the quality criteria. Schunk grippers, change systems and rotary feedthroughs, which are suitable for fieldbus, present a barrier-free communication between component and system. Versatile Schunk gripping modules, efficient change systems and highly dynamic, freely programmable linear direct axes finally allow a flexible process design at a maximum productivity.
A mechatronic high-end solution is not required for every industry 4.0 scenario. Schunk has also demonstrated equipment with conventional pneumatics, and by means of intelligent Schunk sensors they are ready smart production. Users can freely choose among the standardized Schunk product range, and set the degree of intelligence and flexibility of every individual process step.
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