OnRobot Screwdriver launches for collaborative robots

Denmark-based OnRobot is looking to help manufacturers automate a variety of screwdriving processes. The RBR50 company today introduced the OnRobot Screwdriver end-of-arm tool (EOAT) that handles a variety of screws.

To program the OnRobot Screwdriver, the company said users need to enter the screw length and torque value into the cobot’s teach pendant. It then automatically calculates the force and speed with which to drive in the screw.

The OnRobot Screwdriver has a z-axis and retracts screws inside of itself. Once the robot arm moves into place, the screws are automatically driven in. OnRobot said screws up to 35mm long are retracted completely inside the Screwdriver when moving until the screwdriving process is safely initiated, enhancing its collaborative capabilities.

The Screwdriver can handle a wide range of screw sizes and lengths, from M1.6 to M6, and up to 50mm long. With its simple programming and easily exchangeable bit system, the Screwdriver can be quickly changed over to a different screw size, length or product line in minutes, which minimizes downtime and improves productivity.

“This is one of our most advanced products to date,” said OnRobot CEO Enrico Krog Iversen. “We’ve designed an automated screwdriving tool that simplifies a highly complex process for our users, making it cost-effective and easy for manufacturers to see fast results in terms of higher uptime, output, consistency and quality.”

The Screwdriver includes the following features:

• Embedded axis for accuracy and easy programming
• Torque control from 0.15Nm to 5Nm
• Handles screw sizes from M1.6 to M6, and up to 50mm long
• Available screw feeders
• ESD safe for electronics assembly
• Mounting via OnRobot Quick Changer

The OnRobot Screwdriver is compatible with the company’s One System Solution that provides a unified mechanical and electrical interface for leading robot arms. The One System Solution was recently expanded to include integration with robots from ABB Robotics and Hanwha Precision Machinery.

It’s been a busy first half of year for OnRobot, which has already introduced four products to the market. In April it introduced OnRobot Eyes, a 2.5D vision system for robot arms, and a soft robotic gripper designed to pick up small objects under 2.2kg. OnRobot in February introduced its 3FG15 three-finger gripper designed for heavy payload machine tending applications that require precision and flexibility. It features a 150mm stroke and 15 kg (33 lb) payload. It offers a gripping force from 10-250N.

In December 2019, OnRobot raised $27.5 million from the European Investment Bank and several Danish investors.

OnRobot won an RBR50 Innovation Award earlier this week for its One System Solution, which effectively turns all of OnRobot’s products into multi-purpose solutions that can be attached, programmed, and changed in minutes. It’s another example of OnRobot’s continued innovation and disruption of the EOAT market since it was founded in 2015.