Stäubli introduced its new TX2 line of collaborative robots to the North American market at the Automate trade show in Chicago, ushering in a new era of Man-Robot Collaboration (MRC). The line of six-axis machines and corresponding CS9 safety control are just two of several innovations on display from the leading provider of fluid and electrical connectors, robotics and textiles at the industry event.

The features of the new models comply with the stringent requirements of the highest safety category and excel in every facet of automation, including high-volume manufacturing as well as collaborative scenarios. To ensure maximum safety, sensors monitor every movement of the robot, while the robot’s coordinates, speed and acceleration are recorded in real time.

“Because of their incredible versatility, the new line is redefining performance by allowing manufacturers to adjust to changing production needs,” said Sebastien Schmitt, Robotics Division Manager, Stäubli North America. “The TX2’s pioneering safety features and clean, consistent performance improve productivity in every facet of manufacturing.”

Stäubli’s new line offers one robot to cover all five stages of MRC:

– Stage 1: Hard guarding separates the operator and robot. The manufacturing process is performed by the robot.
– Stage 2: Laser (virtual) guarding separates the operator and robot. The manufacturing process is performed by the robot, and the operator enters the area periodically.
– Stage 3: Laser (virtual) guarding separates the operator and robot. The robot and operator are involved in the manufacturing process. The operator enters the zone regularly during production.
– Stage 4: There is no separation between the robot and operator. The robot and operator are involved in the manufacturing process. The robot stops when it comes into contact with the operator.
– Stage 5: There is no separation between the robot and operator. The robot and operator are involved in the manufacturing process. The robot and the operator move safely in the same space simultaneously.

The company, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, also debuted its new MPS 260 robotic tool changers, the first choice for applications requiring a high number of mating cycles, in addition to showcasing its CombiTac modular connection system and connection solutions for power and data.

“Bringing the world’s fastest safe robots to the North American market shines a spotlight on our incredible commitment to innovation,” said Roger Varin, CEO, Stäubli North America. “The new TX2 line is reshaping manufacturing by allowing humans and robots to safely co-exist while improving productivity.”

Stäubli
www.staubli.com