ROBOTS AND AUTOMATION | TECHNOLOGY


workers, but instead utilising the opportunities for optimisation, according to TM Robotics founder and CEO, Nigel Smith. He said: “It is the task of robot manufacturers to better inform the market- place that automation can enhance their productiv- ity and efficiency, while remaining competitive. For the plastics and injection moulding market, invest- ing in automation certainly doesn’t automatically lead to the depletion of a human workforce. Instead, robots should be seen as a means to do more with the equipment plastics manufacturers currently have. In the past, most end users opted for a classic Cartesian X-Y gantry-style robot to unload parts from a moulding machine. Today, the technol- ogy is available to improve and add to this basic operation. By using a ceiling-mounted 6-axis robot, for example, taking a product from the moulding machine, there is an opportunity to do more work with the specific part you are taking out.” TM Robotics has recently expanded its 6-axis


robot range to include the introduction of the TVM 6-axis model, a machine designed to meet the growing demand for this type of automation. Ceiling mounted robots are also a growing area, and are particularly advantageous because they minimise the space required. From an efficiency point of view, if you have the robot mounted over a conveyor, you can use a smaller model, again increasing productivity. TM Robotics is a distributor for robot manufac-


turer Shibaura Machine. At the Automate 2023 trade show in Detroit, Michigan, US, last year, it demonstrated its range of industrial robots and automation solutions. The star attraction was the Supata Flexfeeder, an automated feeding system for precise positioning of components of different sizes during manufacturing, for example in insert mould- ing. The solution, developed and manufactured by EPF Elettrotecnica, consists of a feeding system, a vision system, a human-machine interface (HMI) control system, and an integrated robot, a 6-axis TV1000 from Shibaura Machine. The flexible feeding system features advanced AI vision that reduces errors while boosting productivity by 17 to 20%. TM Robotics also presented the full Shibaura Machine range of SCARA robots. The versatile range caters to various needs, from the compact and lightweight THE400 and THE600 to the larger and more powerful THE800 and THE1000 models, and is compatible with the new TS5000 Controller and TP5000 Teach Pendant, utilising TS-Assist software. The UK division of Fanuc, the Japanese automa-


tion group, has underlined its commitment to AI-powered robotic waste picking company Recycleye by extending its exclusive deal with the


www.injectionworld.com


IMAGE: FANUC


Left: Fanuc expects more industrial automation users to adopt functions such as vision and force control


tech innovator, as well as internationally recognis- ing its achievements at the Fanuc Global Partner Awards. The event saw Recycleye win one of seven Global Partner Awards for Innovation. “One of the major trends in automation is definitely energy efficiency,” said Joe Mumby, Fanuc Technical Sales Manager. “Aside from its primary function, a key requirement for any automation solution will be its ability to stabilise energy consumption and reduce it. Being able to evidence this through live data monitoring and enhanced reporting will also be vital for any manufacturer serious about reaching net zero.”


CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: � https://ifr.org � www.engelglobal.com � www.wandelbots.com � www.micropsi-industries.com � https://vorausrobotik.com � www.kuka.com � www.wittmann-group.com � www.universal-robots.com � www.tm-robot.com � www.unilever.com � www.bayer.com � www.tmrobotics.com � https://shibaura-machine.com � www.epf.it � www.fanuc.eu � https://recycleye.com


March/April 2024 | INJECTION WORLD 21


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