FEATURE Robotics
New SCARA range adds to Trio’s robot-control capabilities
UK automation manufacturer, Trio Motion Technology, says the launch of its own SCARA range gives OEMs an integrated control solution for machine automation, motion and robots
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ometimes referred to as the geometry of motion, kinematics is the basis of robotic control. Because of its shared purpose within motion applications, Trio has applied kinematic control technology to both fields for over 20 years. The UK-based machine-control provider first added elements of robot control within its motion coordinator range in 1995 with a two-axis SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) application. Since then, Trio has progressed to its Robot Programming System (RPS) and can control six-axis industrial robots.
Added support Added to Trio’s existing capability in robot control is the support of its parent company, Estun Automation, which acquired Trio in 2017. As recently reported in Nikkei Asia, Chinese manufacturers now have a 50% share of the country’s robot market. Manufacturing over 15,000 robots a year, today Estun is China’s largest home- grown robot manufacturer. A reason for Estun’s acquisition of Trio was because of the UK brand’s presence in China where its motion controllers are used in the manufacture of electronic devices, an industry which has a stronghold in the country. SCARA robots are frequently used in device assembly, alongside motion control techniques such as gluing smartphone screens. As a result, with Trio’s skills and expertise and Estun’s backing, the UK automation vendor says that launching its own range of SCARA robots is a logical step. Robot development has taken place at
Trio’s Gloucestershire HQ, and the RX SCARA range joins the company’s line- up of controllers, I/O systems and servo drives and motors. Four SCARA robot models are available, extending from a 400mm arm range and 3kg maximum load capacity, through to a 700mm arm range and 6kg capacity. In addition to
16 December/January 2022 | Automation
Nano can control a combination of up to 64 servo or stepper axes and two SCARA robots, while its most powerful controller, the MC664-X, can control a combination of up to 128 servo or stepper axes and four SCARA robots. The company’s new series of SCARA
robots incorporates Trio’s own DX series servo drives and MX series servo motors. The automation vendor says this approach is designed to reduce requirements for holding spares whilst making maintenance easier. As the majority of control and I/O functionality is retained within Trio’s separate controller, rather than individually within each drive, the company says this approach significantly reduces the cost of the robot.
Trio’s new RX series SCARA robot
device assembly, Trio is aiming its robot range at applications such as pick and place and dispensing, among others.
Key features The robot launch also enables OEMs to procure a full machine control solution from just one automation vendor, as Trio integrates robot, motion and machine automation within a single controller. Trio says that this approach not only reduces the cost of the machine build, but it also decreases development time by removing hand-shaking challenges that can emerge between an independent robot controller and a PLC. For the same reason, this design will also increase reliability for the end user. In terms of machine automation, Trio’s
controllers feature I/O integration, system expansion via EtherCAT, and compatibility with all primary Ethernet-based bus systems. They can also be programmed using IEC 61131-3 languages. Regarding motion and robot
coordination, Trio’s pocket-sized Flex-6
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In terms of robot performance, the servo drive and motor combination offers precise motion, enhanced by EtherCAT update rates as low as 125µs. The DX4 servo drive can also deliver 350% overload for high dynamic applications as well as absolute multi- turn 23-bit encoders for system precision. Trio says that this range will make
robots more accessible for users with limited robotics experience, by providing easy-to-use application tools within a familiar automation development framework. Robot application development takes place within Trio’s Motion Perfect software and is enhanced through Trio RPS (Robot Programming System), an integrated software package that includes 3D simulation to create a virtual twin that reduces risks in deployment and speeds up development. RPS also includes a Virtual Teach Pendant for faster, on-the-go robot programming.
CONTACT:
Trio Motion Technology
www.triomotion.com
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