Exchange for the future

By Bhalchandra Chorghade, Editor, CNCTimes.com

At automatica, SCHUNK was all about getting the conversation going. The application expert demonstrated the wide range of its automation know-how using innovative approaches to handling and processing. The leading trade show for intelligent automation and robotics presented itself as a guiding light for the industry.

Where to, automation industry? The four-day automatica trade show in Munich provided answers, but also raised new and pressing questions. SCHUNK presented itself publicly at the event for the first time under the new corporate mission, "Hand in hand for tomorrow", which is indicative of the path the family-owned company is taking. The automation industry is changing and picking up speed due to increasing modularization, open interfaces and easy accessibility. The automation expert wants to actively shape this change together with customers and partners and drive it forward – with new automation concepts, industry solutions and digital services.

Individually configured – the new PLG pneumatic long-stroke gripper is designed for large, heavy workpieces and can be assembled in 10 minutes to suit the specific application. Image: SCHUNK

Pneumatics fit for the future

SCHUNK had several new pneumatic actuators in tow in Munich, technology that will continue to be crucial in many areas in the future due to its robustness and process reliability. To this end, SCHUNK has put all its experience into the development of digital tools that will significantly reduce the time and effort required for planning and purchasing in the future.

New browser-based, license-free configurators can already be used to individually plan, integrate and order pneumatic SCHUNK grippers and gripper fingers directly in the web store. Electric grippers and adapter plates will soon be included as well. Visitors were able to test the new gripper configurator for the long-stroke gripper PLG, which was being presented for the very first time, and put together the gripper of their choice live in just 10 minutes. The new pneumatic powerhouse, with an impressive stroke of 400 mm per side, is particularly interesting for large handling tasks in the packaging, automotive, white goods or logistics sectors.

Technological advancement and digital features are also found in the new, pneumatic universal gripper PGL-plus-P. It is the first of its kind to have functional safety on board as standard thanks to its certified, safe GripGuard gripping force maintenance and integrated IOL sensor system.

Grip like a gecko

SCHUNK offered an impression of the automation possibilities with different moving exhibits for pneumatic, electric, magnetic and adhesive handling. After a long hiatus from trade fairs, visitors were able to see for themselves the sophisticated and multiple award-winning ADHESO gripping technology for the first time. The bio-inspired gecko grippers do not consume any energy. As if it were only natural, curious visitors picked up the adhesive grippers and tested them on various objects, some of which they had brought along themselves. Automation approaches can also be found in other areas. This is because robots not only load and unload machines and help with assembly, they also take on unpopular but crucial machining tasks such as deburring, grinding or polishing. The automation expert gave live demonstrations of how this works several times a day. With R-EMENDO tools, numerous tasks can be automatically linked directly to the machining process in the machine tool.

https://schunk.com/in_en/news/highlights/notifications/article/108215-exchange-for-the-future/

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