Grugliasco (TO) – September 25, 2024
At its Open House “Competences and Innovation”, today Comau opens the doors of its Grugliasco plant – where the innovation, production and business departments are located – and welcomes system integrators coming from all over Europe. It’s a big chance to deliver them live demonstrations and introduce the latest technological innovations which are empowering efficient and sustainable production processes, across diversified industries.
With 50 years of experience, 12 factories and 3,700 employees worldwide, Comau confirms its role as a leading provider of advanced automation solutions in diversified industries: from automotive to logistics, food to pharmaceuticals, renewable energy to shipbuilding. This role goes beyond the usual delivery of products, yet it continues in a strategic partnership with system integrators and customers, including custom projects design and local support for an increasing variety of application requirements.
Regarding technologies, the undeniable stars at the Open House are the brand-new S-Family six-axis robots. The S-Family robots combine high speed and high energy efficiency. These robots are available in two models, featuring a payload of 13 kg with reach of 1,730 mm (model S13) and 18 kg with reach of 1,960 mm (model S18). Among the key benefits of S-Family robots, there are the fully integrated dressings; the IP68 hollow-wrist, featuring high protection against water and dust, the integrated arc and Gigabit fittings; the energy consumption optimization, matching Industry 5.0 guidelines, due to robot’s lower weight; the multiple mounting positions (floor, wall, ceiling). The S13 and S18 robots are designed for arc welding, handling, bending applications and other specific applications in food & beverage, foundry, automotive and battery manufacturing. They stand out for precision, repeatability, and speed. During the Open House, a specific live demo is displaying a S13 robot running a pick & place cycle.
In addition to the S-Family robots, in Grugliasco system integrators can also appreciate new details of Comau’s innovative technologies. One of which is the MI.RA/OnePicker, a new intelligent vision-based piece picking solution powered by AI algorithms. MI.RA/OnePicker is designed to autonomously detect and locate several randomly placed multi-type objects from the same container. The system can calculate the best picking position in few seconds, without the need for CAD-based assistance or previous information on object’s size, shape or colour. At the Open House, a cell is showcasing the new S-18 robot working in a door hinges assembly station, which integrates two vision systems from the MI.RA family: the MI.RA 3D and the MI.RA Picker systems. Both solutions prove the high-standard accuracy and flexibility performed by Comau’s vision technology.
Comau also presents the demo releases of Hyperflex mobile system for automated on-site solar blade installation, in.Grid, the digital platform for acquisition, monitoring and exchange of data, enabling predictive maintenance processes, and a preview of the new TP (Teach Pendant).
The Open House also exhibits the Racer-5 SE (Sensitive Environments) robot. Featuring a maximum payload of 5 kg with individual reaches of 630 and 800 mm, the Racer-5 SE robot is “MOCA” and “ISO-6 Cleanroom” certified. The Racer-5 robot is designed to be used in specific applications requiring good resistance to dust or other aggressive chemicals and to reduce risk of environment contamination, such as chemical, pharmaceutical and food production. Furthermore, Comau is showcasing its Racer-7 ARC robot, integrating on-board a vision system for seams tracking in welding applications.
Another example of Comau’s innovation is the NJ robot with collaborative Airskin. This NJ robot features a multiple pressure sensors protective coating, which ensures maximum working safety: when the robot is touched, it stops moving and reacts according to operator’s needs.
Last but not least, in the Grugliasco plant the N-220 robots are displayed, with their innovative architectural approach based on an intensive use of modularity. The robots feature high payload (220 kg), wide working area and Performance Level D cartesian safety. Thanks to the advanced motion algorithms, the N-220 robots bring excellent performances – both in terms of cycle time, repeatability and path control accuracy – in spot welding and material handling applications, as well as continuous processing like 3D printing and gluing.
The visit in the Grugliasco plant is also a chance for European system integrators to try on the wearable robotics solutions MATE XT and XB, the upper and lower body exoskeletons that protect and improve a worker’s well-being.
The Open House on 25th September proves how Comau’s innovation and advanced automation are going beyond the boundaries of industrial robotics, moving further to machine vision systems, artificial intelligence, software and IIoT platforms. Today the company can provide to all European system integrators (and their customers) with standard or custom solutions and meet the needs of a growing variety of diversified markets.