Generated orders make their own, flexible way through production. Work equipment, such as the robot, sets itself up. Autonomous transport systems supply and link the production stations. This is no longer a vision - but it requires a new segmentation of production to ensure smooth interaction between robot cells, vehicle solutions and leading ERP systems. It is de facto the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept - and the end of line production. With a modular system for robot cells, Stecher Automation enables the flexible automation of various process steps in industrial production. The modular system comprises the parameterizable control system, the modular cell structure, the modular cell equipment, the automated and flexible component feed and the system and process networking using automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The cell equipment can be individually designed and combined for process steps such as turning, milling, cleaning, measuring or marking. The modular system also includes various test procedures and component deburring. The system is freely scalable and can cover almost any component size and type in different design variants. The robot sets itself up for the products commonly used in medium-sized companies: It can change its own tool via an automatic gripper change and change part-specific components, for example clamping devices, fully automatically. For maximum flexibility, all components are equipped with standardized interfaces for software, cable management and mechanical attachment of the cell equipment; each matrix cell can be expanded, redesigned and adapted for future changes.

Components find their way through the cell; the robot sets itself up. © P. Born

The control system records both the robot's program changes and the sequence controls and component specifications of the products. It is therefore not necessary to retrofit the software. Even operators without programming experience can change the sequence program. The program is automatically adapted via an interface to the merchandise management system and quality assurance when the operating order is created; all necessary changes are transferred to the respective matrix cell via the parameter transfer. By automating the flow of goods between matrix production and the warehouse, the user can manage complex logistics. Blanks, components, tools and set-up materials are fed to the cells according to requirements and production planning. All feed modules can be loaded via an AGV. In this way, production flexibility is realized as a whole.