The new Smart Function Kit from Bosch Rexroth is a highly flexible modular system with all the components required to configure and manufacture ready-to-use handling solutions. It is one of a total of three Smart MechatroniX packages and has now been used for the first time by ANT Antriebstechnik as part of a customer project. "In close cooperation with the client, Bosch Rexroth and the electrical engineers from Scheba - our partner for control technology - we were able to provide a complete, fully automated multi-axis scenario ready for operation in just a few days using the various modules of the Smart Function Kit," reports ANT Managing Director Viktor Ortel. At Motek, the Schweinfurt-based company will be providing information on the specific design of this project and the many other possibilities that this modular system offers for the rapid realization of handling, assembly and positioning systems.

No programming know-how required

Visitors to ANT's Motek stand will learn, among other things, that the Smart Function Kit includes high-quality linear axes from the Bosch Rexroth portfolio as well as compact servomotors and drive controllers, the necessary control technology and pre-installed operating software. It also includes access to various online tools that simplify the selection, configuration and procurement of components and guide users intuitively through the commissioning process. It is also worth mentioning that auto-parameterization supports the user in setting the control technology and that the visual operating software enables graphical process configuration via drag & drop and therefore does not require any programming knowledge. The finished handling system can be connected to the higher-level control system via Profinet or another industrial bus. "All of this ensures a very short time-to-market, rapid system integration and a quick start to production," assures ANT project manager Tizian Röder.

Attractive entry-level solution

With the new Smart Function Kit, ANT offers its customers a highly attractive option for the rapid realization of multi-axis systems for many different handling, assembly and positioning technology scenarios. © ANT

With the new Smart Function Kit, ANT offers its customers a highly attractive option for the rapid implementation of multi-axis systems for many different handling, assembly and positioning technology scenarios. Users who are dependent on maximum flexibility in terms of the availability of such systems, as well as newcomers to the field of automation who are unable to call on in-house expertise in control technology, mechatronics and software programming, are particularly likely to benefit from this. In the case of ANT, it is also a great advantage that the company now has over 30 years of practical and project experience in automation technology and, as a Certified Excellence Partner of Bosch Rexroth, has direct access to the linear systems of a world market leader. "At this point, we should also not forget that we have numerous proven collaborations with specialists in control technology, mechatronics, mechanics and other disciplines as part of the ANT partner concept. This has made us a much sought-after partner for numerous key industries such as mechanical and plant engineering or the automotive industry for many years," says Viktor Ortel.

Three kits for all occasions

The Smart Function Kit is part of the Smart MechatroniX solution platform from Bosch Rexroth. This also includes a special Smart Function Kit for press technology applications and the Smart Flex Effector, a sensor-supported compensation module (e.g. for handling robots) with independent kinematics in six degrees of freedom for detecting positional deviations between tools and workpieces. ANT Antriebstechnik will also be providing information about these two components at its Motek stand.

Hall 7, Stand 7117