This is why the digitalization of components and processes goes hand in hand with sustainable production. Schunk shows how digital solutions lead to greater efficiency and lower resource consumption with practical examples from automated production in a wide range of application areas.

Focus on transparent processes

Schunk will be showcasing a whole range of new efficiency boosters in Munich. Among other things, the PPD positioning unit will be making its debut. It now also enables more complex motion sequences in pneumatic handling. In conjunction with pneumatic grippers, gripper fingers can be controlled flexibly and with high precision, and gripping force and speed can be regulated. The required application parameters for defined gripper series are already stored on the unit - this saves time during commissioning. Combined with the powerful, pneumatic universal gripper PGL-plus-P with extra-long stroke, versatile handling tasks can be realized even in demanding environments, from machine loading to highly sensitive clean room applications. Schunk is the first company in the world to offer the pneumatic gripper with the certified, safe GripGuard gripping force retention system. In addition, it has an integrated IO-Link sensor system that enables the position of the gripper fingers to be queried, thus eliminating the need for external sensors.

Flexible from batch size 1

Two new electric grippers set new standards in terms of flexibility, interface diversity and process reliability: the smart universal gripper EGU shows its strengths to the full when it comes to loading a wide variety of machines, even under harsh conditions. With its large stroke and integrated gripping force maintenance, it is able to reliably load and unload raw and finished parts of different sizes. It can be freely interlinked. Thanks to its integrated gripping force maintenance and a StrongGrip mode for increased gripping force, it is a reliable all-rounder for all handling tasks. Its counterpart for handling delicate, fragile parts in cleanroom areas is the smart EGK small parts gripper. With its SoftGrip mode, it masters demanding and varied handling tasks in the laboratory industry or electronics production. SCHUNK offers both grippers with extensive function modules and commissioning plug-ins.

Easy access to intelligent handling

Schunk has developed the user-friendly 2D Grasping Kit for handling individual objects randomly arranged on a plane, which makes it much easier to get started with automated object handling. At the heart of this intelligent system is the AI software developed in-house, which is pre-installed on Schunk's own industrial PC (SVC). Since the market launch in 2022, the automation expert has further optimized the software and simplified the teaching and labelling of components. The coordinated complete package of hardware, software and service comes from a single source and is open to all robots.

Power through direct drive

Schunk will be presenting the SLD dynamic linear direct axes for the first time. Thanks to their profile rail guidance and compact design, they can handle higher load capacities and have a long service life. The heavy-duty axes with electric linear direct drive achieve greater productivity in high-speed assembly and handling processes thanks to short cycle times.

The new ERT flat rotary units are also equipped with a direct drive and a wide range of measuring system interfaces such as the Hiperface DSL digital real-time interface and an electric holding brake. They can be used as rotary tables for components, assemblies and tools, but also as rotary modules on gantry solutions, as rotary indexing tables or precise positioning modules.

The application expert offers a wide range of automation approaches from a single source in order to successfully counter the shortage of skilled workers and pressure for efficiency and to accompany the transition to digital, more sustainable manufacturing processes. Using specific examples, Schunk demonstrates automation solutions for new, easy-to-integrate manufacturing and assembly processes that meet the requirements for precision, dynamics and reliability in various industries such as e-mobility and life science.

automatica, Hall A5, Stand 502