When companies use a linear axis robot with a robot arm, they can save a lot of space compared to a classic articulated arm robot - and therefore also energy and costs, and space plays a particularly important role when retrofitting existing machines. For example, manufacturers are increasingly relying on automated handling to load components for milling in machining centers and then pick them up again for further process steps. "Particularly in times when companies are struggling with a massive shortage of skilled workers, this allows them to run their ghost shifts and use non-productive hours profitably," says Klaus-Dieter Matthes, Managing Director of Indunorm Bewegungstechnik in Duisburg. Manufacturers often use articulated robots for parts handling. "These pick up the workpieces, which are stored in racks in the cells," explains Matthes. "The components can vary considerably in weight and size. At Indunorm, components measuring 630 x 630 x 300 mm or pallets weighing up to 600 kg are possible - but they can also be much smaller and lighter."

A typical application: The robot is positioned between two machine tools. It takes a pallet from the rack, moves it to the first machine and places it there for processing. It then moves back, picks up another pallet and moves to the second machine. The process starts all over again. As the robot arm is usually too short to operate both machines, the company offers floor trolleys for a large operating range. "The robot can move freely programmable on these. Indunorm supplies these in different sizes. The compact solutions consist of a stable substructure on which recirculating ball bearing guides are mounted. They are driven by a gear rack with permanently installed permanent lubrication. This enables the units to achieve travel speeds of up to 90 m per minute. The trolleys can be attached using floor anchors and leveling devices and covered with a metal sheet. All surfaces are easy to clean and the units are easily accessible for servicing. "Thanks to the simple and robust design, we can extend the length of the floor trolleys at any time - either to the millimetre or with standardized module lengths," says the Indunorm Managing Director. Four sizes from 500 to 1,400 mm wide are available.

Space is in short supply

The problem with articulated robots in this application: Due to their design, there is an axial projection of around 500 mm over the floor trolley when the arm moves. The distance to the shelves or components must be correspondingly large. "If users want to retrofit their systems, they usually don't have the space for automation," Matthes knows from his customers. Renting or buying space is expensive, and for many companies this is not financially feasible. Moving other machines is also time-consuming and expensive. A compact design is therefore of fundamental importance.

How can this be implemented? Indunorm develops linear axis robots. To provide customers with even better support, the engineers have equipped them with a new swing arm or robot arm - similar to a SCARA robot. This offers a clear advantage in terms of space requirements. "We attach it to a tower that is located on the ground chassis," explains Matthes. Compared to a classic robot arm, this does not protrude during movement. This means that the solution can be pushed all the way up to the shelf. "We can build up to 50 % more compactly," explains Matthes. For many manufacturers, this solution is what makes automation possible in the first place.

Smaller footprint, less energy consumption

Because these solutions are more compact, energy costs are also reduced. This is an aspect that is currently becoming increasingly important for manufacturing companies, as rising prices are putting them under considerable pressure. A smaller footprint and more compact design also reduce the ecological footprint - fewer waste products are produced.