Cygnet Texkimp makes cobot handling system breakthrough

Collaborative robots are designed to work alongside people safely using sensors to detect additional or unexpected loads. The technology first entered the market around five years ago, but until recently was only capable of handling small packages weighing up to 2kg.

“This is a breakthrough solution in terms of addressing the growing trend towards larger bobbins or packages of fibre,” explained Cygnet Texkimp’s director of technology, Lee Simcock. “Larger bobbins contribute to a more efficient operation because they require fewer changeovers, but they are of course harder for humans to lift and manipulate.

“The increased payload capacity of collaborative robots combined with advances in AGV technology have enabled us to develop a solution that allows companies to lift and load large packages more easily and safely, including at height. And with no infrastructure needed to navigate around the factory, the technology is completely mobile.”

Cygnet Texkimp’s AGV-mounted robot can be programmed to follow a pre-determined route, which can be changed at low cost according to the task it needs to perform. It can be used for loading and unloading creels, winders, cabling and twisting machines, and shelving and racking structures.

“Collaborative robots work with operators to make the manufacturing process safer, faster, and more productive,” added Simcock. “Conventional robots have to be boxed in for safety because they can’t sense or respond to the presence of a human, but collaborative robots can sense pressure and stop if a person or object is detected, which makes it possible for humans and robots to work alongside each other safely.

“Collaborative robots are not only strong but also adaptive and easy to programme. They can follow a taught path dictated by the operator rather than requiring software reprogramming, and this allows for rapid and convenient process changes.”

www.cygnet-texkimp.com