OnRobot increases robot compatibility with standardised EoAT

Tuesday, 01 October, 2019

Denmark-based OnRobot, a manufacturer of end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) for collaborative robot applications, has introduced a one-system solution designed to simplify automation.

OnRobot’s Digital I/O Converter Kit allows OnRobot EoATs to work with a full range of collaborative and light industrial robot brands. Building on that initiative, all OnRobot products now have a unified mechanical and communications interface based on the OnRobot Quick Changer, which is now an integrated part of all OnRobot products. An additional Dual Quick Changer incorporates these same capabilities while allowing the use of two tools in one cycle, mixing and matching to suit application needs and maximising robot utilisation.

Now, with a single robotic system, a single platform for programming and training, and a single vendor relationship, manufacturers have access to a full range of tools, full robot compatibility and many more possibilities for collaborative applications.

“Manufacturers are demanding more from their robotic applications, and end-of-arm tooling has become the key to optimising their investments,” said OnRobot CEO Enrico Krog Iversen. “This integration of our Quick Changer across our current product line-up makes it easier than ever to switch between tools and robot types, allowing flexibility and reducing downtime for more efficient production and faster automation ROI.

“This brings us another step closer to a unified OnRobot one-system solution that makes it easy, fast and cost-effective for manufacturers to build collaborative applications, no matter which robots they choose.”

Robotics in Australia

The 2018 Australia Centre for Robotics ‘Robotics Roadmap’ report says Australia is not adopting robotics and automation fast enough.¹ Figures from the International Federation of Robotics show Australia had a density of 83 robots per 10,000 employees, missing the world average of 85 and way below leaders Korea with 710 and Singapore with 658.²

The roadmap argues that increasing the adoption of robots is crucial to boost the country’s low productivity growth, averaging 1.8% per year. An average growth of 2.5% is needed to maintain Australia’s standard of living.³

James Taylor, General Manager, APAC at OnRobot, said: “The introduction of the One-System Solution is a huge step forward for the industry and is much needed in Australia to help local manufacturers embrace automation easily. With a speedy robot deployment process, manufacturers can reduce operational cost and reap the benefits of automation, faster”.

A recent report estimates global sales of robotic EoAT will surpass US$2 billion in 2019, up from US$1.9 billion in 2018. The constant pressure faced by industrial ecosystems to enhance productivity and reduce operating costs is driving up demand for collaborative robots (cobots). This subsequently brings EoATs to the fore as they play a crucial role in offering the desired functionality to meet the evolving roles of cobots.