Robotic solutions – quick and easy implementation

Multidimensional material transportation and material processing – in machine automation, handling the products is an important step in the process chain. Loading and unloading directly affect the cycle time of the machine. The motion profile must therefore be fast, precise and gentle to the product and the machinery, too.

Path control, handling and kinematics
– how to start up robots intuitively

It’s hard to imagine automation engineering – especially machine automation – without robots anymore. We offer a comprehensive portfolio for implementing your application-specific robotics solution.


Click on the dots here to find out more:

Robotic solutions 1

  • Run on the controller
  • Operate the drives
  • Are particularly easy to startup, precise and reliable

2

  • Comprehensive portfolio for complete automation
  • From motion controllers to high-performance controllers

3

  • In different designs
  • In a DC link network with optimum energy flow
  • Flexible in every respect
  • With MOVIDRIVE® modular and Power and Energy Solutions

4

For years, our motors and gear units have been famous for their high quality and fatigue strength.

Our modular system has something to offer when it comes to robots, too.

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  • Displays with integrated controllers and keypads
  • WebVisu for use with external devices
  • Comprehensive templates

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The RobotMonitor is the interface between the robot and the human. This puts the operator firmly in control.

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Comprehensive services along the entire life cycle of a system complement our portfolio.

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  • The drive mechanics turn electrical power into dynamic movement.
  • With the CM3C.. series synchronous servomotors and the PxG® planetary servo gear units, you have the ideal components for doing just that.

Dynamic, precise and gentle

Typical applications for our robotic solutions include pick and place, palletising and stacking, transportation and transfer and packaging. Our robotic solutions are also ideally suited to processes for finishing products, such as decorating food and on-the-fly processing. Alongside the highest demands on dynamics, products should also be handled as gently as possible. At the same time, the process is only stable if material can be processed with a high level of accuracy in a reproducible way.

With MOVIKIT® Robotics, for example, we have developed suitable software modules for areas of application such as these. Furthermore, on the hardware side, our parallel arm kinematics kit is available to make it possible to implement systems with such complex and rapid motion sequences. Together, they form the ideal solutions platform with which you can implement path movements as simply and efficiently as when working with a single axis.

MOVIKIT® Robotics and the add-ons

No complex programming language – directly at the machine – entirely intuitive

The MOVIKIT® Robotics software module is the basic software for controlling a robot. It provides a wide range of parameterisable kinematic models. The comprehensive functionality included in the basic software can be expanded with numerous add-on programmable modules, offering specialised functions.

  • MOVIKIT® Robotics
  • MediumModels add-on
  • LargeModels add-on
  • ConveyorTracking add-on
  • Touchprobe add-on
  • Circle add-on*
  • CollisionDetection add-on

MOVIKIT® Robotics

In combination with the integrated 3D simulation and the option of a teach-in, the parameterisable MOVIKIT® Robotics software module offers the simplest possible generation of motion sequences. At the same time, the module provides a wide range of functions and a high degree of flexibility for implementing your application.

MediumModels add-on

The MediumModels module expands the functionality to add kinematic models with three or four joint axes, e.g. gantry robots, roller gantries, SCARA robots, delta robots, tripods and quadropods.

What’s more, the MediumModels expansion module also includes the appropriate 3D models of the kinematic models in MOVISUITE® RobotMonitor and convenient parameterisation of the models in MOVISUITE®.

LargeModels add-on

The LargeModels module expands the functionality by adding kinematic models with five or six joint axes or at least two orientational degrees of freedom, including for gantry robots, articulated arm robots, tripods and hexapods.

What’s more, the LargeModels expansion module also includes the appropriate 3D models of the kinematic models in MOVISUITE® RobotMonitor and convenient parameterisation of the models in MOVISUITE®.

ConveyorTracking add-on

The ConveyorTracking add-on extends the scope of functions of MOVIKIT® Robotics by adding the option of interpolation in moving coordinate systems. This makes it possible to pick up objects from a running conveyor belt, for example, and place them in a static environment or on another conveyor belt. The robot first synchronises itself with the belt in the Cartesian coordinate system. All other movements are then synchronised with the moving belt, making it possible for the picking procedure to be carried out.

The add-on also supports picking and placing objects from or onto a rotary table. The rotary table can be externally controlled. Alternatively, the rotary table can be synchronously controlled by the robot in such a way that it expands the robot’s degrees of freedom. As a result, a robot with three degrees of freedom can carry out a four-dimensional palletising task, for example.

Touchprobe add-on

The MOVIKIT® Robotics addon TouchProbe can be used to precisely measure the current Cartesian position or to perform a true-to-path distance-to-go positioning.
Robotics animations MOVIKIT® Robotics addon TouchProbe

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The MOVIKIT® Robotics addon TouchProbe can be used to precisely measure the current Cartesian position or to perform a true-to-path distance-to-go positioning.

The Touchprobe module makes it possible to carry out precise measurement of the current Cartesian position or true-to-path sensor-based positioning.

When a sensor is triggered or the state of a Boolean variable in the robot program changes, the actual position of the robot on its path is identified in terms of the Cartesian system. When this happens, a defined action can be carried out.

This defined action might be a sensor-based positioning, for example. This involves traveling a specific remaining distance starting from the measured point on the robot's programmed path.

Applications for the Touchprobe function include palletising or depalletising where the height of the parts is variable or unknown and the sensor-based execution of actions.


Overview of functions:

  • Touchprobe functions: Measurement and sensor-based positioning
  • Registration and deregistration of the Touchprobe function at any point of the motion path
  • Several registrations in one robot program
  • Parameterisation of the event source, edge, repetition of events (e.g. several measurements) and measurement direction
  • Extensive diagnostics via registration, actuation of the trigger, and Touchprobe position in the robot program and according to the 3D simulation

Circle add-on*

The Circle add-on* extends the range of functions of MOVIKIT® Robotics by adding the option of circular interpolation.

The circle segments can be parameterised in various ways.

  • Circle center and angle
  • Circle center and end point of the circle segment
  • Intermediate point on the circle segment and end point of the circle segment
  • Radius and angle
  • Radius and end point of the circle segment


*In preparation

CollisionDetection add-on

The CollisionDetection extension module of the MOVIKIT® Robotics software module can be used to detect a collision on the tool and other parts of the robot mechanics.
Robotics animations MOVIKIT® Robotics addon CollisionDetection

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The CollisionDetection extension module of the MOVIKIT® Robotics software module can be used to detect a collision on the tool and other parts of the robot mechanics.

Using the CollisionDetection add-on* means you don't need any expensive sensor technology on the tool or arm joints. This is because the expansion module makes it possible to reliably identify any collision on the tool and other mechanical parts of the robot. This is achieved by continuously comparing the actual status of the robot with its target status as stipulated in a dynamic model.

Collision responses such as the true-to-path emergency stop can be configured in advance or integrated directly into the motion program using parameterisable commands.

Dr. Markus Müller, Application Software MOVIKIT® Robotics

What we call standard, others call customised

“No matter whether you are planning to use SCARA, gantry, articulated arm or delta robotics, for example, in your application, we will use our standard product portfolio to design customised solutions for a whole range of robot kinematic models. These innovative drive and automation solutions can be found in almost every sector and application – worldwide – from the packaging industry, automotive manufacture, material production and the metal industry to the food and beverage processing industry.”

Kinematic models, HMI and automation

With the standardised MOVIKIT® Robotics software module, you can control universal robot kinematic models in a way that is both simple and time-saving.

Operation runs

  • Via MOVISUITE® RobotMonitor
  • Via the standardised or customisable process data interface
  • Or from your IEC program.

Would you like to be able to conduct the startup procedure offline in your office or test your machine with simulated axes? Thanks to the integrated, adaptive 3D simulations of the robot and its paths in MOVISUITE® RobotMonitor, a wide range of options are available to you.

  • Kinematic models
  • Robot mechanics
  • Simulation of forces and torques
  • RobotMonitor
  • Robot Language
  • Displays and visualisation
  • AutomationFramework

Kinematic models – similar, but never identical

There are countless robotics applications that pose a huge range of different challenges regarding the movements required. You know which arrangement of axes is best to integrate into your machine for the application at hand. We make sure that you can configure and control your mechanical system with the greatest of ease on a graphical basis.

With MOVIKIT® Robotics, SEW-EURODRIVE covers a large range of kinematic models of different types, and it is constantly expanding the portfolio. You tell us about the mechanical components involved, and we will offer tailored customer solutions using standardised SEW-EURODRIVE modules.

Work envelope, achievable dynamics, load-bearing capacity and the complexity of the design are key parameters when selecting the suitable kinematic model. MOVIKIT® Robotics supports all kinematic models in numerous designs, along with other constructions that go beyond the basic models.


Have you developed a special kinematic model for your application? Feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to help!

  • Gantry robots Gantries
  • Roller gantries Roller gantries
  • SCARA robots SCARA robots
  • Articulated arm robots Articulated arm robots
  • Delta robots Delta robots
  • Tripods Tripods
  • Quadropods Quadropods
  • Hexapods Hexapods

Gantry robots

Gantry robots provide a large work envelope and are widely used thanks to their linear construction. They are also capable of dynamically moving heavy loads.

Roller gantries

Roller gantries have the advantage that the drives are installed in a stationary position. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the masses being moved and the cabling.

SCARA robots

SCARA robots are characterised by a mechanical design that is compact yet straightforward compared to gantries.

Articulated arm robots

Articulated arm robots offer maximum flexibility combined with a relatively large work envelope.

Delta robots

Delta robots have the advantage that the drives are installed in a stationary position. They are widely used due to their robust design.

Tripods

Tripods are used when a high level of dynamics is required. Several tripods often share the handling at conveyor belts.

Quadropods

Quadropods are often used as cable robots in very large work envelopes.

Hexapods

Hexapods can move even heavy loads with high precision in six dimensions.

Your mechatronic kinematics solution as an assembly kit

Industrial manufacturers are increasingly demanding greater flexibility, precision and time efficiency. They therefore appreciate when they can obtain reliable modules and support straight from a single manufacturer.

SEW-EURODRIVE is the ideal partner for this. We automate kinematics solutions with a mechatronic subsystem that serves as a kit for parallel arm kinematics robots.

These MAXOLUTION® parallel arm kinematics kits consist of controller, axis and mechanical packages. They are easily integrated into machine applications or as autonomous solutions in production processes. They can also be operated as stand-alone solutions.

The modular structure and independent design of the individual system packages enable you to achieve perfectly coordinated kinematics in just a few simple steps. Furthermore, the parameterisable software module MOVIKIT® Robotics enables a quicker and easier startup.

Simulation of forces and torques

Realistic simulation of the motor torque: red curve – simulated torque; black curve – actual torque
Red – simulated torque, black – actual torque
Red – simulated torque, black – actual torque

The MOVIKIT® Robotics software module includes more than just the option of mapping the motion visually in advance in the 3D view. A simulation of the dynamic properties can also be conducted using the dimensions and masses entered and the robot’s known moment of inertia. This makes it possible for you to determine how big the forces and required torques are for the individual joints and especially for the motors.

This data can be used in the SEW-Workbench drive configuration tool, for example, to design the drive train perfectly to meet your requirements. This saves you costs that can otherwise be generated by oversizing or undersizing.

MOVISUITE® RobotMonitor

MOVISUITE® RobotMonitor is the user interface for the MOVIKIT® Robotics software module and its add-ons.

It can be used to visualise the parameterised kinematic model and execute it axis-by-axis or using the Cartesian system in jog mode, manually in program mode, or in automatic mode. Furthermore, RobotMonitor contains an editor for the SEW Robot Language that makes it very easy to enter and parameterise the motion sequences by teach-in, using specific coordinates or pose variables.

Up to 20 programs, each containing several hundred commands, can be defined in this way as standard. Further programs without size limitation can be added. During startup, the procedure can be monitored e.g. in step mode using the program pointer and motion pointer.

RobotMonitor can be run on PCs, or on keypads and tablets using a Windows operating system. This provides users with the same interface, no matter which device they use.


Overview of functions (as per the points in the image)

SEW Robot Language

Example: Procedure for synchronising a robot with a conveyor belt
Example: Procedure for synchronising a robot with a conveyor belt
Example: Procedure for synchronising a robot with a conveyor belt

The SEW Robot Language integrated into MOVISUITE® RobotMonitor offers a complete set of functions that can be entered and parameterised simply and conveniently. Working with the sequential function chart is intuitive and can therefore be learned fast. As a result, the individual commands can be combined – without any additional programming knowledge – to create a sequence that defines the motion sequence of the kinematic model.

Loops, branching and calling up subroutines are all possible, as is the setting of variables. SEW Robot Language can, in turn, interact with the lower-level IEC program, which means special functions can be carried out there. You define the motion sequence using simple commands such as LIN and WAIT, and by setting the coordinate system.

Displays and visualisation

Keypads: DOP21C-T70 handheld terminal
Keypads: DOP21C-T70 handheld terminal
Keypads: DOP21C-T70 handheld terminal

As the range of functions offered by systems and drive technology grows, the operating, visualisation and diagnostic requirements are becoming ever more demanding, too. The SEW-EURODRIVE visualisation hardware has been specifically developed for use in harsh industrial environments immediately next to the machine.

The keypad enables simple handling and also the use of the integrated safety functions such as keyswitches, emergency stop and confirmation button. It goes without saying that we deliver the appropriate accessories in addition to our comprehensive portfolio of visualisation solutions. These include pre-fabricated cables, assembly parts and voltage supply – all from a single source.


DOP21C-T70 handheld terminal:

  • 7" TFT WSVGA Display, WSVGA 600 x 1024 pixels
  • Analog resistive touch – Intel Celeron N2807 2*1.58GHz
  • 32GB SSD Flash, 4GB DDR3 RAM − 21 buttons and 4 status LEDs
  • Keyswitch – Two-channel emergency stop or two-circuit stop button
  • Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system Usable software
  • SEW RobotMonitor
  • MOVIKIT® Visualisation flexible

MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework – faster to the machine

MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework: State and mode manager is PackML-compatible
MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework: PackML-compatible
MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework: PackML-compatible

The MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework provides a standardised state and mode manager for implementation on all MOVI‑C® CONTROLLERs. It is compatible with PackML, offers defined interfaces such as PackTags, and uses the defined modes and states.

A master and a sample slave are included in the basic program. More machine modules can easily be added to the program from a basic project.

Furthermore, the MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework offers a range of additional functions such as fault elimination, recipe management and a simulation environment for all incoming machine modules and prepared HMI modules.

MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework: Simulation environment
MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework: Simulation environment
MOVIKIT® AutomationFramework: Simulation environment

Your benefits:

  • OMAC-defined industrial standard thanks to PackML (Packaging Machine Language) compatibility
  • Time-saving pre-engineering thanks to 2D/3D simulation of the application
  • Added value through additional features such as preprogrammed robot tracking with load balancing
  • Reduced programming outlay by using prefabricated software modules

MOVI‑C® modular automation system

  • Modular
  • Fully integrable
  • Everything from a single source
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