Festo’s multi-axis solution boosts cobot capabilities with additional motion axes

The multi-axis system for UR cobots. by Festo

A recent product available from Festo Canada is a multi-axis solution, certified for use with Universal Robots (UR) collaborative robot arms, or cobots. Ready to plug and function, this UR+-certified system increases cobot capabilities by providing up to four additional axes of motion, including the most popular linear transfer, or seventh axis.

This multi-axis system was showcased by Festo at Automate 2023 in Detroit last month, along with other motion-control innovations.

Less engineering, integration, and troubleshooting

This solution provides unique new capabilities in the UR collaborative ecosystem by expanding beyond the standard six axes of a cobot. It features the Festo Motion Control Package, or FMCP-UR, a complete motion-control panel for motion up to four axes. The FMCP-UR is integrated competely with the UR cobot control panel and HMI, featuring an enhanced safety input/output handshake and communications interface. This Festo package can also control turntables, gantry systems, conveyors, transfer tables, and any combination of linear and rotary servo axes up to the 10th axis, all under the UR umbrella. The FMCP-UR offers specific features that interface effectively with UR cobots, while enabling future flexibility for operators. The Festo Customer Solution Team can customize this package for any specific application.

Streamlined axis configuration, which users can conduct easily through the UR HMI, allows for less engineering, integration, and troubleshooting during setup. UR offers a special URCap software, the Multi-Axis Drive (MAD) controller, which allows the operator to set position, speed, and acceleration on the HMI or to use the toolbar to jog the axes in manual mode, in order to configure motion. The 10-axis UR demo also features the Festo Essentials Pin Ball Maze, which can be completed with wireless tablet controls.

Another important innovation that Festo presented at Automate 2023 was its Simplified Motion Series (SMS) of electric actuators. This series blends the simplicity and cost-efficiency of pneumatics with the advantages of low energy consumption and precision positioning of electrics. SMS actuators deliver infinitely variable three-position motion, for an economical all-in-one servo-motion solution. The series includes ball screw, toothed belt, mini slide, and other components.

For more information, contact Festo.

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