Our Robotic Machine Tending Highlights
We deployed a cobot to place a small part accurately inside this machine. It utilizes a regrip station so that it can carry out the whole process.
This Universal Robots cobot loads and unloads parts into a drilling machine, and is able to interact with the clamping mechanism inside the machine.
For this press brake application, a cobot uses a suction gripper and orients the part for accurate positioning in the machine.
What are the Benefits of an Automated Machine Tending Cell?
Automating your fastening process can lead to saved costs, faster cycle times, more integrated production, and relieved pressure from labor shortages. Here's how.
Productivity and Efficiency
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Reduced downtime: Robots keep machines running during breaks, nights, and weekends.
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Higher throughput: Faster load/unload times compared to manual tending.
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Optimized cycle time: Machine idle time is minimized.
Labor and Cost Savings
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Lower labor costs: Reduces the need for operators on repetitive tending tasks.
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Workforce flexibility: Frees skilled workers to focus on higher-value jobs.
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Consistent staffing: Less impact from labor shortages or turnover.
Safety and Ergonomics
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Reduced injury risk: Removes workers from repetitive, heavy, or hazardous tasks.
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Improved ergonomics: Eliminates awkward lifting, bending, and reaching.
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Compliance: Meets safety standards with proper guarding or cobot solutions.
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Robotic Machine Tending Workflow and Integration
The machine tending process is straightforward:
Pick raw part → Load machine → Wait for machine cycle to complete → Remove finished part → Place in offloading zone
Integration Notes:
For a robotic machine tending cell to operate smoothly, the robot must integrate properly with the machine to know when it is ready to accept a part or when the cycle is complete. Depending on your application, the robot can also communicate with:
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Infeed/outfeed conveyors
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Safety scanners and sensors
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Part presence sensors
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PLCs
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Inspection systems
The end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) is especially important. Standard and custom grippers ensure reliable, safe handling of parts of varying sizes and shapes.
Part Presentation and Offloading:
How parts are presented to the robot and where they go after processing are critical to automation success. Solutions range from manual carts moved by an operator to fully automated tray or conveyor systems. For more complex applications, we can design and integrate tailored solutions to handle part presentation, offloading, and workflow challenges.
What are the Main Components of a Robotic Machine Tending Cell?
The main components of a screwdriving cell are the robot, the end of arm tooling, vision, and part feeders.
Types of Robots
Cobots for Automated Machine Tending
Strengths: Easy to program, safe to deploy alongside operators, flexible for small-batch or mixed-part production, compact footprint
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Tradeoffs: Slower cycle times and lower payload capacity compared to traditional industrial robots. May require additional guarding for sharp tools, hot parts, or heavy payloads
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Best suited for: Low-to-medium volume machine tending, high-mix environments, and applications where floor space is limited or operators need to work near the robot​​
Cobots - able to work along humans and handle ergonomic challenges in fastening processes
Industrial Robots for Automated Machine Tending
Strengths: High speed, high payload capacity, and durability for 24/7 operation. Can serve multiple machines or handle heavy/awkward parts efficiently.
Tradeoffs: Require more space and safety infrastructure (guarding, fencing, scanners). Less flexible for quick changeovers compared to cobots.
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Best suited for: High-volume, heavy-duty machine tending where speed, throughput, and consistency are critical, such as automotive, aerospace, and large metalworking operations.​​
Industrial robots - capable of high speed 6-axis movement and can handle high torque applications
End of Arm Tooling
Each end of arm tooling (EOAT) is selected to precisely fit the needs of your application. Some of the most common types of grippers are finger grippers, suction grippers, and dual grippers. This flexibility allows parts of different shapes, sizes, and materials to be handled reliably. The right EOAT is critical to ensure consistent part placement and to protect delicate or heavy components during transfer.
Dual grippers allow for multiple parts to be in process. These grippers can drastically decrease cycle time for each part.
Suction grippers lift delicate or flat parts without damage and ensure precise placement every cycle.
Finger grippers are available in different configurations and are commonly used for standardize picking.
Vision
While not required for every application, vision can be a powerful tool for identifying parts, checking orientation, and supporting quality control.
Common uses include:
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Part identification & orientation: When parts are presented in random positions—such as bins or loosely stacked trays—vision allows the robot to locate each part and determine the correct way to pick it.
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Quality inspection: With software that can distinguish between good and defective parts, vision can be deployed for automated quality checks.
Integration note: Vision systems communicate directly with the robot controller, enabling real-time adjustments to pick points or handling strategy.
