Robots form an integral part of complex production processes and are now used in virtually all branches of industry. They must be capable of working accurately and reliably in the toughest of conditions, as well as performing extreme motion sequences millions of times – just like the integrated cables, components and cable systems that make the use of robots possible in the first place. Even minor interruptions caused by production outages lead to high costs, so it is crucial that components such as cables, cable glands and connectors are able to withstand these tough demands over the long term to ensure seamless and reliable operation.
The robotics market is a strategic one for cabling specialist, Lapp, because it calls for new solutions with a high level of technical sophistication. Robotics in terms of cabling technology is defined by power chains with cables being moved along at least three axes. In this context, Lapp is currently involved in two research projects relating to Industry 4.0, which is all about developing solutions for the factory of the future. Robots in the future will be able to work directly with people rather than simply being autonomous welders or painters – conventional industrial robots are not capable of doing this on such a scale.
Along with the challenges outlined above, the market is also being affected by new areas of application as well as new players. Google recently hit the headlines after purchasing nine robotics companies and hiring renowned experts in robotics and neuronal networks. Moreover, the growing consumer market is fuelling demand for higher production capacities, while shorter product lifetimes and an increase in product variety are making flexible automation concepts necessary. Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant Foxconn, known among other things for its production of Apple iPhones, recently attracted attention by announcing its intention to switch to robot-assisted production. The company plans to install a million robots known as Foxbots by 2016.
Global competition is also driving a real need for more modern production facilities. New materials such as carbon fibre composites, along with energy efficiency requirements, are forcing companies to modify their production lines, tools and processes, while higher quality requirements are also encouraging the use of advanced high-tech robot systems. These systems present a major challenge for integrated components such as cables and connection components.
Modern industrial robots use pronounced motion sequences with extreme bending cycle and rotational movements. This places high demands on the bending radius and the torsional strength of cables. Moreover, the space inside the robots is very restricted, as a result of which several cables often need to be integrated into what is known as a hybrid cable. Combined with any additional requirements, this means that almost every customer order is a custom-made product. The Lapp Group is one of only a few specialists in the field of cables and connection systems for robotics.
Lapp solutions are relied on by companies such as Dürr, a global systems partner to the automotive industry and market leader in paint, balancing and cleaning technology. All components used in automotive production must meet strict requirements in terms of quality and durability. If, for example, a cable fails, the entire production belt will come to a standstill and trigger losses running into the millions within a very short space of time.
With this in mind, Lapp offers a combination of individual custom-made products with a range of standard products designed to withstand tough demands. The group’s broad product spectrum covers all types of current and data transmission cables, as well as cable glands and connectors. The standard portfolio is typically used in peripheral applications. The new standard products used in robotics include the Etherline FD Torsion Cat.6A cables. This cable enables transmission speeds of 10 Gbit per second, for instance for relaying HD images in real time, while offering a high degree of flexibility for torsional and bending movements.
The Ölflex Servo 7 DSL represents a new generation of servo cables that combine power and feedback cables in one outer casing. The special design means that only one cable is needed to connect a servo motor inside a robot instead of the usual dual-cable technology, saving valuable space.
For more information contact Lapp Group, +27(0)11 201 3200, [email protected], www.lappgroup.com
| Tel: | +27 11 201 3200 |
| Fax: | +27 11 609 5850 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.lappgroup.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about LAPP Southern Africa |
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