Digital and automated to healthy production

Responsibility and technical progress go hand in hand - in the form of resource-saving and efficient processes in a healthy working environment. SCHUNK presents automated solutions at the Hannover Messe that pave the way for this transformation.

"Automation is the key for creating a healthy, efficient and responsible industry," emphasizes Timo Gessmann, Chief Techology Officer of SCHUNK. Therefore, the technology company is focusing on two main topics this year: "The healthy factory" and "Innovation through Collaboration." The aim is to design a production process that is healthy and economically successful for people and the environment. Innovative automation and digitalization modules play a central role here which SCHUNK aims to collectively advance through the expansion of its expert network and an open culture of exchange."

From experts to experts

Automation not only helps to fill gaps in qualification, but also provides the opportunity to produce faster and more efficiently, while remaining flexible in response to changing manufacturing landscapes. To facilitate the entry into automation for its customers, SCHUNK makes its expertise available via convenient digital services, among other things. Two new tools enable the validated design and individual configuration of linear modules. The new SCHUNK Control Center also offers an intuitive user experience. In future, customers will be able to access comprehensive digital modules in the known app functionality and use them easily and flexibly. For example, the parameter of electric grippers, such as gripping force, positions, and gripping speeds, can be optimally preset for the specific application before commissioning using the software available here.

The healthy factory

At its booth, SCHUNK will be showcasing how industrial processes from loading and unloading to machining can be designed from a single source in an energy-saving, secure and flexible manner: with customized applications from toolholding and workholding, gripping and automation technology.

New electric gripper series such as EGU and EGK enable safe handling processes in varied production environments thanks to individual parameterization capability and different gripping modes. They are based on a standardized, convenient functional concept and are future-proof thanks to regular software updates. This also characterizes the 2D Grasping Kit. The application kit consists of an application -specific gripper such as the EGU, a camera system and an industrial PC with SCHUNK’s own AI software. SCHUNK has developed the intelligent kit including the AI for a faster entry into autonomous handling of non-position-oriented objects. No prior knowledge of programming or image processing is required to use it. It frees skilled workers from repetitive tasks, creating a healthier and more attractive working environment.

ROI Calculator

Discover the potential cost savings of robotic automation over a 20-year system life

This calculator compares your current manual labor costs against the total cost of owning and operating a robotic system over its 20-year lifespan.

EXPLORE TODAY

Thanks to its unique synergy and expertise in automated machine loading, SCHUNK offers all components for a networked machine in its broad portfolio. New sensory clamping modules such as the KSP-S3 clamping force block enable automated clamping processes in the machine room and can be integrated into the machine control system thanks to IO-Link. Combined with the sensory toolholder iTENDO², the machining process can be mapped transparently, and machining time and rejects can be significantly reduced. Moreover, the hydraulic expansion toolholder of the TENDO series lowers the energy consumption of the overall process.

Partner with knowledge of the industry

SCHUNK is also designing new production steps with customized automation solutions in changing future industries such as e-mobility and electronics. This is shown as an example in Hanover. The new RCG round cell gripper for the flexible handling of battery cells with a diameter of 46 mm is an example for this. The gripper can be expanded as required to form multiple gripping units and, in combination with the dynamic linear direct axes, enables reliable high-speed applications.

Innovation through collaboration

"We are convinced that collaboration and openness lead to groundbreaking innovations that sustainable develop the industry." explains Timo Gessmann. This is why SCHUNK is committed to working together as partners on many levels and pursues an open, approach with a focus on the user. SCHUNK uses platforms such as NVIDIA, the worldwide leading provider of AI computing, to make its products available as digital twins for system simulation. In the innovation ecosystem for artificial intelligence (AI) Ipai, SCHUNK is working on new practical solutions with the key technology. SCHUNK also wants to contribute to the design of a shared digital data space as part of the Manufacturing X initiative, with experts working together to ensure that the digitalization of the industry significantly picks up speed in the coming years.