Applied Robotics Announces The SmartComm™: Groundbreaking Tool Changer Communications Module

Applied Robotics’ SmartComm™ for the Sigma line of Tool Changers takes Communications information in the plant to a higher level as the only Communications Module on the market to offer Diagnostics and support many major industrial buses including; DeviceNet, Ethernet IP, Profibus, CC-Link, Profinet, etc.

Glenville, New York — Applied Robotics Inc., a leading global manufacturer of robotic end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions, today announced the introduction of its new Communications Module, SmartComm™ for the Sigma line of Tool Changers. The SmartComm™ is the first of its kind in industrial communications as it supports many major industrial buses (DeviceNet, Ethernet IP, Profibus, CC-Link, Profinet, etc.) and is the only Communications Module to offer Diagnostics.

Module Diagnostics are available via webpage and advanced diagnostics via ARI Management Software. Customers can schedule maintenance and run various reports. There are even specific diagnostics available for the tool changer itself. Customers can view, track and download IO status, set and read Maintenance counter functions, view timing of functions and even view and download Cycle Time statistics to pinpoint problems. The ARI Management Software for SmartCommTM allows for testing and operation of the tool changer with no control system. Customers can view performance graphs and download/export performance reports, troubleshoot network connections and even quickly identify problems with downstream customer devices. Customers can see if there is a problem with their other connected devices, independent of the Tool Changer. This is revolutionary in Communications Modules.

“The future of plant automation is here with the SmartComm™. Our customers demand smarter and more flexible communications to integrate with their wide range of existing bus networks,” said Cliff Annis, Vice president of Applied Robotics Inc. “SmartComm™ is ready to meet that demand.”

Applied Robotics Inc., headquartered in Glenville, N.Y., is an ISO-9001 registered, employee-owned company serving the world’s automation market. Founded in 1983, Applied Robotics designs and manufactures end-or-arm tooling and connectivity solutions intended to solve complex automation problems and improve efficiencies. Serving a wide spectrum of customers and industries ranging from large Fortune 500 companies to small privately-held businesses, the company’s wrist-down solutions can be found in manufacturing, welding, assembly, material removal and material handling applications throughout the United States, Canada, Pacific Rim, .Mexico, South America, Australia and Europe, via Applied Robotics, Europe.