Stäubli Introduces Cutting-Edge Collaborative Robots at Automate 2017

Smart Factory exhibition showcases Industry 4.0 capabilities of the world’s fastest safe robots

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Stäubli, the innovative mechatronics solutions provider, introduced its new TX2 line of collaborative robots to the North American market at the Automate trade show in Chicago, ushering in a new era of Man-Robot Collaboration (MRC). The line of six-axis machines and corresponding CS9 safety control are just two of several innovations on display from the leading provider of fluid and electrical connectors, robotics and textiles at the industry event.

“Bringing the world’s fastest safe robots to the North American market shines a spotlight on our incredible commitment to innovation”

The features of the new models comply with the stringent requirements of the highest safety category and excel in every facet of automation, including high-volume manufacturing as well as collaborative scenarios. To ensure maximum safety, sensors monitor every movement of the robot, while the robot’s coordinates, speed and acceleration are recorded in real time. At Automate 2017 (booth #1240), Stäubli Robotics simulated a realistic Smart Factory to demonstrate the TX2 models’ collaborative skills and Industry 4.0 capabilities.

“Because of their incredible versatility, the new line is redefining performance by allowing manufacturers to adjust to changing production needs,” said Sebastien Schmitt, Robotics Division Manager, Stäubli North America. “The TX2’s pioneering safety features and clean, consistent performance improve productivity in every facet of manufacturing.”

Stäubli’s new line offers one robot to cover all five stages of MRC:

• Stage 1: Hard guarding separates the operator and robot. The manufacturing process is performed by the robot.
• Stage 2: Laser (virtual) guarding separates the operator and robot. The manufacturing process is performed by the robot, and the operator enters the area periodically.
• Stage 3: Laser (virtual) guarding separates the operator and robot. The robot and operator are involved in the manufacturing process. The operator enters the zone regularly during production.
• Stage 4: There is no separation between the robot and operator. The robot and operator are involved in the manufacturing process. The robot stops when it comes into contact with the operator.
• Stage 5: There is no separation between the robot and operator. The robot and operator are involved in the manufacturing process. The robot and the operator move safely in the same space simultaneously.

The company, which celebrates its 125^th anniversary this year, also debuted its new MPS 260 robotic tool changers, the first choice for applications requiring a high number of mating cycles, in addition to showcasing its CombiTac modular connection system and connection solutions for power and data.

“Bringing the world’s fastest safe robots to the North American market shines a spotlight on our incredible commitment to innovation,” said Roger Varin, CEO, Stäubli North America. “The new TX2 line is reshaping manufacturing by allowing humans and robots to safely co-exist while improving productivity.”

Learn more about Stäubli’s latest solutions by visiting booth #1240 at McCormick Place in Chicago through April 6. More information on Stäubli is available at www.staubli.com.

About Stäubli

Stäubli is a mechatronics solutions provider with three dedicated activities: Connectors, Robotics and Textile. With a global workforce of over 4,500, the company generates annual turnover surpassing 1.1 billion Swiss francs. Originally founded in 1892 as a small workshop in Horgen/Zurich, today Stäubli is an international group headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland. Worldwide, Stäubli operates twelve industrial production sites and 29 subsidiaries, expanded with a network of agents in 50 countries, delivering innovative solutions to all industrial sectors. www.staubli.com/en/profile