ROBOT TOOLING PROJECT HISTORY

Skeans has been a distributor for Pneumatic automation components for over 50 years. They pride themselves on a diversified portfolio of both componentry, as well as solutions. As part of their electric automation solutions initiative, they offer distribution of both collaborative and industrial robots. This application came about in pursuit of a cohesive demo featuring flagship products from their catalogue.

Previously, Skeans had utilized Omron and IDEC components. However, Omron solutions often proved cost-prohibitive for smaller projects due to high hardware costs and recurring software licensing fees. Although cost effective, IDEC offerings lacked the user friendliness required for customers working on one-off projects.

Horner Automation provides an ideal fit for Skeans by delivering intuitive operation, zero recurring software licensing costs, and a versatile product range tailored to their machinery applications.

CHALLENGE/SOLUTION

The plan was to develop a vision-guided pick-and-place demo featuring operator selectable target objects. All I/O on the system was to run over an EtherNet/IP fieldbus network. The system needed to be adaptable to on-the-fly changes, quick to program, and easy to operate. As this was an interactive demo system, a large interface was a must.

The Horner X7 met all the key requirements for this application. The seamless transition between HMI configuration and PLC programming streamlined the setup process. While the option for usage of multiple IEC languages ensured flexibility for later additions to the system.

The Cscape programming environment was easy to navigate. Register configuration, fieldbus communication, and programming proved intuitive, even for those used to other PLC manufacturers. The perpetual license was also a significant bonus, given the nature of the application.

SYSTEM DETAILS

The Micro X7 serves both as an HMI and a PLC in this deployment. Operator selections were made via the large display, and underlying PLC logic ensured singular product selections were sent to the Kawasaki robot, and subsequently the Mech-Mind camera.

Mech-Mind 3D Camera:
The system is centered around a Mech-Mind Pro M-GL camera. Both object identification and pick path planning were offloaded to the Mech-Mind software, cutting down on robot programming. The Mech-Mind system offered a few key benefits that synergized with the overall system objective, and other products in the Skeans portfolio.

TESTIMONIAL

“Horner products offer an approachable and intuitive solution well suited to integrators and end users alike. The ease of moving between HMI configuration
and PLC programming heavily streamlines the integration process. The perpetual license for Cscape blends well with its ease of use, allowing for improvements to made on the fly.”

~ Nabil Alphin, Skeans Pneumatic and Automation Inc., Surrey, BC