A new era for robotic automation with AI

The MOTOMAN NEXT demonstration cell shows what we mean by intelligent and adaptive robotics: the robot receives a task, recognises both the parts to be processed and its changing environment, and adapts its movement to the situation.

 At the start of the demonstration, visitors can set up any scenario and place objects, in this case fruit, as well as obstacles. They then select the fruit they want the robot to handle. Using artificial intelligence and a 3D camera, the vision system automatically models, recognises and classifies the fruit. Next, the ‘Path Planning’ feature creates trajectories to move from the robot's current position to its destination, avoiding obstacles detected by the camera. This is how the MOTOMAN NEX10 robot picks up the fruit and automatically places it in the target basket.

 This interactive application provides an understanding of how our new MOTOMAN NEXT solution works and the features included in the MOTOMAN NEXT package - Automatic collision-free path planning, machine vision and image processing including detection/gripping/user interface.

Relying on MOTOMAN NEXT services greatly facilitates the task of system integrators in successfully launching AI-based robotics projects. IT developers using NEXT services benefit from substantial development time savings and have the right tools to build their code in a concise, modular manner with secure processes.

A new ecosystem for comprehensive machine control with ‘iCube Control’

‘iCube Control’ technology is Yaskawa's new open automation solution for machine control, based on PLCnext technology running on a real-time Linux system, which gives application engineers, machine builders and integrators complete control over their systems.

 This new control mode allows everything expected in a modern motion architecture to be integrated and managed, i.e. movement, logic, robotics, safety, HMI and even a machine's network. All this is made possible by a new controller that uses the open Ethercat communication protocol and complies with the IEC61131-3 programming standards and norms conventionally used in the field of automation and machine manufacturing.

The HD8 handling robot, a new benchmark in hygienic robotics

A high-performance 6-axis robot specially developed for hygienic and aseptic environments, the IP69-certified MOTOMAN HD8 ‘Hygienic Design’ meets the strict standards of applications in the food industry in particular, but also in laboratories, medical and pharmaceutical sectors: waterproof enclosure, antimicrobial surface, food-grade grease, internal cabling. It is therefore easy to clean as it is resistant to the disinfection products and processes most commonly used in industry.

 In terms of programming, the HD8 can be controlled using Yaskawa's conventional control box and software, as with the entire range, or via the intuitive ‘Smart Pendant’ touchscreen control box.

 The HD8 robot therefore guarantees industrial-grade quality and the highest level of reliability for many years of operation, even in humid environments.

Industry 4.0 solution for production monitoring and control: ‘Digital Remote Monitoring’

Yaskawa is constantly developing its ecosystem of solutions in order to better support manufacturers seeking efficiency and productivity. The Japanese manufacturer is therefore presenting its new comprehensive and secure ‘Digital Remote Monitoring’ solution at the trade fair, which enables real-time remote monitoring of Yaskawa robotic installations and production control to avoid downtime and optimise productivity.

 This is a new advance in automation and digitalisation for all manufacturers equipped with Yaskawa, as this solution allows, among other things, the performance of robots and cycle times to be monitored, alerts to be received in the event of robot malfunction, and preventive maintenance to be carried out. It is also possible to film inside the robotic stations, enabling remote and delayed diagnosis and control of the installations. This is achieved using the customisable, intuitive and user-friendly ‘Checkbot’ user interface, which is very easy to use.