Seven-Axis Cobots Feature Easy-To-Use Design

Absolute Machine Tools and Productive Robotics says their OB7 Cobot Series are easy to use and integrate into users’ manufacturing processes. Maximizing the safety, convenience and productivity provided by collaborative robot (cobot) technology, the four different OB7 cobots in the series are engineered to handle a variety of payloads and sizes while accomplishing simple to complex tasks. 

Fully compliant with ISO 102018-1 industrial robot safety requirements, the company says the OB7 cobots can perform operations ranging from machine tending, deburring, applying adhesives, painting, welding and assembly without the need for expensive space inhibiting fencing to isolate them from human co-workers.

The 7th axis on an OB7 is built-in and true, and enables the cobot to be positioned at the side of the machine door, so as to not block operator access to the work envelope for changing things such as tooling or inserts. Also, this eliminates the need to move the robot and have to redetermine the proper pick or way points again, which can save time and money, the company says.

Because OB7 collaborative robots are programmed on a “teach” platform, they require no coding or programming. It is said any shop personnel can teach the cobot new tasks by simply manually moving the arm of the cobot and dragging and dropping tiles on the control tablet interface. Preprogrammed tiles are also readily available in the OB7 tablet, and custom job functions for complex or repetitive tasks can be created and then labeled and saved for future recall.

The OB7’s computer controls all axis joints and components, and network ports are locked to prevent unauthorized access. A rolling stand with integrated casters enhances portability and usability, and an assembly table on the stand provides a work surface for stacking blanks and collecting finished parts, enabling constant and continuous production of product.   

OB7 CNC Packages come equipped with a standard end effector or end-of-arm single parallel gripper which can be applied in hundreds of production applications.  An adapter plate can be added with a second parallel gripper providing for dual gripping for fast finished parts and new material changes.