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Mobile Robots

For flexible CNC automation

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Automate multiple CNC machines with one mobile robot

Increase the utilisation of your CNC machines and make better use of unattended production time with an automation solution that adapts to your production setup. Unlike stationary robot cells, mobile robot systems can be deployed at different machines and workstations. This makes automation available wherever it is needed.

PROMOT offers two mobile robot solutions for different production requirements, COMPACT and HEAVY. From a gradual introduction to a fully customised system, you can choose the level of automation that meets your current production needs and expand it as those needs evolve.

Two solutions for different production requirements

COMPACT and HEAVY provide flexible automation for CNC machines, but each is designed for different production tasks. Key factors in choosing the right solution include workpiece weight, batch size, number of machines, production layout and the desired level of automation.

COMPACT is suitable for workpieces weighing up to 10 kg and small to medium batch sizes. It is available in three defined configurations, Basic, Advanced and Professional. The configurations differ in how the robot and materials are moved, and how power, communication and production control are organised.

HEAVY is designed for large, heavy workpieces and long machining times across multiple machines. Each system is planned to meet the specific requirements of the application. An automated guided vehicle (AGV) can transport both the robot platform and material trolleys between workstations. This makes it possible to combine machining, material flow and, where required, manual workstations in one integrated automation concept.

This creates a solution tailored to your production requirements, with the flexibility to expand automation as needed.

COMPACT Basic for a practical starting point

COMPACT Basic automates the loading and unloading of CNC machines prepared with the required interfaces. The robot and material trolleys are moved manually to each workstation. At each workstation, the system is connected directly to the machine via an electrical connection. Floor locating units ensure precise positioning.

COMPACT Basic can therefore be deployed flexibly at several machines equipped for the system. It is particularly suitable for manufacturers looking to introduce automation and integrate manual transport into their existing workflows.

COMPACT Advanced for the next stage in automation

COMPACT Advanced adds battery operation, inductive charging and Wi-Fi to mobile machine tending. As a result, the system is less dependent on fixed power and data connections at each workstation. The robot and material trolleys are still moved manually.

These features support automatic batch changeovers and DNC operation. If you later decide to automate material transport, AGVs can be added. COMPACT Advanced provides a basis for gradual expansion to the COMPACT Professional solution. It is suitable for manufacturers looking to automate flexibly now while retaining the option to introduce autonomous material flow later.

Mobiler Roboter Compact Professional

COMPACT Professional for automated material flow

COMPACT Professional combines automated machine tending with automated transport between multiple workstations. An AGV moves the mobile robot platform and material trolleys to the designated CNC machines.

ProMASTER is integrated into the automation concept as the central production control system. It coordinates multiple machines and the associated material movements. This solution is suitable for production environments where robots and materials need to move automatically between machines and workflows need to be coordinated centrally.

Mobiler Roboter

Die Hauptaufgabe des mobilen Roboters besteht darin, die Fertigung und Handhabung von Werkstücken wirtschaftlicher zu gestalten und eine einfach skalierbare Fertigungsanlage zu realisieren. Ein zentraler Aspekt ist die Möglichkeit, den Roboter flexibel zwischen verschiedenen Bearbeitungsstationen zu transportieren, damit nicht in jeder Station ein eigener Roboter benötigt wird.

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ProMASTER coordinates CNC automation

ProMASTER is used when AGV transport needs to be coordinated alongside machine tending. The AGV transports the mobile robot platform, material trolleys and other items defined for the project to their designated workstations.

ProMASTER coordinates production orders, machine assignments, robot movements and material supply. Machine tending and material flow are managed as connected processes within the automation concept. Through WebHMI, production can be monitored and controlled using a browser on a PC, tablet or smartphone.

HEAVY for heavy workpieces

HEAVY is a patented product line for large, heavy workpieces with long machining times and complex applications involving multiple machines. Each system is tailored to the production task and the existing plant layout.

Depending on the project, robots, mobile platforms, AGVs, grippers, docking technology, material transport and production control are combined into one complete system. Automatic docking ensures precise positioning and provides the system with the required power, data and other utilities.

HEAVY is suitable for production requirements beyond the scope of COMPACT, including the automation of multiple machining centres, heavy workpieces and complex workflows.

Recommended software >> ProMASTER

Mobile robot portfolio

Which solution is right for your production? Compare the applications and workpiece weights.

Automate existing machine tools with mobile robots

Existing CNC machines can be integrated into a mobile automation concept. PROMOT assesses the robot interfaces, safety concept and mechanical accessibility of each machine tool. This also enables manufacturers to automate existing CNC machines step by step.

Your benefits

FLEXIBILITY

The mobile robot provides automation wherever it is needed. It can be deployed with different machines, workpieces and production tasks, enabling flexible automation across your existing production environment.

UNATTENDED PRODUCTION

The mobile robot reliably handles repetitive loading and handling tasks. This helps you make better use of unattended production time, extend machine operating hours and free up skilled staff from repetitive work.

EASY TO OPERATE

Clear workflows and practical operation make the system easy to use in daily production. Operators can prepare and monitor automation tasks efficiently and adapt them to changing requirements. The WebHMI interface also enables operation and monitoring through a browser, from different locations.

PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY

When the robot is not needed, it can be moved away from the machine or used at another workstation. The machine remains accessible for setup, maintenance, production of individual parts and manual operation.

MODULARITY

The automation can be configured for your current task and expanded step by step. The system can grow with your production requirements, from basic machine loading to advanced concepts involving multiple machines and material flow.

COST EFFECTIVENESS

A mobile robot system can be deployed as needed instead of equipping every machine with its own automation cell. This supports a gradual introduction to automation and helps align investment with production demand and machine utilisation.

Looking for the right solution for your machines and production processes?

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FAQs

Which solution is right for your production? These four questions can help you decide.

1. Is it practical to move the robot and material trolley manually?
If so, COMPACT Basic offers a straightforward introduction to mobile machine tending. If you want to automate transport later, COMPACT Advanced or COMPACT Professional may be suitable.

2. Are you planning to introduce AGVs into your production in the near future?
With battery operation, inductive charging and Wi-Fi, COMPACT Advanced provides the technical basis for future expansion. The robot and material trolley are initially moved manually.

3. Do you need to move the robot and materials automatically between multiple machines?
With COMPACT Professional, ProMASTER is integrated into the automation concept. The production control system coordinates the automated transport of the robot platform and material trolleys between the designated machines and workstations.

4. Do your workpieces weigh more than 10 kg?
If so, HEAVY can be assessed as a customised solution. This product line is designed for heavy workpieces and demanding applications across multiple machines. AGVs transport the robot platform and material trolleys. Manual workstations can also be integrated into the automated material flow where required.

What is a mobile robot?

A mobile robot is a robotic system that can be deployed flexibly at different locations. PROMOT’s robot platform is transported to CNC machines prepared for its use, positioned accurately and connected to the relevant machine. Depending on the configuration and system concept, transport is handled manually or automatically using an AGV.

When is a mobile robot a suitable choice?

A mobile robot is particularly suitable when you need to automate multiple machines flexibly, make better use of unattended production time or free skilled staff from repetitive handling tasks. It is also a good option if you want to invest gradually or need to keep machines accessible for manual work.

Can a mobile robot operate multiple CNC machines?

Yes. Multiple CNC machines can be prepared for use with the mobile robot and integrated into the automation concept. Depending on the product line and configuration, the robot and materials are transported between machines manually or automatically.

What are the advantages of mobile robotics compared with stationary robot cells?

A mobile robot system can be used across multiple prepared machines, so a separate robot is not necessarily required for every machine. At the same time, machines remain accessible for setup, maintenance and manual production tasks. Automation can be expanded step by step and adapted to changing production requirements.

Which industries use mobile robots?

Mobile robot systems are suitable for manufacturers looking to automate CNC machines, machining centres or other production workstations flexibly. Typical applications can be found in special purpose machinery, the automotive supply chain, aerospace, energy and other metalworking sectors. The right solution depends less on the industry and more on the specific production task, machine layout and workpiece requirements.