Will the 7th axis replace the accumulating conveyor?

To uncouple the individual manufacturing lines, buffer stations are indispensable in the body-in-white assembly plant layout. Some new systems are based on a concept where a robot on a 7th axis puts the components into a “shelf system“ in order to convey them, when required, to the subsequent cell.

However, this seemingly simple concept has its flaws. It is not only the 7th axis, the robot and the gripper that have to be taken into account. Racks and sensors must be added to the steel construction of the “shelf system“. Programming the robot is a complex matter as it must deposit and remove components from numerous racks with utmost precision. The entire concept requires complex controlling technology.

In the case in point, a study was prepared for a truck manufacturer in Germany. Here, conventional accumulating conveyors replace this 7th axis concept – with little space and low investment.

For more information, please see the presentation enclosed or contact our product manager Mr Moenkediek (kai.moenkediek@tuenkers.de, + 49 162 1311896).