Protocol converter is critical in addressing challenges with robot effector connectivity

Bosch Rexroth uses technology from HMS Networks to allow its compensation module, the Smart Flex Effector, to have easier connectivity with robot controllers during integration.

The Anybus Communicator Common Ethernet from HMS Networks is a ready-made protocol converter capable of connecting serial devices to EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP or PROFINET controllers. It is playing a critical role in ensuring that Bosch Rexroth’s Smart Flex Effector compensation module can be more readily and quickly integrated by its customers.

System architect at Bosch Rexroth David Lehmann explains what a compensation module is and the specific benefits of the Smart Flex Effector.

“When you think about a robot in the factory, you usually think of a six-axis robot assembling parts or building a car, or something like that,” he says. “The robots have some kind of tool at the tip, like a gripper. The compensation module is the part that goes between the robot arm and the gripper. The Smart Flex Effector stands out due to its ability to provide compliance (flexibility in response to forces) in six degrees of freedom (movement in three-dimensional space).”

An integrated sensor system means the technology can accurately measure the deflection (change in position) of the tool. “This allows us to perform complex tasks, such as precise assembly operations, that usually only humans can do,” he says.

To enable the robots to perform these new tasks, the Smart Flex Effector needs to exchange position measurement data with the robot controllers, including information about the deflection of the tool and control signals for the module's locked and unlocked states.

However, connecting the Smart Flex Effector to robot controllers was challenging. “Our product was available, but we had difficulties installing it at our customer’s sites,” Lehmann reports. “When we talked to our customers, the feedback was often the same: 'You have this serial interface, but I don't want to spend two weeks or more trying to connect it with my robot controller. I do not have the time or the resources to do that.'”

A key benefit of the Anybus Communicator Common Ethernet was that the same unit can connect to all the major Ethernet protocols. “This Anybus protocol converter was the ideal solution for us because we can reconfigure it with a firmware update and with just one unit, we are able to provide the connection to the different protocols,” says Lehmann.

In terms of risk and complexity, the fact that the Anybus Communicator could be installed via a web browser was a further advantage.

Bosch Rexroth

0345 604 4106

www.boschrexroth.co.uk

HMS Networks

01926 405599

www.hms-networks.com