Working with robots simply as automation components
Machine builders facing ever increasing pressures to deliver machines that address requirements for increased productivity and reduced costs are coming to see the potential for robotic solutions. And the good news, says Omron's Robert Brooks, is that today robots can be treated as standard automation components, easily integrated into production lines.
When we think about robots in automation, it tends to be images of large six-axis robots working in assembly, welding and painting operations in car plants. Whilst it is true that the automotive industry is a major user of robot technology, there are many more opportunities outside of this sector, in areas such as food, pharmaceuticals, electronics and packaging where fast, flexible robots can add value to just about any pick and place operation. Robots are reliable, ensure consistent product quality, reduce costs, improve safety, improve efficiency and reduce waste. Importantly in modern production environments, they can significantly improve flexibility to handle different product sizes and varieties. And they enable a redistribution of labour around a plant that helps to add value to the whole business.
Machine builders who embrace robots as an integral part of their automation platform can reap benefits, too, perhaps replacing more complex or less flexible electromechanical systems, or adding robots to an existing machine design to increase flexibility, or perhaps using them as the product handling link between two machines.
The benefits of robots are widely acknowledged, but traditionally there have been significant barriers to their adoption. First of these was cost, with robots tending to be viewed only in terms of their high purchase price and with little regard for their impact on productivity and thus on total cost of ownership. The second objection was complexity, with robots traditionally needing specialist programming and application support. This added to the overall cost, and inevitably limited the flexibility of deployment.
With the latest generations of robots, combined with new strategies for programming that enable robots to be treated in the same way - and within the same software - as other automation components, all of the traditional objections have now been overcome. It is now both easy and cost-effective to integrate robots into single machines or complete production lines, opening up a raft of benefits for both machine builders and their end user customers.
Omron has long offered SCARA robots for loads up to 50kg, with a choice of more than 70 models, but now the company has introduced a delta robot range, promising pick and place cycle times of 150 cycles per minute for loads up to 2kg - ideal for a host of applications within industries such as packaging, food, pharmaceuticals and electronics. Importantly, these delta robots have been developed as part of Omron's Sysmac platform, seamlessly integrating robotics with motion, PLCs, safety and vision, and all programmed within the same software package. Not only does this significantly reduce any learning curve, it also has huge implications for service and support.
The robotic aspect of the machine can now be treated just like any other servo axis, and all of these axes can sit on the same common bus system and connect to the same controller. Again, there is just one product to learn: if you're comfortable with the servos, you'll be comfortable with the robots. The combination of high performance servo motors with the kinematics of delta robots allows maximum throughput to be achieved in pick and place applications. For example, Omron's Sysmac NJ delta controller enables up to eight delta robots to be used, and can synchronise up to 64 axes of motion, keeping control of all the motion devices in the machine. Not only does this simplify set up, but the ability to use a single controller with multiple robots also keeps costs low and reduces panel space requirements.
The synchronisation of multiple machines or lines can be fully programmed thanks to a powerful command set developed especially for pick and place applications that use delta robots. With Omron's product range, programming is to IEC 61131-3 standards, and is carried out within the Sysmac Studio software package - the same package you'll use to program all your other Sysmac components. The software includes a comprehensive robotics library to make it simple to set up sophisticated robot motion profiles. Integration with other Sysmac components is via on-board EtherCAT, with an EtherNet/IP port also included for communications with higher level systems.
Many machine applications require products to be 'seen' and 'tracked', which implies a need for integrated vision. The ability to integrate vision easily gives robots the sight they need for high speed, high accuracy pick and place operations. When that vision system can be programmed and configured within the same software environment as every other part of the automation system, machine builders again benefit from reduced complexity, reduced integration effort, reduced cost and simpler support.
Another benefit of this new approach to robot integration is increased flexibility. Ease of programming means robots can be easily reconfigured for different applications on a production line, or easily redeployed in different areas of the plant entirely. For sectors such as the packaging industry, this increased flexibility is a major boon.
To truly reap the benefits of robots, machine builders need to be free to choose the right style of robot for a given application. This might be a SCARA robot or it might be a delta robot, but choice will be based on factors such as payload, cycle time, environment and movement profile. By offering a wide choice of robots in different ranges, Omron is well placed to meet the needs of machine builders, delivering on the promise of increased productivity and increased accuracy, with assured ease of programming.
Other News from Omron Electronics

Latest news about Robotics
- Next generation production line for Pets Choice
- Universal Robots launches vast online knowledge bank
- IP44 robolink from Igus defies water
- Hire a robot from just £63.99 per day
- Igus demonstrates Robolink in splash water applications
- Robot range is quickly extended with the new 7th axis from Igus
- Re-energising European battery cell production
- Omron appoints Reeco Automation as solution partner for collaborative robots
- Cobots key to the future of manufacturing
- Universal Robots launches SME automation month for October
- A key consideration for a successful robot installation
- ABB offers Augmented Reality on a smartphone to simplify robot installations
- Long reach with a high payload: Fanuc expands m-900 series
- Robot palletiser increases throughput and reduces costs
- Fanuc expands range of handling robots
- ABB’s new 3D inspection robot system makes quality control testing ten times faster
- UK’s only dedicated Universal Robots training centre to reopen after Covid-19 lockdown is eased
- Automatica and Munich School of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MSRM) initiate AI platform munich_i
- Cobots maximise return on investment
- Festo gives the future of safe automation a hand
- Omron launches HD-1500 mobile robot with 1500kg payload capacity
- New cobot offers solution for post-lockdown manufacturing
- Fanuc UK to host dedicated automation event for injection moulders
- RS Components joins forces with VEX Robotics to set summer STEM coding challenge
- ABB makes manufacturing more sustainable by recycling and remanufacturing thousands of old robots
- Entry-level robots to kick-start new factory automation projects
- Fast entry into low-cost automation using a digital twin in intuitive robot control
- UNLOCK A NEW LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY FOR FINISHING APPLICATIONS
- Robots speed up the production of Covid-19 tests
- Collaborative robot brings game-changing industrial performance
- ABB’s robot training masterclasses now available online
- Universal Robots offers free online consultations to Pharma companies
- UR10 cobot from RARUK Automation saves labour costs at BWI
- Do you need a collaborative robot?
- RARUK opens dedicated Universal Robots training centre
- Robots play key role in the manufacture of EV battery packs
- Safe in the robotic arms of Mitsubishi Electric
- Tending to excel with a robot ‘handshake’
- Mitsubishi launches new robot model at SPS 2019
- Mobile robot moves payloads up to 250kg
- Collaborative or cooperative: which type of robot suits your needs best?
- New support offering helps to raise productivity
- Robot versus knot – it’s a tie
- LG Motion expands into collaborative robotics
- Food cutting becomes a piece of cake
- Mitsubishi introduces range of high performance delta robots
- Can robots transform your business?
- UK Robot Pioneers win Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation
- British made robots already helping UK manufacturers
- New additions bring greater robot dexterity
- Robot arms are getting everywhere
- In the future you’ll be talking to your robots
- Innovation lab shows the benefits of robots
- New dresspack configurator for virtually any robot
- Three-way concept for tool changer for all robot brands
- Yaskawa and Reeco partner in cobots
- Igus introduces delta robots at under £5,000
- Universal Robots launches new flagship cobot range
- Applied Automation adds new cobot product lines
- New cobot offers flexible and reliable support
- Optimise your production
- Should robots pay taxes?
- Standards for safety when using collaborative robots
- Should robots be taxed?
- Fanuc launches SCARA robot range for assembly, packing and material handling
- Small and cost-effective: low-cost robolink robot arm in a compact design
- Cobot force control with high sensitivity
- Collaborative automation – a guide to common applications
- Universal Robots draw the crowds in Regent Street
- ABB extends the YuMi family
- Easy transition from ‘helping hand’ to full automation
- New White Paper: Cobots – a catalyst for reshoring
- Mitsubishi extends robot range with first collaborative robot
- Six-axis robot turns 3D printing into an art form
- Automata slashes the cost of robotics
- RARUK Automation highlights robots at Advanced Engineering
- Seminar provides step-by-step guide to improving your productivity with robots
- Dual gripper speeds output and relieves tedium
- Innovative Collaborative Robot sets new benchmark
- Omron debuts world’s fastest and first 4 arm Delta robot
- Resist the urge to blame the robots
- Schunk publishes its new lathe chuck catalogue
- New collaborative robot products and applications showcased at Northern Manufacturing
- Yaskawa MotoLogix hooks up with Routeco
- Universal Robots receives ‘Best Design’ award
- Mabey puts cutting-edge ABB robots to work
- Motoman robots plus AirGrip equals a better grip on bottles
- New robot lends precision and reliability to the production of hearing aids
- One stop shop for robotics and motion
- The future is bright for robotics
- A simple guide to robot safety
- Free online training in robot programming
- Cobots driving efficiency improvements
- Low-cost robotic range simplifies complex tasks
- Collaborative robots provide burger flipping assistance
- Low cost robotic range from RS Components
- Simple guide to robot safety
- Universal Robots now certified for cleanroom applications
- Cobots key for product testing
- Open source robotics
- Low-cost robotic range available from RS simplifies complex tasks
- Seminar provides step-by-step guide to improving your productivity with robots
- Igus expands robolink D modular kit with plastic gearing
- Universal Robots racks up the benefits at Etalex
- Igus robolink D 5-axis articulated arms now available pre-assembled
- RARUK Automation appoints robot sales engineer
- Twin robots learn to live and work with each other
- Yaskawa investing in Europe for future growth
- Igus extends robolink with direct drive arms
- Universal ‘co-bots’ boosted by next-generation robot programming
- Igus humanoid open platform robot
- UCB life scientists use robots to test cells by the billion
- X-STK confirmed as Preferred Partner for Universal Robots
- ABB Robotics introduces Connected Services to improve UK productivity
- Hands up if you know one robot arm from another
- Harder, better, faster
- Robot programming via PLC is key in food plant
- Benefits of Rodriguez-supplied technologies filter through at FDC
- Delta robot with open-architecture controller
- Teradyne announces new Universal Robots president
- Universal Robots now certified for applications in cleanroom environments
- Robot automates SIM card packaging
- Low cost robots help students get up to speed
- Collaborative robots meet machine tending needs
- Igus robolink robots tend machine tools
- Omron acquires Adept’s classy robots for fast-moving automation
- Collaborative robots boost production and prevent errors
- Foodie fads spark robot rethink
- UCB life scientists use robots to test cells by the billion
- The breakthrough of smart robots at Automatica 2016
- ABB to showcase latest robotic innovations at MACH 2016
- ABB introduces its first SCARA robot family
- Mitsubishi demonstrates MELFA SafePlus robotic safety
- From distributor to preferred partner
- AUTOMATICA 2016: Innovations for the food industry
- Applied Automation to distribute Universal Robots
- Second tea packing system ordered
- Second tea packing system ordered
- COMAU and B&R assimilate robotics into machine control
- London start-up simplifies robotic automation at a 10th of the cost
- Life sciences focus for AUTOMATICA 2016 in Munich
- 10,000 Comau robots controlled by B&R
- Modular system for safe robotics
- Path tracing robot with pattern recognition
- Safety considerations with CoBots
- Direct drive robotic arms support lean automation
- Omron acquires Adept Technology
- Fanuc robotic golf cell highlights precision and vision
- Omron demos path tracing delta robot with freehand pattern recognition
- Robot delivers 18 month ROI
- First Fanuc MC410iC/185 robot in the field at Askew & Barrett
- Aerotech introduces RCP-DELTA robot and controller
- Fanuc unveils world's highest payload collaborative robot
- Robots are on the march
- Schunk has a hand in precision gripping
- Unlocking the potential of robotic automation
- Robot 'first timer' meets exponential growth in demand
- Superior operating performance and reduced operating costs
- Sweetcorn Factory First for FANUC
- Busting the myths around robotics
- ABB acquires Gomtec to expand collaborative robotics portfolio
- Igus to offer €1500 industrial robot
- Teradyne announces Universal Robots acquisition
- Flexible product gripper
- Flexible, light-weight table-top robot
- Lightweight, table-top robot for collaborative working
- Getting a grip on collaborative robots
- Putting safety first when working with robots
- Robotics in the supply chain will enhance humans, not replace them
- Browse robot videos by company, technology or industry
- Robotics update brings the best of the web
- Using robots for bespoke and low volume processes
- robolink helps robots break free
- En route to robot safety
- Measuring robot works tirelessly outdoors
- Adaptive robot gripper system
- RA Rodriguez introduces third generation robots
- Robot gripper based on the human hand
- Tiny gripper accomplishes 3mm stroke in 0.03s
- HANNOVER MESSE showcases latest generation of industrial robots
- Picked to perfection
- Top tips for staying safe when working alongside robots
- Universal Robots launches third generation products
- New resource for industrial robot information
- Lightweight robots incorporate absolute encoders and adjustable safety
- Service robots revolutionise clean-up of the Sydney Harbor Bridge
- "Farming intelligence" creates greater value
- AUTOMATICA 2014: Focus on automobile production
- Innovations in life sciences
- Robots for metalworking
- Service Robots - Clever colleagues at work
- Service Robots - intelligent and autonomous
- Service robots in the medical industry
- Table tennis star takes on fast, flexible KUKA robot
- Improving the state of UK manufacturing
- Mitsubishi Electric robot emulates intuitive human cake icing movements
- An innovative approach to automating ultrasonic testing
- Universal robot is a star attraction at Honda's Technical Festival
- The brains behind an effective robot solution
- The robot revolution that never quite happened...
- Table tennis legend to take on KUKA robot
- Robot transformations
- FANUC paint shop robots boost installed UK base
- An innovative approach to automation for production of airbag control sensors
- KUKA announces Siemens cooperation
- How to take control of a robot arm
- Next generation of high speed pickers
- Robot helps to get MS sufferer back to work
- Mitsubishi Electric robot picks stem cells
- Novel energy chain system increases uptime for Jaguar Land Rover
- Performance robot is food safe
- Robotics integrates with vision, motion and PLC in single platform
- Innovative robot design set to revolutionise the market
- Increase production flexibility with a robot arm tool changer
- Transforming your sustainability with robotic automation
- Huge uptake reported for automation grant
- Innovation in lightweight, low cost robotics
- Automation Brings Everything Together in the Electrical Industry
- ABB doubles investment in training centre
- Getting to grips with the bionic FinGripper
- Pick and place delta robots
- Robot night shift gives ALM a competitive edge
- Seeing your name in lights, thanks to KUKA robots
- Economical, flexible robot found after 10 year search
- Aerotech launches Cartesius T-style robots
- Automation transforms forge's finishing facility
- Compact high-speed robot requires minimal workspace
- It's time for the UK to embrace robots
- Modular robots were inspired by nature
- Robot arm tool changer is faster and stronger
- Robot range completed by six-axis launch
- Robot retrofits: Axis 1 safety
- Save assembly time and costs
- ABB robots featured in "Terminator Salvation" movie
- Bionic penguins mimic real life movement
- Energy and data supply for robotics