PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BUTZBACH initiated a project to connect a FANUC collaborative robot to an OKUMA turning centre. The aim was to develop a networked automation solution to boost the efficiency of producing turned parts.
Methodology
The project involves investigating the integration of a FANUC robot with an OKUMA turning centre in order to create an automated production cell. This is achieved methodologically through technical interface analysis, process and control integration, safety and standards compliance, staff training and economic evaluation. Implementation is carried out in phases, focusing on scalability, Industry 4.0 capability and continuous optimisation.
Requirements from the company
The goal was to develop a technically sound and economically viable process optimisation that fully met occupational safety requirements.
Resources
Unfortunately, no financial resources could be made available to support the project financing of the partner within the framework of the LCAMP ADMA subproject. Therefore, the BUTZBACH company was only provided with advisory support and assistance in technical and economic matters.
Results & Achievements
During the project preparation phase, the technical and digital interfaces were defined in detail, and a new workplace was designed. At the same time, collaboration between OKUMA, QUANTEC and DHBW was intensified. The necessary decisions could then be made on a well-founded basis, based on the complete commercial offers.
Following a thorough economic assessment, the project was discontinued in June. The required investments for implementation, including the modernisation of existing hardware such as robot interfaces and additional automation components for the turning centre, as well as training measures for personnel, would have necessitated a financial commitment that would only have been recouped over several decades.