Siemens expands its Run MyRobot platform to allow cost-effective part handling and articulation functions of a KUKA robot to be directly controlled by the machine tool

In Booth 3232 at this year’s AUTOMATE show in Detroit, Siemens is presenting an automation solution for the busy, multi-tasking job shop, as it demonstrates a digital twin of the software and programming of its popular SINUMERIK 828 CNC, working in tandem with a KUKA robot, to simplify the operation and programming in part handling for the operator.  Meanwhile, in nearby booth 4032, KUKA Robotics Corporation will demonstrate the same control and its robot working in tandem on a SYIL vertical milling machine.

Advantages of this development include:

• Integrating the robot’s programming and operation in the SINUMERIK 828 control — everything on one screen
• Using NC G-code and robot teach-in function for programming makes it easy to learn for machine tool operators
• Robot diagnostic data shown on the NC’s diagnostic screens allows for the entire automation cell to be monitored
• Robotic integration can be tested in SINUMERIK 828D’s digital twin software, Run MyVirtual Machine, while cutting

As automation continues to impact the machine tool industry, robots and CNC machines are collaborating even more closely. The number of handling and machining robots (machine tools with robotic kinematics) is continually on the rise and Siemens is leading this movement, as the only automation manufacturer in the world that equips its CNC with the necessary interfaces for robotic integration.  

Increasingly more machine shops and operators are seeing that automation is an important asset when striving to achieve consistent workpiece quality and more flexibility on the shopfloor. Digitalization facilitates the higher level of automation needed and the networking of the components involved.  With this new development, Siemens is offering a cost-effective solution that incorporates the KUKA robot functionality with a line of affordable machine tools, in this case, the SYIL brand of machining centers and lathes for small to medium job shops.  

As Tiansu Jing, Product Manager, SINUMERIK CNC systems, explains, “The benefits of this development for the busy job shop are many.  Setup, programming, operator interface and diagnostics are all improved with this system, as it easily incorporates the KUKA robot with the machine tool.”  The teach-in functions are implemented through the SINUMERIK Operate system on the control, while the proprietary SINUMERIK Run MyRobot capability of the CNC seamlessly integrates with the KUKA robot control.  He further noted that, since there is no need to learn robotic programming, start-up time is reduced and the robot’s separate control pendant is eliminated, making the operator’s task simpler.  The SINUMERIK CNC’s HMI is used to operate both the machine tool and the robot.  

From the KUKA perspective, Ron Bergamin, Key Technology Manager, Machine Tool Automation, comments, “KUKA offers machine tool builders and end-users alike the ability to incorporate advanced robotics into their equipment and onto their shopfloors, with the goal of optimizing productivity and reducing operator workload.  Our partnership with Siemens has resulted in the synergy that brought this development to life.  It substantially expands the ability of the small and medium-sized shops to utilize robotics in their work environment.”