Automation firm offers free guide to robot payback

~ Simple equation for payback the key, claims TM Robotics ~

TM Robotics, the European sales partner of industrial robot manufacturer Toshiba Machine, has produced a free guide to obtaining payback on a robot installation. Published in August 2010, the company hopes the guide will act as a useful tool for experienced engineers and a reassuring introduction for those new to industrial automation.

Called ‘The Formula for Automated Payback’, the guide contains all the details needed to create a simple procedure that demonstrates payback on an installation. It also features a number of case studies intended to illustrate the theory it outlines.

“We are trying to dismiss some of the illusions people have about industrial robots,” explained Nigel Smith, MD of TM Robotics. “We believe that there are a number of unfounded beliefs about automation cost and ease of installation that hold back manufacturing. This is really a new way of viewing an installation; we are trying to give users a tool that will help them calculate payback at the earliest possible stage.”

The guide can be obtained by e-mailing sales@tmrobotics.co.uk or contacting the company on +44 (0)1707 290370.

Ends — 194 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: http://www.tmrobotics.co.uk/ and http://www.abot.eu.com/
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, No. 2 the Garthlands, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 9ZP
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225456
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. The two companies offer an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE076/08/10

New SCARA is a heavyweight customer

~ 1200mm arm length SCARA suited to heavy duty materials handling applications ~

TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd has launched the new Toshiba Machine TH1200A SCARA robot in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The new robot is the largest in the Toshiba Machine family and will find uses in heavy duty pick and place applications, such as packaging and heavy materials handling.

The TH1200A has an impressive payload of 20kg and an arm length of 1200mm, meaning it can take on even the most arduous handling task without breaking a sweat. Repeatability on the Z-axis is ±0.02mm and, as a result, the robot’s recurring accuracy can compete with a machine vastly inferior in size. A composite maximum speed of 7.9m/s is sufficient for most large handling applications, as is a typical cycle time of 0.57 seconds. Absolute encoder positioning detection helps ensure that accuracy is maintained throughout the cycle.

The new robot is controlled by the Toshiba Machine TS3100 controller, which features a built-in Ethernet port, making conveyor and vision synchronisation simple. This presents the opportunity to reduce capital expenditure on the robot cell by sharing vision from a single camera across multiple robots. Another advantage is that the resultant, perfectly synchronised, automation can reduce the damage rate on the line; further increasing profitability.

The TS1300 controller also includes a built-in TCmini PLC, which allows control of I/O equipment, regardless of operation and program. This creates the opportunity to turn the robot into the control centre of the entire cell. “The net effect of the control system is greater efficiency and productivity,” enthused Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “Combine this with savings in vision technology and the resultant, easy to implement, package could be a genuine financial boom to anyone operating a heavy materials handling process.”

Download a copy of the TH1200A data sheet from TM Robotics dedicated industrial robots Web site here.

Ends: 305 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: www.tmrobotics.co.uk and www.abot.eu.com
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TMRobotics
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TMRobotics1

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, Business Innovation Centre, Staffordshire Technology Park, Beacoside, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0AR
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk
Blog: www.stone-junction.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/richiestone

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. Toshiba Machine offers an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE178/09/10

Tattile partnership is a seamless vision

~ TM Robotics and Tattile srl partner to provide seamless vision solutions ~

TM Robotics has formed a partnership with Italian vision specialist Tattile srl to provide a complete robot vision solution to its customers across Europe and the globe. The partnership means that end users and integrators of Toshiba Machine industrial robots, provided by TM Robotics, have the option of using Tattile’s proprietary vision processors, cameras and software as part of a single, seamlessly integrated whole.

Reflecting Toshiba Machine’s easy-use robot philosophy, the vision systems provided by Tattile offer plug-and-play functionality and easily established connectivity with the entire range of Toshiba Machine SCARA, Cartesian and six axis robots. Robot programming is simple and conducted via a series of dedicated commands. Furthermore, Toshiba Machine’s newest range of controllers, the TS3000 and TS3100, offer Ethernet connectivity, which makes it simple to share vision from a single camera across multiple robots, reducing maintenance overheads and installation costs while increasing efficiency.

Established in 1988, Tattile designs and manufactures digital cameras, embedded vision systems and intelligent cameras for industrial, security, traffic and railway applications. The company is a world leader in GigaEthernet cameras with nearly 20 models available. These include monochrome and colour options, with in-camera image pre-processing (FPGA) and JPEG compression as options. Tattile also manufactures a wide line of high performance smart cameras (XP embedded®) and embedded analyser systems.

“It’s brilliant to be able to provide our customers with the option of using Tattile’s award winning products,” explained an enthusiastic Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “Tattile prides itself on its ability to bring systems to market very quickly, which is reflected in the flexibility and speed of our own network of integrators and distributors,” he continued. “I also like the fact that their plug-and-play systems reflect our own philosophy, which is all about making things straightforward for our customers. For us ‘easy’ is a virtue. It means productivity, efficiency and professionalism. Easy is achieving what you want to achieve quickly and elegantly. It’s the very essence of good engineering – making something that your competitors can make but making it better, more economically and quicker. We believe that this new relationship gracefully embodies this thinking.”

Ends: 370 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml and http://www.blogger.com/www.abot.eu.com
e-mail: mailto:%20sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: mailto:richards@stonejunction.co.uk
Blog: http://www.blogger.com/www.stone-junction.blogspot.com
www: http://www.blogger.com/www.stonejunction.co.uk

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. Toshiba Machine offers an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE161/10/08

Six axis robot launch represents major development in European robot market

~ TM Robotics brings six axis Toshiba Machine robot to Europe ~

The new TV800 EZCell robot, launched in the UK by TM Robotics (Europe) this month, is the first six axis robot ever manufactured by Toshiba Machine. The launch represents a significant development in the automation market, because Toshiba Machine is now one of the only major players in the industry to offer a complete range of robot technologies - SCARA, Cartesian and six axis. Ideal for the manufacturing sector, the robot will find uses in a host of pick and place applications.

The TV800 has a total arm length of 800mm, a reach of 892mm and a composite maximum speed of 8.06 metres per second. The robot has a maximum cycle time of 0.4 to 0.5 seconds, repeatability of ±0.02mm and a maximum payload of five kilograms. Its controlled using Toshiba Machine’s new TS3100 controller, which is programmed in SCOL , a language similar to BASIC as are all Toshiba Machine industrial robots, and has the option of a teach pendant for easy access outside the robot cell.

“The TV800 completes the set for Toshiba Machine and for us,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “We now offer the widest range of SCARA robots on the market, a Cartesian solution that can be configured in literally hundreds of ways and a six axis robot that can be compared with the very best in its class. Coupled with the ability of our IP65 SCARA robot to compete, on an equal footing, with flexipickers in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, our range now feels whole.”

The new six axis robot uses an absolute position detection system, with a robust AC motor at its heart. Axes one to six offer working envelopes of ±170º, -100 – +150º, -127 – +167º, ±190º, ±120º and ±360º respectively. They also feature maximum speeds of 237º/S, 240º/S, 288º/S, 350.5º/S, 484º/S, and 576º/S respectively. The allowable moment of inertia on axis four and five is 0.3kg · m2 and on axis six its 0.5kg · m2.

Ends — 334 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: http://www.tmrobotics.co.uk/ and
www.abot.eu.com
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. The two companies offer an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE100/11/08

TM Robotics open day demonstrates investment despite the downturn

~ Event is held to mark major product launches and inaugurate new head office ~

TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd held an open day on November 27 to officially mark the launch of its new offices in Welwyn Garden City. Also unveiled at the event were Toshiba Machine’s first ever six axis robot, the TV800 EZcell, and a range of IP65 SCARA robots, for use in harsh environments or industries that demand sealing as standard – such as food and pharmaceuticals.

The launch of the TV800 EZcell represents a significant development in the automation market, because Toshiba Machine is now one of the only major players in the industry to offer a complete range of robot technologies - SCARA, Cartesian and six axis. The TV800 has a total arm length of 800mm, a reach of 892mm and a composite maximum speed of 8.06 metres per second. The robot has a maximum cycle time of 0.4 to 0.5 seconds, repeatability of ±0.02mm and a maximum payload of six kilograms.

The day was attended by representatives of TM Robotics’ distributors and integrators, from across Europe, as well as Toshiba Machine officials from Japan. Also at the event were the deputy mayor of Welwyn Garden City, Councillor Kim Morris, and Mike Wilson, the president of BARA (the British Robotics and Automation Association), who both delivered short speeches.

“It’s great to see such positive investment from a robot company in the UK,” said Wilson. “It’s particularly pleasing because, while it’s now showing real potential, the UK robot market has been static for some time. My feeling is that this is due to an under-appreciation of the potential for industrial robots by companies across the board. However, those firms that have embraced the technology have consistently demonstrated efficiency, productivity and profitability improvements as a result.”

“The move is a crucial part of the overall TM Robotics strategy, which is focused on getting closer to our distributors and integrators and providing them with improved training and support facilities,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics.

“Welwyn Garden City was a natural choice for our new location. It offers outstanding international transport links, thanks to its proximity to the major airports, and is ideally located in the UK to help us easily reach and service our British partners. The flexibility the new location provides mirrors the provision we are making for our partner companies,” he concluded.

"We are pleased to welcome TM Robotics to Welwyn Garden City. In challenging times for business and industry, it is exciting for the town that TM Robotics and Toshiba Machine have the confidence and ability to expand into our borough," said the deputy mayor, Councillor Kim Morris.

A copy of this press release is available to download at http://www.tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/.

Ends — 454 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: http://www.tmrobotics.co.uk/ and www.abot.eu.com
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. The two companies offer an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE105/10/08