Super SCARA, improved aesthetics, extends array of robots

~ TM Robotics launches short arm length SCARA ~

TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd has launched a new Toshiba Machine SCARA robot in the UK and European markets. Called the TH250A, it offers improved speed compared to existing robots in the range, providing quicker cycle times allied to high levels of accuracy. The robot is based on a previous SCARA, the Toshiba Machine TH250 and replaces it in the range. However the new, more cost effective, model represents a significant visual improvement compared with the old version.

The robot will find applications in the general manufacturing industry as well as in electronics, plastics, packaging, pharmaceutical, automotive component handling and food. Uses could include test and assembly and placing small components, secondary packaging or laboratory handling. The new SCARA features absolute encoders as standard, dispensing with the need for a home return function, a payload of up to 3kg and repeatability of+/-0.01mm.

“The TH250A represents a triumph of product design,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “Aesthetically it’s superior to anything available on the market. While this might seem unimportant, simple and clean design can make a robot appear easier to use and less daunting. Our objective is to encourage businesses that might not yet have considered robot automation to do so now. Given that this robot already offers improved functionality and more competitive pricing, the enhanced appearance is a further step towards this goal.”

The TH250A features a built in PLC which, regardless of robot operation and program, can control I/O equipment. It can be programmed using a ladder sequence program and, as an option, can feature devicenet or Profi-bus connectivity. A further option is the Toshiba Machine teach pendant, an external switch pad that can be used to direct the robot through a sequence of movements.

The Toshiba Machine robot range will now extend from the TH-250A, which has an arm length of 250mm, through the general purpose SCARAs with arm lengths between 450mm and 1050mm, up to the large palletising SCARA with a 1950mm reach and a payload of up to 70kgs.

Ends — 368 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 15, The Weltech Centre, Ridgeway,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 2AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 871535
Fax: +44 (0)1707 393959
www: www.tmrobotics.co.uk
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: TRE028/03/07

New vision partnership set to enhance Toshiba Machine robot capability

~ TM Robotics (Europe) and Scorpion Vision Limited put a sting in the tail of robot vision ~

TM Robotics (Europe) has teamed up with Scorpion Vision Ltd to offer an industrial robot solution using Toshiba Machine SCARA robots, Sony Scorpion smart cameras and the Scorpion open software tool for industrial vision. The new package will allow engineers in the plastics, packaging, food, automotive, pharmaceutical, plastics and general manufacturing industries to easily integrate their own automation and industrial vision applications.

The Sony Scorpion smart camera is a rugged, industrial vision package comprising an in-built PC and a high-end CCD (charge coupled device) camera. The entire unit is no bigger than a typical CCTV camera, easily networked and simple to set up and integrate. It supports Windows® XPe and Linux® operating systems, allowing OEMs and system integrators to install a variety of software applications and third party libraries. The Scorpion open software is founded on a standard Windows 2000 / XP PC platform – making it simple to use and scalable. It’s authored by Tordivel AS of Norway and distributed in the UK by Scorpion Vision.

Commenting on the state of the machine vision market Paul Wilson, a director of Scorpion said, “Machine vision has matured to a stage where it is now regarded as a fully integrated component. It makes the robot system much more flexible because you no longer have to train the robot in every move, instead it responds to the vision prompts. The crux of the issue is that vision is no longer seen as a luxury for very high-end systems. We can now sell off-the-shelf solutions, even online. You can build a robot vision system for a few thousand pounds or less, making this very accessible technology.”

“This relationship is rewarding for both parties,” explained Wilson. “We bring a number of Scorpion Vision resellers in a range of industries that are eager to incorporate a Toshiba Machine robot into their existing package. In turn TM Robotics is able to offer a complete solution direct to its customers and through its integration partners,” he concluded.

“I have long felt that it’s better to be able offer a complete package containing a separate vision system and robot, as opposed to a robot with an integrated camera,” explained Richard Hill, technical director of TM Robotics. “It gives the end user the best of all worlds – a robot designed and built by experts, software written by experts and a camera developed by experts. It also gives the integrator the chance to choose the right camera for the job.”

Ends — 441 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 15, The Weltech Centre, Ridgeway,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 2AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 871535
Fax: +44 (0)1707 393959
www: www.tmrobotics.co.uk
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 24A Waldram Park Road,
Forest Hill, London, SE23 2PN
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: TRE016/01/07

Ceiling mounted SCARA robot set to save space and improve access to working areas

~ TM Robotics launches Toshiba Machine ceiling mounted SCARA ~

TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd has launched a ceiling mounted version of the Toshiba Machine TH450 SCARA (Selective Compliant Assembly Robot Arm), which will save space in the manufacturing cell by allowing access to the working area from above. The robot is set to find applications in a range of manufacturing sectors where it will be used for a variety of pick and place tasks.

The TH450 is amongst the quickest SCARA robots of its size on the market and achieves cycle times of less than 0.3 seconds. Arm lengths of 450mm and a payload of 5kg complement the TH450's enhanced speed capability while repeatability is an impressive ±0.01mm. Linear and circular conveyor synchronisation capabilities are also offered, creating a very powerful package when combined with easily integrated vision systems.

“Ceiling mount capabilities make the TH450 much more versatile,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “The function is already in use in a number of applications but the big advantage of building it into a catalogue product is that it saves engineering time for the end user and the integrator.”

The new robot's user-friendly TS2000 controller features a built-in PLC, allowing for complete system control. The TS2000 controller is equipped with 70 I/O as standard but expandable up to 166, to satisfy even the thirstiest requirements.

The robot programming language is SCOL, which is similar to BASIC and this can be used across the complete Toshiba Machine SCARA and Cartesian robot ranges. Motion control commands include single axis motion, synchronous motion, linear interpolation, circular interpolation and arc motion.

An extensive range of control options includes Toshiba Machine's Windows based TSPC programming software, inclusive of 3D simulation of the robot movement. In addition Ethernet, DeviceNet and Profibus communications options provide further flexibility.

Ends — 318 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 http://www.sharpreader.net/.

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 15, The Weltech Centre, Ridgeway,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 2AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 871535
Fax: +44 (0)1707 393959
Web: www.tmrobotics.co.uk
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 24A Waldram Park Road,
Forest Hill, London, SE23 2PN
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
Web: 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: TRE025/01/07

New technical sales manager for TM Robotics

~ Appointment calls for greater acceptance of robotics in UK ~

TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd has appointed Colin Reader as product manager for SCARA (Selectively Compliant Articulated Robot Arm) and Cartesian products in the UK and Ireland. The move comes in response to increased sales and an amplified interest in robotics from a host of industries including food processing, pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive component handling and logistics.

Reader brings with him a wealth of heavyweight experience gained at SIEMENS, Bosch Rexroth, Matrix Machines and most recently Güdel UK. As technical sales manager of Bosch Automation Technology, he was instrumental in tripling his division’s turnover in just twelve months.

“I believe that people in the UK are unnecessarily wary of robotics, even though interest and use is currently increasing dramatically” explained Reader. “The reality is that a SCARA robot is a complete package, far easier to integrate than a linear system and much more versatile. Furthermore, thanks to the SCARA’s adaptability its cost of ownership is lower in the long term. Despite this there is a UK tradition of building pick and place systems in house, sourcing motors, drives, couplings and software and re-creating the wheel. Normally when this happens the final cost is higher and the efficacy lower.”

“My goal is to increase TM Robotics’ UK and Ireland sales. But, at the same time, it would bring me enormous satisfaction to help improve understanding of robotics in UK industry, even a by a fraction. In Japan you only have to clear your throat and a robot is installed to pass you a handkerchief. It would be great to work towards that level of acceptance in the UK.”

Ends — 277 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
SmithTM Robotics (Europe) Ltd, Unit 15, The Weltech Centre, Ridgeway,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 2AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 871535
Fax: +44 (0)1707 393959
www: www.tmrobotics.co.uk
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 24A Waldram Park Road,
Forest Hill, London, SE23 2PN
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: 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: TRE016/09/06

Box opening payback in six months for handling, storage and logistics industries

~ Toshiba Machine robots provide flexibility, speed and accuracy ~


TM Robotics (Europe) Limited has launched a unique robotic system for automating the opening and cutting of cases, boxes and cartons in the European market. Called ABOT (Automated Box Opening Technology), the system was developed and patented in the US by Cornerstone Automation Systems Inc, a specialist in hardware and software solutions for logistics and warehouse operations. TM Robotics believes that operations shifting 2,500 boxes a day will receive payback on the system in six months.

The ABOT uses a vision system to measure a box moving down a built-in conveyor. It then tailors the way the box is cut to a pre-programmed pattern. Perfect for use in the handling, storage and logistics industries, ABOT is capable of dealing with up to twelve hundred cases per hour.

ABOT can accept material to be opened in any combination or order without the need to run the same size boxes, batches or groups together. The ABOT finds applications in re-packaging operations, returns processing, stocking, distribution and replenishing picking shelves in order fulfilment operations.

“We envisage the ABOT providing enormous benefits to handling, storage and logistics companies by reducing worker injuries and damage to products,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “The machine can even be used for automating the production of point of display material as well as simply opening stock items,” he continued.
Two different versions of the machine, ABOT ONE and ABOT DUO, use single pass through or double pass through conveyors for opening 600 or 1200 items per hour respectively. The latter option is based on a dual lane configuration to provide optimum output while the former caters for lower capacity operations on a more affordable budget.

The maximum case size is 760mm in length by 600mm wide and 500mm high. The minimum case size is 100x75x50mm in the same dimensions. Maximum cut depth is 7mm while minimum is 0.0mm, representing a perforation. Options include an automated blade changer, a blade integrity monitor, double glass doors, glass panels, automated top removal, display and dispensing case cut patterns as well as inner packaging opening. Optional functions for the ABOT include case dimensioners, check weighers, label readers and bar code scanners, providing several verification options for products received.

Ends — 419 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 15, The Weltech Centre,
Ridgeway,Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 2AA
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 871535 Fax: +44 (0)1707 393959
www: http://www.tmrobotics.co.uk/ e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 24A Waldram Park Road,
Forest Hill, London, SE23 2PN
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/ e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk

REF: TRE002