Robot Integration Made Easier Thanks to Rockwell, Comau Partnership

Rockwell Automation and Comau have partnered to simplify integrating robots into manufacturing processes.

Maximizing manufacturing efficiencies via robot control solutions is the focus of a partnership between Comau and Rockwell Automation. (Image courtesy of Rockwell Automation.)

Maximizing manufacturing efficiencies via robot control solutions is the focus of a partnership between Comau and Rockwell Automation. (Image courtesy of Rockwell Automation.)

As technology evolves, automation is becoming increasingly common. Despite all the potential benefits, introducing robots into manufacturing isn’t always a smooth endeavor. Rockwell Automation, an industrial automation and digital transformation company, and Comau, an industrial automation and robotics company, are partnering to develop unified robot control solutions to streamline efficiencies.

“Industrial companies are looking for efficient ways to integrate robotics into their operations for process optimization and agility,” said Rockwell Automation chairman and CEO Blake Moret. “Rockwell Automation’s collaboration with Comau will simplify programming and lifecycle management, accelerating time to value for our customers.”

The alliance is part of a continued effort by Rockwell to provide industrial companies with better ways to save time and enhance performance. It leverages the best that both businesses have to offer, ultimately giving other companies solutions to harness long-term value.

“Comau’s robotics and industrial automation expertise, as well as its reputation for high performance, reliability, and quality, combined with Rockwell Automation’s global capabilities and experience in automated material handling, food and beverage, household and personal care, and life sciences, give customers the incremental value of an integrated robot solution,” said Comau CEO Paolo Carmassi. “Comau is eager to work with such an important partner that has a market-leading global footprint in all industries.”

Comau’s extensive line of robots, which serve various industries, will be easier to program and integrate thanks to Rockwell Automation’s technologies and robotics integration offerings. (Image courtesy of Comau.)

Comau’s extensive line of robots, which serve various industries, will be easier to program and integrate thanks to Rockwell Automation’s technologies and robotics integration offerings. (Image courtesy of Comau.)

So, what does this collaboration mean? Both companies’ customers will have access to the product. Comau has a range of robotics offerings that are used across industries, including more than 40 industrial robotic arms, with load capacities from 3 kg to 560 kg. Now, those offerings will be easier to integrate into processes thanks to Rockwell’s technologies and robotic integration solutions.

The collaboration enables engineers to program a whole machine in one environment, machine builders to gain access to digital engineering tools, and operators to see both line and robot control systems on a single interface.

For companies like Automazioni Industriali Capitanio, a metals industry system integrator, the partnership creates a seamless solution.

“We value the simple and flexible programming environment, complete access to robot supervision and diagnostic parameters, and the ability to leverage existing automation panels and standard control devices,” said Marco Capitanio, AIC managing director.

While every company may have different needs, bringing together machine controls and robot systems into one tool offers a range of benefits. Rockwell’s offerings include:

  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix—Control systems that enable tight integration between programming software, controller and I/O modules to minimize cost and development time, and allow standard and safety control to be performed within the same chassis.
  • Kinetix 5700—A servo drive platform that reduces commissioning time and enhances machine performance while offering space savings.
  • Studio 5000—Automation system design software that integrates design elements into one standard framework, optimizing productivity and time, and provides a common experience for all users, enabling rapid design, reuse and collaboration.
  • FactoryTalk View—Human machine interface (HMI) software that provides a real-time picture of the machines, from stand-alones to distributed visualization solutions, and gives everyone the same views to better monitor machine performance.
  • FactoryTalk InnovationSuite—A comprehensive portfolio that brings analytics, machine learning, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and augmented reality (AR) to operations for better data management and accessibility.
  • Emulate3D—Digital twin software that takes parts into the virtual world, allowing companies to see how they work, discover potential issues, predict performance, and simulate line changes.
  • PTC Vuforia AR—A virtual offering for remote collaboration and information capture.

Interested in other strides in robotics and automation? Check out Apera AI Is Using AI for Smarter Machine Vision and MX3D Raises €2.25 Million for Launch of Robotic Metal 3D Printer.