b'\x1b\x1a\x19 \x1f\x18\x1d\x17\x16Get With the ProgramMOBILE ROBOT AUTOMATIONBy WFL Millturn Technologies GmbH & Co. KGA utomation tasks are becoming ever more challenging. Using intelligent software in combination with the relevant automation solu-tions not only enables workpieces to be loaded and unloaded but means that machine tools can be set up fully automatically through automatic replacement of tools and clamping devices.Our subsidiary FRAI Robotic Tech-nologies strives to be an innovative automation partner and therefore is developing highly flexible robotic systems to respond to this trend.WFL Millturn TechnologiesConcepts like the mobileCELL areCustomers increasingly are a first and enable a wide range oflooking for holistic solutions, expansion stages, making them assuch as the mobileCELL (above).future-proof and competitive asAt left, the classic industrial robot performs handling tasks possible. while the automated guided Different industries, series produc- vehicle provides the necessary tion, small batch sizes, a wide varietylocation independence.of machine tools and the uncertainty of many manufacturers as to whether a current product still will be in vogue next year or will become a slow sellerall this calls for flexibility in produc- WFL Millturn Technologiestion. For automation, this means keep- practice and have been proven tosectors in the coming years. First, ing pace with increasing demands: Itwork under real production condi- there is individualization: There will must produce autonomously aroundtions. The company has developedbe smaller series and more frequent the clock, be flexible to use and bea large number of kit elements: partsproduct changes/innovations. Sec-Industry 4.0-compliant. In addition toand position recognition, bin picking,ond, we have connectivity: Every-the classic changeover of parts, auto- reading and inscribing a data matrixthing is networked, and each com-mation takes on other tasks, such ascode, parts contour monitoring, auto- ponent has a QR code and can be tool changing, part transportation, lo- matic gripper exchange, jaw changestracked through to recycling.gistics, host computer functions, partand more. Depending on the task,If you think about a smartphone, tracking and product history. FRAI also has a network of partnermaking a phone call is no longer The more complex the task, thecompanies that cover other aspects,the key function. The same is true of more elements you need from thesuch as host computer solutions. automation in the sense that trans-know-how kit. That is what FRAISeveral megatrends and mac- porting a workpiece from A to B calls the solutions that already haverotrends will shape not only auto- is not necessarily the main task in been implemented successfully inmation but virtually all industrialevery application. Instead, the focus 12APRIL 2023 GetwithProgram.indd 12 3/16/23 11:09 AM'