Communication

COMMUNICATION

Smart gripper, smart connection

Robot programming made easy: with ready-to-connect communication modules from the Zimmer Group, which you place in the robot control system and, depending on the module, connect to the controller by cable or wirelessly. The Comfort app, which is tailored to the robot manufacturer, allows the gripper to be controlled and operated conveniently and directly via the respective robot control unit – which is easy to set up with all the necessary commands for a smooth automatic mode.

Robot applications can be put into operation with the Zimmer Group’s programming tools – quickly, easily and without in-depth programming knowledge. The Zimmer Group also provides function blocks for download for direct programming in the PLC for all common manufacturers.

With the standardized, wireless IO-Link Wireless communication module, interference-free and secure communication is possible without any cabling. All IO-Link gripper components can be used and are compatible with a wide range of controllers via the standardized interface. Power is supplied as usual via the connecting cable. Energy can be buffered as required, but the information is exchanged directly and wirelessly between the control system and gripper without any delay.

Components in detail

1 | 2 Robot or machine

Whether lightweight robots, industrial robots, cobots or machines, at the beginning there is the automatic, programmable production machine. In connection with the corresponding effector, it must manage the production, handling or installation of workpieces, either independently or in collaboration with people.

3 | 4 End effectors

The end effector is the last element in the kinematic chain. Depending on the requirements and production process, all gripper systems are possible. After successful configuration, the end effector is controlled directly and automatically via the PLC/robot control system. It is possible to connect grippers conventionally (either IO-Link or Digital I/O) or via the multifunctional MATCH end-of-arm platform.

5 | 6 | 7 SCM / BCM

Connection via cable (communication model SCM) or wireless (IO-Link Wireless of the BCM series) – both are possible. The Smart Communication Module serves as a gateway for the end effector and translates the IO-Link communication system to Digital I/O and vice versa. It communicates directly with the robot control system. This ensures simple control of the end effector.

8 | 9 Software

Intuitive software (Zimmer Group HMI and the guideZ, expertZ and monitorZ software modules) can be used to define and program the gripping parameters in a simple and user-friendly way. To configure the end effector, a temporary network connection is usually established to a standard laptop, which is then no longer required. Our new guideZ for Robot interface solves this even better, as a laptop is no longer required and all settings can be made directly using the Comfort app.

Comfort apps PLC modules

10 | 11 | 12 PLC OR ROBOT CONTROLLER

The integration of a Zimmer Group IO-Link gripper naturally always includes the implementation of the control system. The programmable logic controller (PLC for short) can communicate directly with our grippers by adding a commercially available IO-Link master. The standardized protocol, the simple, fully defined interface and fully documented PLC modules form a universally usable package. But what if the use of a PLC is not planned or appears too extensive for the automation task in question? With the SCM module as a gateway between the IO-Link gripper and the robot control system, we have the solution. Rounded off with the wizard guideZ and the Comfort app on the robot, direct integration is possible. We have put together packages for a wide range of robots.

13 Teach panel

The robot control unit or teach panel allows direct control and operation of the gripper or robot using a Comfort app tailored to the robot manufacturer. The Comfort app therefore offers a convenient solution for setting up the end effector and automatic mode.