SMARTSHIFT robotics Manual Clutch Use-Cases

SMARTSHIFT is a versatile tool changer clutch that can improve the assembly process by producing repeatable, accurate assembly with high precision and speed. This is particularly useful for screw and nut driving, inserting, mounting, and positioning. The tool changer clutch can also be used for palletizing and packing, sorting, packaging, labeling, and palletizing. It assists different tools to pick up a wide range of materials, and can be redeployed across different operations, making warehousing and supply chain operations faster and more efficient.

For machine tending, including CNC, injection molding, cutting, metal casting, and press processes, the tool changer clutch consistently and repeatedly follows exact processes without the risk of errors. Tools can be redeployed to other processes or by using the tool pockets to operate and switch between tasks without redeploying tools. Material finishing tasks such as painting, polishing, sanding, drilling, and milling can also be easily accomplished with the tool changer clutch, as it operates with consistent flow and precise placement. The tool pockets allow for easy operation and switching from polishing to painting. With small batches, a robot base plate can be provided to change work stations without reprogramming the robot.

Quality testing can also be automated with the tool changer clutch, which maintains high quality inspection and testing through high precision and consistency. The repeatability is +/- 0.05 mm (50 microns), giving the stability to automate almost any task. Finally, welding tasks such as laser, ultrasonic, soldering, and spot welding can be improved by the tool changer clutch, securing high quality and precision. Production downtime can be reduced by adding the tool pocket, allowing the robot to operate and switch between tools and tasks autonomously in the production line, or moving the robot to other work stations where application support is needed.