Kuka robots with a sure instinct

• What was installed: Cobot Schellen and TRE.40.058.0.B
• Requirements: flexible cable routing on the robot without screws and drilling
• Industry: Robotics; automotive industry, end-of-line testing
• Success for the customer:  The cobot clamps are quick and easy to attach thanks to silicone-free Velcro tape and the cable routing in the TRE.40.058.0.B ensures that the cables and hoses always fit snugly against the robot without restricting movement.
• Company: Artiminds from Karlsruhe

In order for the Kuka KR 6 R700-2 to perform its final inspection task optimally, additional sensors had to be attached to axis 6 of the robot. These sensors must be connected with both hose and additional cable and cannot be routed through the interior of the robot. The maintenance of materials inside the robot alone would be an additional load for the operator. 
A solution was therefore sought that was easy to install and quick to dismantle. Furthermore, no additional holes needed to be drilled or brackets attached to the robot. A hole in the housing of the robot would quickly invalidate the warranty. Especially as the right point for a screw connection or drill hole needs to be found first. 
Furthermore, this type of inspection robot is subject to frequent changes of peripherals, which means that a quick and residue-free change or conversion of the robot is an advantage.

However, in order for users to benefit from the intelligent software, powerful hardware is also required to enable the Kuka KR 6 R700-2 to reliably perform dynamic tasks in continuous operation. One thing is particularly important here: safe guidance of additionally attached cables to the hose. When many end effectors are used, the cables must be particularly well protected. "When it came to finding the right cable routing for our application, we quickly came across the triflex® R TRE.40.058.0.B in conjunction with the Cobot Schellen. We were already familiar with igus® as a supplier of energy chains. And we were not aware of an alternative product that met the high requirements of our application," explains Stefan Fuß, Team Leader Automation Engineering at ArtiMinds. The triflex® R chain with its round shape and 3-dimensional movements is ideal for robot applications. By combining the round shape of a hose with the stability of an energy chain, the triflex® R ensures safe cable routing. "With complex movements and constant load due to tension and torsion, a cable can easily break. The force-torque sensor that we use is subjected to a very high load. Flexible cable routing helps here and even more important is good strain relief. The TRE.40.058.0.B  in combination with the Cobot Schellen from igus® was therefore the ideal solution," adds Stefan Fuß