Robotics at IMTS 2024: Show Launches, Market Ripples, Partnerships and More

This article originally posted on Sept. 11, 2024, and was updated on Sept. 18, 2024.

When it comes to automation, manufacturers face multiple challenges. The call to upskill, to optimize, and to be more productive, competitive and sustainable never ends. At IMTS 2024 manufacturers either answered this call or found out how to do so effectively. IMTS is one of the world’s top exhibitions for the machine tool industry, showcasing innovative digital technologies in the manufacturing industry, including processing, assembly, logistics and inspection.

This compendium looks at 10 solutions, mostly straddling robotics and automation.

1. Partnership Supports Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS)

Providing full-service models to scale is an ongoing challenge for robotics and automation companies. A partnership between Ricoh North America and Agility Robotics should make market ripples with their collaboration in support of automated warehouse solutions and managing humanoid robot fleets. Ricoh is extending its Service Advantage program (a lifecycle management solution) to help broaden Agility Robotics, creator of the leading bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) Digit, expand its footprint and services.

Ricoh will support Digit robots and Agility Arc, Agility’s cloud automation platform for deploying and managing Digit fleets. Designed for multi-purpose logistics work, Digit is a human-centric robot capable of performing repetitive tasks. Agility Arc simplifies the deployment lifecycle, from facility mapping and workflow definition to operational management and troubleshooting

Booth #134576; www.ricoh.com

Agility Robotics' humanoid robot, Digit.

2. Streamline Quality and Assembly with High-Accuracy Measurement of Large Components

Officially, Hexagon’s Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 will not be available until 2025, but Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division gave IMTS attendees a preview of the new laser tracker technology, which combines laser tracking with laser radar functionality.

Delivering accurate measurement of key features from a distance, particularly for meeting the demands of inspection and alignment in aerospace and other large-scale manufacturing sectors, the new system replaces two pieces of hardware with a single device. Using Hexagon’s patented PowerLock technology, the ATS800 automatically “locks on” to a reflector and tracks its movements in real-time, providing an absolute reference. The ability to measure target reflectors also greatly simplifies robotic automation processes, noted Hexagon, by allowing precise positional referencing within a wider coordinate system when mounting the tracker on a linear rail or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

This is a versatile measurement tool:

An aircraft fuselage can be quickly inspected;
Guided assembly processes use up-to-date digital measurements during 3D assembly and mating operations; and
The accurate high-speed measurement of holes, fastenings and edges can keep up with high-volume automotive production.

Hexagon noted that the ATS800 is highly portable, IP54 rated, designed to plug into existing workflows and can be operated wirelessly and integrated with common robotics control systems.

Booth #134102; hexagon.com

Hexagon’s Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 delivers accurate measurement of key features from a distance. The solution streamlines inspection and alignment for aerospace and other large-scale manufacturing sector applications.

3. Mobile Manipulation Performed at New Levels of Efficiency

Boston-based Rethink Robotics made a comeback by relaunching its brand at IMTS this week. Founded in 2008, the company pioneered robotics collaboration, later developing groundbreaking robots such as Baxter and Sawyer. By 2018, the company was shuttered reportedly as sales fell short of expectations.

Rethink is back with a fresh lineup of seven collaborative robots (cobots) designed for machine tending, palletizing and bin picking. The new models (RE 07, 09, 13, 16, 21, 30 and 30L) can handle payloads ranging from 7 to 30 kg (15–66 lb) and offer highest precision with ±0.03 mm (about 0 in) pose repeatability. In addition to improved design, the cobots promise reliable and robust hardware, all of which is supported by an IP65 rating for use in wet and dusty environments. The cobots come with connectivity to a range of accessories, including grippers, vision systems, rails and other end-of-arm and peripherals.

Rethink Robotics also unveiled its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and mobile robotic manipulator (MMR) platforms at the show. Two models are available: the light-duty MRE 550 model handles payloads of up to 550 kg (1,212 lb) and the heavy-duty MRE 1400 model handles payloads of up to 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). Both robots come with an integrated lift function. Other features include a compact design, multi-detection technologies with 360-deg. sensing for analyzing and responding to real-time changes in the environment, and an independent, detachable battery box.

Booth #236203; www.rethinkrobotics.com

Rethink Robotics returns to the market with its Rethink Reacher (RE) line of collaborative robots (cobots).

The Rethink Ryder AMR line features multi-detection technologies with 360-deg. sensing for analyzing and responding to real-time changes in the environment, ensuring workplace safety.

4. Robotic Bagging Solution Highlights Force-Torque Sensors in Pick-and-Place Demo

A display at the Canon booth featured the OSARO Robotic Bagging System, which uses Canon’s optical-encoder-based, low-cost force-torque sensor. The sensor can measure the magnitude and direction of load along three axes and rotational forces, noted Canon. When attached to a robotic arm, a force sensor helps the arm sense the strength needed to handle objects. The force torque sensor contains Canon’s proprietary optical encoder technology.

Canon stated that a digital mechanism works to provide high precision levels, and the Canon Force Torque Sensor Application Software can allow users to connect their sensor to a personal computer without any need for coding while testing.

The robotic bagging system was developed by OSARO Inc., a San Francisco-based provider of AI-based robotic perception and picking solutions. The system is powered by OSARO’s advanced AI and machine-learning algorithms, OSARO SightWorks, which provides flexibility by enabling the automatic addition of thousands of new SKUs to ensure versatile order processing.

Booth #134040; usa.canon.com/FH

OSARO and Canon are worked together to showcase a robotic bagging solution at IMTS 2024.

Canon’s durable force-torque sensor measures the magnitude and direction of load along three axes and rotational forces.

5. Measurement, Motion Control and Precision Machining

Known for high-precision technology for metrology and healthcare, Renishaw set up its Quality Assurance booth to demonstrate how manufacturers can use tools to improve precision, speed and productivity at every stage of the manufacturing process. Their latest product line for the industrial robotics market was displayed, bringing into focus the process of commissioning and servicing industrial robots. The product range includes RCS L-90, RCS T-90 and RCS P-series, all supported by a dedicated software suite to help simplify robot set-up, health checks and recovery of robotic applications following collisions.

Other featured precision and measurement tools were he REVO 5-axis multi-sensor system for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs); the world’s smallest wireless machine tool probe, RMP24-micro, that measures just 24 mm in diameter and 31.4 mm in length; FORTiS enclosed encoders; and CARTO software suite (version 4.8), featuring support for the Renishaw XM-60 multi-axis calibrator to enhance the monitoring of precision machinery.

Booths #134314 and #134524; www.renishaw.com

The RCS series from Renishaw is designed to assist in the installation, calibration and diagnostics of robot systems. The ballbar enables shorter set-up times and greater application accuracy.

6. PLC Functionality Enables Remote Monitoring, Diagnostics and Debugging

Olis Robotics, which provides video and telemetry-based diagnostics for industrial cells, added powerful new PLC capabilities to its diagnostics solution for industrial automation cells. The purpose is to have robotics technicians monitor and set alerts for pre-defined runtime parameters through the PLC, including I/Os, registers and custom tags. Common uses for PLC tags include measuring Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), monitoring cycle times and fault detection.

“The PLC often contains important diagnostic data required to understand the causes of unplanned downtime,” said Fredrik Ryden, CEO, Olis Robotics. The PLC capabilities enable real-time access to that data, thereby closing the loop on video-based diagnostics for industrial automation systems, he said.

Booth #N 236131; olisrobotics.com

7. Equipping Cobots with Deep Learning-Based Part Detection

A recent Universal Robots (UR) survey of 1,200 manufacturers across North America and Europe revealed that more than 50% of respondents are now using AI and machine learning in their production processes. UR, known for its collaborative robotics, is investing in targeted software upgrades and developing an AI applications platform. At the show, UR unveiled an AI-powered machine tending solution geared to enabling faster batch changeovers by eliminating the need for fixtures.

The machine-tending application features AI-based perception capabilities, running on NVIDIA Jetson and Isaac acceleration libraries integrated into UR’s new PolyScope X platform. This combination enables dynamic path planning to ensure the most effective, collision-free paths in and out of the machine and is designed for such tasks as machine tending and other material handling. Additionally, the company showcased advanced cobot applications for welding, finishing, part feeding and laser marking.

Booth #N 236131; www.universal-robots.com

UR’s latest AI-powered machine tending solution enables dynamic path planning, ensuring the robot takes the most effective, collision-free paths with minimal user configuration.

8. Low-Cost Automation, Cutting-Edge Engineering and Zero Lubrication

Motion plastics leader igus took up two booths, showcasing two themes: “Improve What Moves with enjoyneering” (Booth #236557) and “Automate Your Factory for Less” (Booth #236230). The first focused on the company’s extensive range of products driven by the igusGO AI app and featuring signature products, from e-chain cable carriers and linear actuators to motors and motor controllers. The emphasis was on the reliability and maintenance-free nature of its products, offering a four-year warranty and extolling the benefits of zero lubrication needs.

The second booth centered around low-cost automation and making robotics solutions affordable via the RBTX marketplace. “Our themes this year reflect our dedication to helping businesses improve efficiency and reduce costs with advanced, reliable technology,” noted Felix Brockmeyer, CEO of igus, Inc.

Booths #236557 and #236230; www.igus.com

igus exhibited low-cost automation and making robotics solutions affordable via the RBTX marketplace.

9. Pursuing the U.S. Market for Collaborative Robots

Rainbow Robotics asserted its presence with 10 robot platforms, including four collaborative robots in the RB series, two cobot automation systems, two mobile robots (a serving robot and an AMR), a quadrupedal robot (RBQ-10) and the first wheeled humanoid bipedal robot developed in Korea (RB-Y1). The company said it is taking an aggressive approach with its IMTS showcase, with plans to sell four collaborative robots the RB series’ RB3-1200, RB5-850, RB10-1300 and RB16-900.

The company stated that it has a competitive price advantage over competitors due to their low-cost rate based on in-house development of core components such as drivers, encoders, brakes and controllers developed in-house. Hailing from South Korea, the brand is establishing its foothold in the North American market, including plans to expand from its current local branch in Schaumburg, Ill.

Booth #236024; www.rainbow-robotics.com

Rainbow Robotics showcased at least 10 different robot platforms at IMTS 2024.

10. New Controller Technologies Backed by Cyber Security

Flexibility in shared workspaces is a mantra demonstrably embraced by Fanuc. Known for collaborative machine tending and heavy payload handling robots, this year wouldn’t disappoint. New this year were demos powered by Fanuc’s latest offering, the R-50iA Controller, which is designed to “maximize performance and ease of use while offering enhanced cyber security.”

Also added to the new lineup was the FANUC Series 500i-A CNC. The new control series improved machining performance by leveraging Fanuc’s 5-axis integrated technology and offering faster processing speeds. The new features support both machine tool builders and CNC users. Fanuc bills the R-50iA robot controller as the first to offer cyber security, thanks to third-party certification for international cyber security: IEC62443-4-1 and 4-2, offering multiple layers of defense to secure data exchange.

Booth #338919; www.fanucamerica.com

Check out more coverage from Machine Design’s IMTS 2024 content hub.