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Technology update
Double act robot
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The WorkMaster robot from System 3R can serve two different types of machines simultaneously.
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System 3R's WorkMaster robot, shown at the UK's MACH 2000 exhibition, can serve two different types of machines simultaneously and can be programmed for fast random selection and loading on a round-the-clock basis. The company believes the technology is applicable to the aerospace industry and describes WorkMaster as "an entirely new concept for managing workpieces and tools."
The robot has a separate changer unit to handle both large and small pallets from the company's product range. The changer can be fitted with one or more rotary magazines or multi-rack bookshelf-type magazines. The modular design allows users to start with the changer unit and a single bookshelf, for example, to load a machine and to add units later. WorkMaster can stand between two machines and access each via its 300° swivel range. It has a vertical movement capability of 1400 mm that allows it to handle "relatively large workholding pallets, well within its horizontal movement of 950 mm."
WorkMaster can handle pallets weighing up to 130 kg and can be upgraded to allow "chaotic loading" of the magazines. System 3R explains that WorkMaster's modular design suits engineering companies wanting to automate their production on a small scale.
Stuart Birch
Aerospace Engineering July 2000
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