In the Metal Working 2009 trade show held in Moscow, Russia, and in the recent Easy Automation Roadshow events in Sweden and Denmark, Fastems launched Fastwizard – a new, user-friendly interface for controlling robotized production cells. It is now an integral part of the RPC-20G robot cell designed for the tending of CNC machine tools, especially lathes.
In conventional manual programming of robots, highly skilled robot operators are needed. Fastwizard lowers this requirement dramatically, making it easy even for first-timers to operate a robot cell. Only a short introduction is needed. As the name suggests, Fastwizard is a user interface provided with a fast-guidance function, making the operation and programming of a robot cell easier and faster than ever before.
Everyone can use it
Thanks to Fastwizard, it is no longer necessary to use the robot’s teach pendant in day-to-day operation. The features and operation logic of Fastwizard's interface graphics resemble the user-friendly properties of portable music players, such as MP3s. A central element in Fastwizard is the Player display; in one view, it informs the operator of the cell status, the product being machined, production status, robot speed and the status of material stations. For product changes, new settings can be made quickly. The user interface gives clear instructions to the operator, facilitating the right choices and minimizing errors. The operator can easily choose the product program on the touch screen, as well as start, interrupt or stop production, and order the soon-to-be-ready product for inspection. In addition, Fastwizard speeds up the recognition, diagnosis and recovery from errors.
Quick-touch orders
Fastwizard simplifies the introduction of new work pieces to the production cell. At best, programming a new product for the cell takes only a few minutes. The user can choose between a programming wizard, step-by-step guidance or manual programming. The programming wizard asks the operator to determine the required work cycle phases, work piece measurements for different process phases, as well as the palletizing pattern for material stations, after which the system prepares a product program for the robot. To help the operator make the required choices on the touch screen, the work cycle phases are presented as easily identifiable icons. Fastwizard can also be used for testing and accepting the new program for production; the robot’s teach pendant is no longer needed.
A fast track to factory automation
The user-friendly Fastwizard simplifies the transfer to robotized factory automation. It minimizes the need for operator training, and allows several people to operate the cell, if needed. Even small batches can be brought to the robot rapidly and easily. The cell's utilization becomes more efficient, and the workforce can devote their time to other tasks in production. The factory gets better chances for unmanned production – and for increased productivity.
Today, Fastwizard is a standard component in Fastems' RPC-20G deliveries. It is also available as an option for the bigger RPC-70G cell. Later on, the solution will be available for all other Fastems robotics.
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