Connecting robotic accessories to any industrial network

Robots need accessories to work efficiently. But what is the easiest way to connect these accessories to factory networks? RSP discovered that using the off-the-shelf Anybus products from HMS Networks is the easiest way.

Worldwide, the use of industrial robots in factories is growing. In order to use robots efficiently and maximize productivity, companies are adding robotic accessories to robots so that they can perform multiple tasks. RSP specializes in developing, manufacturing and installing the necessary robot accessories. When RSP started developing a new series of tool changers, their customers' expectations had to be met. This meant that the new tool changer had to be able to connect to factory networks. However, developing the required network technology is complex and was beyond RSP's expertise. Fortunately, RSP found the solution in Anybus from HMS. HMS helped incorporate a Anybus communication interface in the tool changer, allowing connection to the factory network and allowing RSP to remain focused on making high-quality robotic accessories.

Robot System Products

Robot System Products (RSP) specializes in making industrial robot accessories used in factories around the world. "Our strength lies in the specialized knowledge we have gained from working with industrial robotics for almost 20 years," explains Henrik Hofström, marketing manager at RSP. "This specialized knowledge enables us to create robust, versatile industrial robot accessories that enable our customers to increase robot flexibility and productivity."
One of RSP's key products are tool changers. A tool changer is attached to a robot so that it can change tools quickly and safely.

The Moduflex tool changer is attached to the robot, allowing it to change tools quickly and safely.

Challenge

The requirements for a smart and networked industry affect every step of the automation process. So when RSP developed its Moduflex series, a new line of tool changers designed specifically for high payloads, the company had to move with the times and provide a modern tool changer that could be connected to automation networks. Developing the required network technology, however, is not easy, nor did RSP become a world leader in that field. "We are specialists in robotics, not industrial networking," explains Mats Thunell, senior engineer at RSP. "We want to stay focused on robotics, so we didn't want to invest time and money in developing a proprietary networking solution, because this is simply not our specialty. Fortunately, we came together with Anybus to an excellent solution, so that both companies can continue to focus on what they are good at, for us robotics and networking for Anybus.”

But before we describe the network solution, let's outline the requirements of RSP.

RSP's network requirements

Since robots move freely in the factory, it is important that the robot accessories be as compact and cable-free as possible. Therefore, in order not to compromise the compact shape of the tool changer, RSP preferred to build the network technology directly into the tool changer. In addition, RSP needed a data communication interface that would guarantee a simple and reliable connection to any factory system, regardless of the network protocol.