Siemens Integrates KUKA Robotics with SINUMERIK CNC for Seamless Automation!
By Ashutosh Arora
Siemens has enhanced its Run MyRobot platform by integrating KUKA robots directly with the SINUMERIK 828 CNC control system. This breakthrough allows for part handling and articulation tasks to be performed without requiring a separate robot control unit, streamlining operations and offering increased flexibility in automation.
One of the standout features of this integration is the unified interface, where both robot control and programming are embedded within the CNC system. This eliminates the need for external robot controllers or pendants, simplifying the setup and operation for users. Operators can program robotic movements using NC G-code along with a teach-in function, reducing the learning curve typically associated with robotic programming and making it easier for machine tool operators to incorporate robotic functions into their workflows.
Additionally, operators can now monitor the performance of both the CNC machine and the robot through a single diagnostic screen. The Run MyRobot platform also includes robot diagnostic information directly within the SINUMERIK diagnostic screens, providing a unified interface for monitoring and troubleshooting.
The integration also introduces Siemens’ Run MyVirtual Machine software, which allows users to simulate and test the robotic integration in a digital twin environment before deploying it on the shop floor. This virtual testing phase ensures a smoother transition from planning to real-world implementation, minimizing downtime and ensuring that robotic processes are optimized prior to actual operation.
With this integration, Siemens is further simplifying and enhancing the user experience for manufacturers, enabling easier and more efficient automation of complex processes that traditionally required separate control systems. This move towards seamless CNC-robot integration represents a significant step in advancing smart manufacturing, combining the precision of CNC machining with the flexibility of robotics to create more efficient and adaptable production environments.
