Users can create almost any robot design for their applications from the modules available in the ATRO modular system from Beckhoff - from simple 1-axis rotary indexing table applications to delta kinematics and multi-axis serial robots. The robot systems assembled from the modular system are integrated directly into Beckhoff's 'PC-based Control', which simplifies commissioning and handling and enables a consistently optimized complete solution for the machine or system. The number of controllers required is thus reduced to one Industrial PC, even if several robots are involved.

An ATRO kinematic system is made up of active joints, the motor modules. The motor modules are available in different designs: straight modules in I-shape or angled modules in L-shape, which are available in five power sizes. Each motor module forms a complete drive system for one axis of the robot. The only external components required are a power supply and a controller, which reduces the space required in the control cabinet. In addition to the active modules, there are connection modules without their own drive:

• Base modules as a base, including the media feed;
• Link modules in I-, L- and Y-shape for the realization of individual robot configurations;
• System modules that can be used to integrate additional functions such as a camera.

Advantages through internal media management

All modules are connected to each other via the ATRO interface, which ensures a rigid connection and also feeds the media through. Data, energy and fluids (compressed air, vacuum or water) are therefore routed internally through the modules in the ATRO kinematics. "Conventional robot solutions route these externally and are therefore restricted in terms of rotation and use of the workspace," said Beckhoff Automation. "This limitation is completely eliminated with our solution - each axis can be rotated endlessly, which enables better Cartesian accessibility and short positioning paths. In addition, interference contours due to external cables and - especially with cobots - interfering torques due to external media routing are avoided." What's more, the ATRO interfaces are used to discharge the media and almost any robot tools, such as complex gripper systems, can be easily connected.

Seamless system integration

ATRO is a flexible robot system that is connected to all important machine functionalities thanks to its seamless integration into the TwinCAT automation software. This includes, for example, image processing for complex applications such as "reaching into the box", improving movement performance through machine learning or direct cloud connection for analysis and maintenance. Open interfaces and universal standards enable plug-and-play robot configuration and simple engineering. The variety of functions concentrated in one controller reduces hardware costs and ensures high synchronization of all components as well as low dead times in data communication. This also includes the direct combination with intelligent transport solutions such as XTS and XPlanar from Beckhoff Automation. Other aspects such as communication, functional safety and the actual application can be created with little effort. This not only enables the configuration of powerful overall solutions with a high system output, but also a significant reduction in the machine footprint.

Series delivery of the components of the ATRO modular system is scheduled to begin in two years.