Typically, robots are capable of handling either heavy loads at low cycle rates, or very limited loads at high cycle rates. TwinLine, a twin-axis robot for high flexibility in final packaging, combines speed and payload capacity.

The latest development from A+F Automation, an IWKA Company, TwinLine is an ELAU PacDrive servo-driven unit that enables pick & place motions under 0.5 sec and the handling of loads up to 68 kg (138.6 lb.) in under 2 seconds.

The mechanical solution involves a gripper arm drive with two pairs of identical drive arms made of lightweight but extremely strong carbon fiber composite material. The streamlined mechanical design benefits from the controllability of an ELAU PacDrive automation system. The servos are designed for high torque and fast response, accommodating the combined mass of product and tooling.

As a result, the TwinLine robot arm only needs two servo drives to generate a range of tightly synchronized collation, sortation and pick-and-place motions. Fewer servos and simplified mechanics make the system economical as well. The opposed composite arms contribute stiffness, low inertia, agility and balance.

Powerful kinematics embedded in the PacDrive software execute complex, smooth motions. Robotic functionalities are contained in ELAU’s library of pre-tested, re-usable software objects.