Low-cost gantry robots configured ‘in just one minute’

The new Gantry Configurator from igus “lets you configure and program a gantry robot online in five minutes, receive instant results, carry out functional tests in an augmented reality view and download CAD data with technical drawings”, states the company. And being connected to the RBTX marketplace makes it particularly easy to enter the world of low-cost automation.

The new igus online Gantry Configurator can configure all the line gantries, area gantries and room gantries of the drylin series of linear motion systems, adds igus. “All the user needs is an internet connection and browser. From anywhere in the world, the user can then design and specify a line portal. Using virtual guide rails, it sets the desired stroke lengths and creates a 3D model of the portal, which adapts in real-time to any guide rail changes, in a 360-degree view from all sides. using augmented reality.”

‘Ready-to-connect robot solution’

Just as easily, the user can expand the portal with the appropriate control system and create a ready-to-connect robot solution within a few minutes, the company adds.  The cost of the assembly also adapts to the configuration process in real-time and is always visible. CAD models and dimension drawings are available for download directly after configuration. In addition, it’s possible to program the robot by entering a few basic parameters.

As a digital twin, an animated 3D model then demonstrates the fixed movements – the customer can test everything virtually before buying. "With this function, we are following the motto ‘Test-before-Invest'," says Adam Sanjurgo, product manager of Low-Cost Automation at igus UK. “Operators can gain a real feeling for robot movements and cycle times online. Then they get the desired results in the real world faster because they can test the hardware virtually before buying."

RBTX: marketplace for low-cost robots

The drylin Gantry Configurator is connected to the low-cost automation marketplace ‘RBTX’, where several providers of low-cost robotics showcase their products and competencies. Linear robots and SCARA robots, articulated arm robots and delta robots are all found on RBTX. These platforms can be combined with vision systems, grippers, GUIs, motors, sensors and control systems from various manufacturers.

All components available in the Gantry Configurator have been provided and compatibility tests with other systems have been carried out. As a result, users know that every configuration they try is technically possible. "Automation is decisive for the competitiveness of companies in more and more industries," comments Sanjurgo. “With the new Gantry Configurator, we are now doing more to enable even small businesses with limited resources to automate without high costs and heavy time investment.

“This online tool is the first step in testing the products on RBTX before purchasing. In the future, we are thinking of building a Configurator with which all components on the market can be married together and then tested before any investment."