ACRO Files for a Patent On New Robot Cell Concept

ACRO Files for a Patent On New Robor Cell Concept

On April 4, 2005 ACRO filed a U.S. Patent Application for “Modular Robotic Work Cell with Interchangeable Tooling Cart”. In an effort to try and provide our customers with a standard robotic work cell, this unique concept allows the customer the opportunity to change out the fixturing in a robot cell without the need for tools, fork trucks or lift assist devices.

ACRO is calling this patent pending work cell the “Smart Cart Cell”. The smart cart cell allows for our customers to have greater flexibility in their robotic weld cells. The concept involves mounting the tooling to a cart with caster wheels. The cart can be moved manually by the operator in and out of the cell very quickly. In less than 10 minutes the cart can be rolled into the cell, locked down and plugged in and the cell controls will identify the cart and pull up the correct robot program for the tooling located on the cart.

Tier one and tier two automotive customers are continuing to struggle with the high capital costs for automation equipment to manufacture their products to the Automobile manufactures. The Smart Cart Cell enables the tier one supplier to place more of their capital equipment costs onto the tooling cart. The PLC, valves, clamps and sensors can all be mounted onto the tooling cart reducing the overall capital equipment costs to the tier one supplier and shifting more of those costs onto their customer.

With more and more automobile manufacturers designing niche vehicles with lower sales volumes and shorter life spans, the tier one/tier two supply base is struggling to find a system that changeover tooling very quickly and handle a variety of different products. The answer is the Smart Cart Cell.

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