An all-in-one robotic cell in which a single Yaskawa Motoman GP12 (12 kg payload) loads, machines, finishes and unloads parts, changing its own hands from a tool rack between operations.
The cell
Key components
- FHS tool storage rack (multi-hand magazine): vertical quick-exchange staging bay holding up to three specialised end effectors on standby.
- 6-axis industrial robot (GP12): central articulated manipulator providing high-speed positioning across all stations.
- Active end effector: dedicated gripper docked via the FHS, configured for part pickup and manipulation.
- Multi-tool machining & finishing station: stationary grinding, deburring and cutting spindle cluster where parts are brought for material removal.
- Integrated swarf & slag collection bin: pull-out drawer under the grinding zone for chips, abrasive dust and burrs.
- Raw stock infeed table: slanted, perforated staging plate for organised infeed and part orientation.
- Outfeed takeaway conveyor: powered flat-belt conveyor moving finished parts to the collection container.
Close-up details
Automated FHS hand pick from the rack
The robot flange couples to the quick-change (FHS) interface with zero-point pneumatic locking, so the GP12 picks up the right hand for each operation without an operator.
Picking up a hand from the FHS rack
Each docked hand has its own valve block and air connections, so it is ready the moment the robot docks. The rack keeps up to three tools on standby inside the cell footprint.
Multi-angle grinding and deburring at the fixed spindle bay
The robot presents the part to fixed spindles at multiple angles, so the cell handles grinding, deburring and machining without moving the tools.
