Robot accessories are essential for increasing productivity and efficiency in factories worldwide. However, connecting these accessories to factory networks can be a complicated task outside of many companies’ expertise. Robot System Products (RSP), a leader in developing and producing robot accessories, found a solution to this challenge through HMS Networks’ Anybus products.
RSP’s new Moduflex series of tool changers was designed to carry heavy payloads and connect to automation networks. RSP wanted to embed networking technology within the tool changer to maintain its compact form, but networking is not the company’s expertise. Mats Thunell, Senior Engineer at RSP, explained, “We want to remain focused on robotics, so we didn’t want to invest the time and money to develop an in-house networking solution as that’s outside our area of expertise. Fortunately, we found a good solution with Anybus that allows both companies to focus on what they’re good at, Robotics for us and networking for Anybus.”
RSP required a data communication interface that enabled easy and reliable connectivity to any factory system, regardless of the network protocol. To meet these requirements, RSP chose the Anybus CompactCom B40, which was attached to the tool changer’s printed circuit board (PCB). The Anybus CompactCom is a ready-made product that is easy to install and reduces the time to market for new products.
The Anybus CompactCom also ensures reliable industrial network communication and meets demanding performance, reliability, and security requirements. There is a CompactCom for any major Fieldbus or industrial Ethernet, enabling RSP to connect to any factory system, regardless of the network protocol. Henrik Hofström, Marketing Manager at RSP, said, “We’ve started with PROFINET, but we can target new markets as there’s an Anybus CompactCom for all major networks.”
RSP’s expertise in robotics and HMS Networks’ expertise in networking technology allowed both companies to focus on what they do best. The Anybus CompactCom enabled RSP to provide a modern tool changer that could connect to automation networks without investing in-house networking solutions.
The rise of industrial robots in factories worldwide is expected to continue, and the need for robot accessories will increase. HMS Networks’ Anybus products provide an easy and reliable solution for companies like RSP to connect their robot accessories to factory networks and increase productivity and efficiency.
