COMAU AND SIEMENS: PIONEERS IN A NEW AND INTUITIVE APPROACH TO ROBOTIC PROGRAMMING

Comau is pleased to announce the successful launch of the Comau Next Generation Programming Platform, a protocol that implements the Uniform Robotics Data Interface (URDI) communication standard to simplify robotic programming. This implementation facilitates the complete integration of the Comau robot family with the Simatic Robot Library from Siemens, significantly reducing the complexity in machine automation. Now, operators in any industry sector can easily program one or more Comau robots using the Siemens ecosystem they currently use for other applications and processes. The interface also offers tangible cost and time savings, since all automation products and cells can be managed without the need for specific knowledge in robotic programming. In this way, companies can increase their efficiency and productivity, without facing a complex learning curve, which further reduces automation barriers for customers who already have experience using the Siemens PLC and now want to incorporate articulated robots.

Working with a major automotive customer, Comau was able to cut configuration and programming costs by 30% using its robot controller with the Simatic Robot Library from Siemens. In addition to applications in the automotive industry, its use extends to end-of-line processes, “pick and place” systems, management of packaging and palletizing operations, logistics and much more. Another important benefit is the ability to virtually program Comau robots with the Siemens virtual PLC controller as a single operation. This allows end users and system integrators to refine the programming sequence, download the program on site and start using the robot immediately.

The Comau Next Generation Programming Platform makes the integration of robotics into an existing line or process simple and intuitive, a concept that fully responds to Comau’s vision of making robotics accessible to end users and also reflects its approach. HUMANufacturing that seeks the integration of the work of industrial teams and human operators, safely and with the help of innovative digital technologies.

By removing barriers to automation, Comau is in the best position to help companies of any size and in any industry increase their productivity. It is enough that they use the same Siemens PLC that is already implemented for other applications and all the necessary “intelligence” is instantly transferred from the Siemens library to the robot, without any additional work.

“The successful integration of the Comau robot controller with the Siemens ecosystem reflects the company’s continued commitment to simplify automation,” explained Gaia Salvadore, Robotics and Automation Products Segment Leader. “It is also an important step toward Comau’s vision of easy-to-use robotics.”

“Together with Comau, we are pioneers in bringing to the market the first seamless interface between industrial robotics and our Simatic Robot Library,” said Tobias Fengel, Marketing Manager Robotics & Electronics at Siemens Digital Industries. “In addition to Comau’s industrial automation expertise, this milestone is the result of a long collaboration and will undoubtedly help companies expand the use of our joint technologies.”