HMS Networks Simplifies Connecting Robot Accessories to Any Industrial Network

HMS Networks AB, a market-leading provider of solutions in industrial ICT, offers ready-made Anybus products that have proven to be the easiest solution for connecting accessories to factory networks, as discovered by Robot System Products (RSP). Efficient operation of robots requires the use of accessories, and Anybus products from HMS Networks have simplified the process of connecting these accessories to factory networks.

The number of industrial robots operating in factories worldwide continues to rise. To use robots efficiently and maximize productivity, companies attach robot accessories to the robots to enable the robots to perform different tasks. RSP specializes in developing, producing, and installing the required robot accessories. When RSP started to develop a new range of tool changers, they needed to meet their customers’ expectations and provide a tool changer capable of connecting to factory networks. However, developing the required networking technology is a complicated task outside RSP’s expertise. Happily for everyone, RSP found Anybus solutions from HMS. HMS helped embed an Anybus communication interface into the tool changer, enabling connectivity with the factory’s network and allowing RSP to remain focused on making world-leading robot accessories.

Robot system products

RSP specializes in making industrial robot accessories that are used in factories worldwide. “Our strength lies in the specialized knowledge gained from working with industrial robotics for almost 20 years,” explains Henrik Hofström, Marketing Manager, RSP. “This specialized knowledge enables us to make robust, versatile industrial robot accessories that help our customers improve robot flexibility and increase productivity.” One of RSP’s main product ranges is its tool changers. A tool changer is attached to a robot and enables the robot to change the tool quickly and safely.

Challenge

The requirements for a smart and connected industry affect every step in the automation process. So, when RSP was developing its Moduflex series, a new line of tool changers specially designed to carry heavy payloads, they needed to move with the times and provide a modern tool changer that could connect to automation networks. However, developing the required networking technology is neither easy nor what has made RSP a global leader. “We’re experts in robotics, not industrial networking,” explains Mats Thunell, Senior Engineer, RSP. “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’s networking requirements

Robots move freely within the factory, so robot accessories must be as compact and cable-free as possible. To maintain the tool changer’s compact form, RSP preferred to embed the networking technology within the tool changer. RSP also needed a data communication interface that allowed easy and reliable connectivity to any factory system, regardless of the network protocol.

The networking solution

The Anybus CompactCom met all the networking requirements. To maintain the tool changer’s compact size and avoid extra cables, RSP chose the Anybus CompactCom B40. The Anybus CompactCom B40 was attached to the tool changer’s printed circuit board (PCB). There’s a CompactCom for any major Fieldbus or industrial Ethernet, and it’s easy to swap one CompactCom for another CompactCom, enabling RSP to connect to any factory system, regardless of the network protocol. As Hofström observes, this opens the possibility of expanding into new markets. “We’ve started with PROFINET, but we can target new markets as there’s an Anybus CompactCom for all major networks.”

Anybus CompactCom is ready-made and easy to install, reducing the time to market for new products. The award-winning Anybus NP40 industrial network processor ensures that the CompactCom meets demanding performance, reliability, and security requirements. “We would not have been able to develop the Moduflex series this easily without the Anybus CompactCom,” concludes Hofström. “The Anybus CompactCom is a great product. It provides reliable industrial network communication and is easy to use.”

Image Source: HMS Networks AB