The Rise of the Robots & Industry 4.0

Working alongside the team on stand D980 will be the collaborative robots from Universal Robots. Lightweight and easy to programme, the six-axis robot arms are affordable solutions that operate safely without guarding.

An Omron delta robot will feature as part of a complete automation and control solution, picking product at high speed from a conveyor. The delta robot can achieve up to 200 cycles per minute and can be synchronised with multiple conveyors to perform on-the-fly pick and place operations.

Of all the emerging robotics technologies, mobile robots are being hailed the single biggest tend for the future. X-STK will be sending an Adept Lynx AIV (Autonomous Indoor Vehicle) out to explore the aisles of the Drives and Controls Show. The Lynx is designed to move goods around challenging environments, intelligently navigating around people and unplanned obstacles.

With the three robots, X-STK will demonstrate different ways the human and robot workforce can work seamlessly together, improving efficiency and quality and lowering costs. Also on display on this stand will be the MayTec range of aluminium profile and pipe and joint systems used to build machine frames, guards and factory equipment.

X-STK|Applied Automation Managing Director David Rowe said: “We’re really excited about our first appearance at Drives and Controls. The Robotics Zone will be a great opportunity for visitors to see how the sector is evolving. The collaborative robots from Universal Robots are proving hugely popular and we’re expecting a lot of interest in them.”

On stand D180, X-STK|Applied Automation will be focusing on communication and Industry 4.0 with Secomea, a leading secure remote access solution for industrial equipment. Visitors will be able to experience Secomea with a live demo, showcasing the control and monitoring of remote devices.

Used for remote programming, monitoring, data logging and infrastructure, Secomea offers state-of-the-art security and takes just 15 minutes to set up. The solution and components are now Industry 4.0 certified so industrial equipment can be future proofed ready for what is being hailed the fourth industrial revolution.

Machine builders and system integrators around the world use Secomea as a means of access to a whole host of remote devices including PLCs, HMIs, drives, I/O blocks, even USB and serial devices. There is no real IT skill requirement, no need for a VPN, a fixed IP address or open ports in firewalls that would worry IT departments. It works over the internet or a mobile network and will satisfy demands for increasing interconnectivity as manufacturers embrace the new digital era.

X-STK|Applied Automation is continuing to expand its product range, building on well-established strategic alliances and long standing partnerships with global brands including Omron and SMC. The team of experts will be staffing both stands with information about the broad range of products held in stock and the services on offer including specification support, application trials and training.