Automate 2025: New Tooling Solutions That Support Safety and Automation
Add three more new products to the bourgeoning lineup of manufacturing automation and tooling systems attendees could scope out at Automate 2025.
1. A Modular Track System Fitted with Air Bearings
OEMs, system integrators and machine builders turn to Güdel Inc. for linear motion modules, robot track motion units and gantry robots. When push comes to shove, the company is able to meet a challenge with application-specific solutions. When an integrator approached the company to come up with a way to move a precision paint robot in and out of its position without installing embedded tracks in the floor, Güdel engineers proposed a modular track system fitted with air bearings. The track would allow the paint robot to be maneuvered in and out of the work cell, explained Brenda Courim, head of Sales, Güdel Inc.
READ MORE: Aerospace & Defense: Developing Autonomous Robotics Refueling Capabilities
The air bearing solution uses just 5 psi to levitate the TMF-4B track—which weighs 3,800 lb—half an inch above ground. Güdel, which is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., also stated that the solution was initially developed for aircraft painting applications, eliminating the need for cranes, high payload forklifts or embedded rails.
2. Collision-free Robot Motion Planning
The need for efficient problem solving surfaced once again as a prominent design demand in product offerings at Automate 2025. One area that’s constantly in need of improvement is robot path planning, which can be both a complex and time-consuming process.
Manually validating the mechanical design, planning robot paths, determining sequencing to hit optimal cycle time targets and defining those interlocks can take over 100,000 hours for a single project, noted Realtime Robotics.
READ MORE: New Product Launches at Automate 2025
Their solution Resolver, a cloud-based simulation solution, was engineered to accelerate the design, deployment and optimization of robotic workcells. It functions to deliver collision-free robot motion planning by quickly generating optimal, collision-free motion paths and interlock signals in minutes. The company stated that the solution promises reduced workcell cycle times and an overall increase in throughput.
Realtime Robotics noted in its press release that Resolver tests potential robot paths and sequencing solutions faster than any human programmer or modern computer could. “Organizations will automatically discover the fastest target order—accelerating workcell design from months to days—all while decreasing engineering effort by 50%,” noted Realtime Robotics.
Watch this video to see how it works:
3. IO-Link Safety Enables Communication at Field Level
Pilz highlighted its range of functional safety, industrial security and intelligent access control solutions at Automate 2025.
Pilz is one of the first suppliers to offer a comprehensive IO-Link Safety system. The company introduced a future-ready solution for safe, point-to-point communication between sensors and masters. According to Pilz, the IO-Link Safety Master PDP67 IOLS was developed for harsh industrial environments (IP67), supports seamless integration of safe and non-safe devices into modular machine architectures.
By using open standards and ensuring interoperability across manufacturers, IO-Link Safety is touted for:
- Reducing wiring complexity and system setup time
- Enabling device replacement without reparameterization
- Improving diagnostic transparency, reducing unplanned downtime
In addition, Pilz highlighted its modular access authorization system PITmode fusion, which allows machine manufacturers to implement secure, role-based access control. Using RFID transponder keys, users are assigned specific permissions based on their role and qualifications. With encrypted communication and tamper-proof data handling, PITmode fusion contributes to the industrial security strategy of any smart factory, stated Pilz in its press note. The solution is compliant with key standards including ISO 13849 and IEC 61508.
