WEBER Know-How Robotic & Automation

Why did we start with the theme of Automation?

This innovative concept emerged from the feedback of numerous customers within the Sanding/Grinding Technology sector of Weber, who expressed an urgent need for an automation solution that didn't require expertise in robotics or programming. Numerous clients scoured the market in search of this solution but found it elusive, unable to pinpoint the exact offering they required.

In response, WEBER launched its Robotics and Automation division in 2019, aiming to fill this gap and offer a widely accessible solution. Far from being a finished product, this initiative is a work in progress. The dedicated team behind this new division is tirelessly refining and advancing their initial concepts day by day, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Currently, businesses engaged in manufacturing are burdened with the high labor costs associated with operating machinery. This includes not only salaries but also additional expenses related to employee benefits, such as vacation and sick leave, as well as the costs incurred during periods of downtime. Moreover, the challenge of finding and retaining skilled labor only compounds these issues, making the adoption of automation an increasingly attractive solution for companies striving to overcome these operational hurdles.

Typical automation systems demand that every new or unfamiliar component be individually programmed. This process not only requires a workforce with specialized skills but also consumes a considerable amount of time. The manual nature of this task introduces a high probability of errors, rendering the automation process less efficient by failing to adhere to cycle times and resulting in productivity losses.

The WEBER automation solution stands apart - thanks to its intelligent, automated operations that eliminate the need for any robotic expertise!

The handling system is engineered with essential components: an industrial robot, an optical recognition system, and a belt conveyor. Together, these elements pinpoint and categorize the incoming workpieces. Through the optical recognition system, parts are efficiently programmed into the system and securely placed onto a Euro pallet. This innovative process is a proprietary method developed and patented by WEBER.

Through the user-friendly HMI touch panel interface, operators can effortlessly initiate teach mode and keep tabs on the ongoing operation. The system is designed to intuitively identify the workpieces' grip points, eliminating the need for operators to have any programming or robotics expertise. For added versatility, the system is equipped with interchangeable end of arm tooling, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of workpiece sizes.

To find out more about our approach to the challenge of handling workpieces with small batch sizes and a high number of variants contact our partners at Heritage Machinery, the WEBER experts at .