K 2013: WITTMANN launches advanced version of its robot series

At the K 2013 trade fair, WITTMANN is presenting the W8 pro generation of robots, the advanced version of the W8 robot series which has already proven itself thousands of times over. The professional public in Düsseldorf will have the chance to see the first model series of this new generation, the model W833 pro. More than that, the functional scope of the powerful R8 IPC robot control system has been expanded that is now presented in the version R8.3.

The development work for the new generation of robots began with the question of how to further improve what was already essentially a mature and thoroughly proven range of equipment. In order to identify the remaining development potential, a holistic study was undertaken to examine all of the processes – namely procurement, installation, programming, energy input and service – which could be more efficiently designed to the customers’ benefit.

The improvement suggestions which resulted from that study were compiled into technical specifications and formed the basis for the recently completed advanced development of the WITTMANN robots.

Those technical specifications placed top priority on the modularity of the robot mechanics and of the drive and control system architecture – including the software. With such a vast range of applications and axis combinations, it takes a well-conceived modular construction to achieve an optimum price-performance ratio.

Consistent application of lightweight construction technology for the axes in combination with the drive concept WITTMANN developed especially for linear robots make the models of the W8 pro series extremely dynamic while maintaining extraordinarily low energy consumption at the same time. The resulting minimal use of moving lines for energy transmission and interconnection further extends the service life of the equipment.

Holding brakes with an automatic test function are built into all of the main axes as standard equipment, thereby allowing electrical power consumption to drop almost to zero and further increasing safety while the robot is at rest.

The R8 control system with its powerful IPC integrated into the unit and the WITTMANN R8.3 software with enhanced features give users access not only to the proven WITTMANN user interface and innovative functions such as Smart Removal and EcoMode, but also a whole series of useful new tools. They make it easy to formulate process adjustments and permit direct control of peripheral units from the robot control system.

The advanced design underscores the outstanding characteristics of the new WITTMANN W8 pro robot series also with the visual impression that the equipment makes. And the signal lamps integrated into the device give the user instantaneous information about the status of the production unit.