[Case Study] Connection Solutions for Smart Factories

basic information

【CombiTac Required Specifications】 - Data communication (Ethernet) - Power supply - M2M communication signals - Compressed air for air compressors - Durability for high connection cycles - Automatic connection alignment mechanism - High quality

Price range

Delivery Time

Applications/Examples of results

In the connector configuration, connections for data transfer, signals for man-to-machine communication used in controller panels, compressed air used in air clamps, and power supply are required. The Smart Cube is equipped with a plate that has two large guides on the left and right sides, and two mechanisms that automatically draw in and connect adjacent cubes. Therefore, the connector needs to be not only robust, safe, and reliable but also requires alignment mechanisms. Furthermore, manual bulk insertion and extraction via the housing allows the Smart Cube to interconnect very quickly, linking all devices at once. Connectors with the same configuration can be made compatible with manual insertion and extraction using lever locks in the housing. Comment from Mr. Chan, Project Manager at KOSF: "I appreciate the support from the Stäubli staff and their dedication to our project. The modularity, robustness, and reliability of the CombiTac solution are ideal for the interconnection of the Smart Cube."

Detailed information

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  The Smart Cube is a modular block that performs individual dedicated tasks in automated manufacturing processes, including quality inspections that involve performance evaluation tests of individual parts, assembly by robots, and packaging. Each Smart Cube operates independently, executing different specialized tasks. These elements contribute to the construction of a smart factory, allowing for simulation and modeling of the entire manufacturing process, which optimizes manufacturing costs and time based on prior analysis. The mobile Smart Cubes are equipped with wheels, enabling them to be linked individually between each other to build an entire production line.

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  To build the production line, the smart cubes are remotely navigated and automatically connected. Therefore, the connection points need to be robust and withstand many connection cycles. The connector configuration requires connections for data transfer, signals for man-to-machine communication used in controller panels, compressed air used in air clamps, and power supply connections.

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  The Smart Cube is equipped with a plate that has two large guides on the left and right sides, and two mechanisms that automatically draw in and connect adjacent cubes. Therefore, the connector not only needs to be robust, safe, and reliable, but also requires an alignment mechanism.

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  Furthermore, with manual bulk insertion and removal using the housing, the smart cube can be interconnected very quickly, allowing all devices to be linked at once. The same configuration of connectors can be made compatible with manual insertion and removal using lever locks in the housing.

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  KOSF is a coalition by the South Korean government that develops solutions in the fields of industrial machinery and process automation. Its main role is to support small and medium-sized enterprises that find it difficult to design smart factory solutions on their own. The goal is to advance the concept of Industry 4.0, improve the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises, and establish a foothold in the market. Comments from Chan, the project manager of KOSF: "We appreciate the support from the Stäubli staff and their dedication to our project. The modularity, robustness, and reliability of the CombiTac solution are ideal for the interconnectivity of smart cubes."