Robotiq, a provider of tools and software for collaborative robotics (cobots), has added new functionalities to its Finishing Copilot software. Designed for companies with polishing or sanding processes, the software’s new weaving motion and variable trajectory planning enable cobots to adjust their own path. This means cobots can finish a family of parts without the operator having to adapt the program.

Robotiq’s Finishing Copilot software was designed for Universal Robots’ lineup of cobots. It allows operators to use their preferred orbital tool as it’s compatible with over 20 tools from leading brands.

“Manufacturers have invested time in refining their finishing process, right down to determining which tool results in the perfect finish for their products,” said Michel Beauchemin, Product Owner for Finishing Applications at Robotiq. “We developed Finishing Copilot and the Surface Finishing Kit with our customers’ process and requirements in mind.”

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“Our new application kit is compatible with over 20 finishing tools, while the simple teaching method of the Finishing Copilot’s updated software functionalities provide an efficient finishing solution for products of different sizes and materials like wood, plastic, metal, and more.”

Robotiq said the new iteration of the Finishing Copilot software is also included in its Sanding Kit, which was introduced at Automate 2019. At the time it was introduced, it was the only hardware and software sanding solution for Universal Robots. It was also Robotiq’s first application-specific package.

“The Finishing Copilot integrates seamlessly with Universal Robots’ collaborative robot arms,” said Joe Campbell, Senior Manager of Application Development at Universal Robots. “We’re excited to add this to our UR+ platform of certified plug-and-play products for UR cobots and expect great market traction. This is a solution that expertly addresses manufacturers’ polishing and sanding challenges while also offering compatibility with the orbital tools they are already familiar with.”