Robotiq, a Canadian developer of tools and software for collaborative robots, launched a screwdriving solution to give manufacturers consistent screwdriving around the clock. It provides precision fastening to torques of 1 to 4 Nm and has error-proofing features for uninterrupted screwdriving, such as screw presence detection, torque control, and position monitoring.

Robotiq has been a pioneer in the UR+ ecosystem from Universal Robots, the world’s leading cobot arm developer. Robotiq’s new screwdriving solution includes URCap software that lets users program many different screw fastening processes in just a few minutes. Robotiq said the URCap simplifies programming because it automates the force- sensing capabilities, as well as the communication between the screwdriver, screw feeder, robot, and vacuum technology.

“Getting separate components to communicate together is a complex task for the end-user, so making it seamless was our top priority” said Catherine Leclerc, product owner at Robotiq. “The patented screw feeder will also resonate with the cobot market because it’s entirely adaptable. Within one minute, you can adjust the feeder to fit another type of screw and you’re good to go.”

“Screwdriving is a dull and repetitive task that often leads to fastening inconsistencies and stress injuries,” said Leclerc. “Lots of manufacturers want to automate this application, but can’t find a solution that works for today’s manufacturing reality: one where products are constantly evolving and manufactured in small, high-mix batches.”

In simple small-screw assemblies, Robotiq said its new system enables five-minute changeovers, so manufacturers can produce multiple products per assembly line. Robotiq said the system can be deployed within two weeks.

“While it’s fairly easy to fasten small screws manually, it’s much harder to automate,” said Jean-Philippe Jobin, CTO and co-founder at Robotiq. We’ve managed to simplify that process for the end user. After a pandemic year and the resulting changes, this is the perfect time to introduce a solution that will help factories automate better and faster, elevate their workforces, and free human hands from repetitive tasks.”

Robotiq in October 2020 introduced a bin picking system for locating, picking, handling, and placing flat and cylindrical parts. This system is also compatible with cobots from Universal Robots. Founded in 2008, Robotiq raised its first funding round, about $23.1 million, in December 2018.

OnRobot, a Danish developer of end of arm tools, launched in mid-2020 a similar screwdriving solution.