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Machining automation: robots, pallets, FMS and AMR
More spindle hours without an operator: pallet changers and pallet storage systems, robotic cells, flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR). We help you choose the level of automation that suits your part, batch size and shift pattern.
Robotic cells
A robot that loads and unloads parts
A 6-axis robot feeds the machine with raw parts from drawers and removes finished ones, without stopping machining. It is the most direct way to produce batches of parts unmanned over full shifts.
- Compact cells with a 12 kg FANUC robot and up to 9 drawers, with no robot programming required (no teach-in)
- Platform-based cells for parts and pallets with up to 270 kg robot payload, with optional deburring, cleaning, measuring or marking stations
- Unmanned production over several days with high-capacity drawers
Examples: GROB GRC-R12, GRC-R60, GRC-R150 and GRC-R240 (FANUC robot as standard; KUKA or ABB optional).
Pallet systems
Pallet changers and pallet storage
While the machine is cutting one part, the next one is clamped outside on another pallet. A pallet storage system takes this idea further: the machine picks up prepared pallets and can run all night on different parts.
- 2-pallet changer integrated in the machine: the first step and the basis for expansion
- Compact rotary storage with up to 20 pallets and high-density towers with up to 81 positions
- High-capacity rotary and linear storage on 2 or 3 levels, linking up to five machining centres
Examples: GROB PSS-R300, PSS-T300, PSS-R450/R900/R1800 and PSS-L450 to L2700.
FMS and lines
Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and turnkey lines
For multi-machine production: a custom project automates the flow of parts and tools between machining centres, with high-rack pallet storage, loading stations and a central tool store.
- Several machines sharing pallets and tools under a single control
- Central gantry tool store with up to 1,000 positions in the manufacturer's examples
- ERP/MES integration to plan orders and tool requirements
Manufacturer's example: 3 machines, 90 pallet positions and 3 loading stations.
Mobile robots (AMR)
Autonomous mobile robots to move pallets and tools
An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) transports pallets and tool trolleys between storage systems, setup stations and machines without human intervention. It can be added later to existing rotary storage systems.
- Transport of pallets and tool trolleys (up to 16 tools per trolley)
- Links storage, setup stations and machines without conveyors or fixed guides
- Retrofit to a cell already in operation
Example: GROB GMR, autonomous mobile robot.
Tools and software
Tool magazines and cell control
Machining many different parts unmanned requires plenty of tools and software to organise the orders. Additional magazines extend the machine to more than 500 tools, and the software plans, monitors and sends an alert to your phone if anything stops.
- Additional HSK-A63 and HSK-A100 tool magazines, loaded while machining continues
- Cell software with ERP/MES connection, program distribution and tool planning
- Push or email alerts and automatic error handling so no production is lost
Examples: GROB TM200 to TM373 and GROB4Automation.
When does automation pay off?
Frequently asked questions about automation
What is a robotic machining cell?
It is a machining centre with an added robot that loads raw parts and unloads finished ones from drawers or pallets, so the machine runs unmanned over full shifts. Compact cells require no robot programming; larger ones also handle pallets.
What is an FMS (flexible manufacturing system)?
An FMS links several machines to a shared pallet and tool store, controlled by software that allocates the jobs. It allows different parts to be produced in any order without manual intervention, and it can grow by adding machines to the system.
What is an AMR in a machine shop?
An AMR is an autonomous mobile robot that transports pallets or tool trolleys between storage, setup stations and machines without fixed guides. It replaces manual transport and makes it possible to link several automated cells.
Which is better: a robot or a pallet storage system?
It depends on the part: a robot is ideal for batches of small or medium parts that fit in drawers; pallet storage suits parts that need fixture clamping or a wide variety of part numbers. Many installations combine both.
Can a machine that is already installed be automated?
It depends on the model: some machines can be retrofitted with a pallet changer or pallet storage, a robot or an AMR. The most effective approach is to plan for it at the time of purchase. We will study your case using the part drawing, batch size and the shifts you want to cover.