Comau debuts SmartReach, TPX Robot Teach Pendant, and in.Grid

Comau last week announced the worldwide launch of SmartReach Comau, its new TPX Robot Teach Pendant, and its new in.Grid digital platform, all for ease of use. The company made the announcements at BI-MU, an Italian exhibition for metalworking, machine tools, robots, automation systems, and additive manufacturing.

“As an Italian company and worldwide leader in designing flexible and versatile automation that increases efficiency and optimizes productivity, 34.BI-MU is the ideal backdrop to unveil our newest technologies,” stated Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau.

“Our comprehensive solutions portfolio allows us to offer innovative and flexible solutions to customers operating in a wide range of markets,” he added. “In particular, the products we’ve launched here at BI-MU are designed to support multiple industries where automation is experiencing double-digit growth.”

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Founded in 1973, Comau specializes in industrial automation and advanced robotics. The Turin, Italy-based company also supplies collaborative robots, wearables, vision-based systems, and software.

In July, Stellantis NV, Comau’s former owner, signed a binding agreement in which One Equity Partners will make a majority investment in Comau S.p.A. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the private transaction, which they said they expect to close by the end of 2024.

New products promise optimization, efficiency

SmartReach Comau is a system that combines the precision of a machine tool with the agility of five-axis articulation, according to Comau. Its modular design allows the system to realize six-sided machining in only one clamping, boosting overall equipment efficiency while reducing time and costs.

Next, the TPX Robot Teach Pendant has a touchscreen display, an intuitive interface, and virtual simulation tools. The company said they can transform how users maneuver, program, and monitor robots. The teach pendant includes features for 3D application and path simulation. 

The in.Grid digital platform, on the other hand, is an equipment-agnostic, real-time monitoring system. With it, customers can use advanced tracking capabilities to monitor critical key performance indicators (KPIs), including equipment effectiveness, production rates, and downtime.

“Our comprehensive reporting tools facilitate informed decision-making,” claimed Comau.

The company asserted that by letting companies track performance, identify bottlenecks, and pinpoint areas for improvement, it gives them actionable insights to optimize productivity.

Comau shows other technologies

Comau also demonstrated its new generation of water- and dust-resistant small robots, the SFamily. It is designed to deliver precision, speed, and reliability across a wide range of general industry applications, including welding and handling.

In addition, the company exhibited its MI.RA/Picker, a standard system for automated random bin-picking tasks. Created to handle bins filled with single-type objects, MI.RA/Picker can eliminate manual, repetitive tasks, significantly increasing productivity and cost efficiency.

Comau’s MATE-XT and MATE-XB wearable exoskeletons are designed to help reduce biomechanical loads on the upper and lower back, improve ergonomics, and lower worker fatigue.

The company said that its technology portfolio is designed to deliver high performance without compromising environmental sustainability. This includes smart, scalable systems that are engineered for maximum versatility and adaptability, and intuitive-based control paradigms to address the increasing shortage of skilled labor and robotic engineers.

Comau said its strategy extends to dedicated expertise in retooling and repurposing existing lines and equipment to increase manufacturing efficiency and flexibility. For instance, Comau recently designed a fully automated assembly line to produce pickup trucks at the JMC Ford Xiaolan Plant in Shanghai.