Robotic CNC Machine Tending

Improve CNC machine productivity with collaborative robots

CNC machining applications such as cutting, routing, grinding, and milling are repetitive and potentially dangerous for human workers, due to accidental or repetitive injuries. Collaborative robot arms quickly, accurately, and consistently tend CNC machines, hour after hour, day after day, freeing your employees for safer, more valuable activities. Now you can improve CNC machine productivity while reducing the risk of injury associated with humans working in close proximity to heavy machinery

Collaborative CNC robots protect workers and save space

Collaborative robots give you all the advantages of CNC machine automation without the high costs and dedicated production space required by traditional industrial robots. The patented technology of Universal Robots (UR) limits the forces if the robot comes into contact with a person. The robots can also be programmed to operate in reduced mode when a human enters the robot's work area and resume full speed when the person leaves.

Exceptional reliability with Universal Robots

Robotic CNC machine tending is faster and more precise than human workers, and provides exceptional reliability and quality. The minimum rated life for UR cobots is 35,000 hours running with full payload and maximum speed, and replacing a joint can be done in less than one hour. These CNC robot arms can withstand significant environmental impact and changes in temperature.

Advantages of collaborative robots for CNC machine tending applications

  • Fast and easy robot deployment, even for small-volume production and fast change-overs
  • Easy programming with no experience required
  • Re-useable programs for recurrent tasks
  • Can be integrated with vision systems
  • Lightweight for easy redeployment to different machines
  • Safe for side-by-side human interaction with patented force-limiting technology
  • Increased quality, consistency, and production speed
  • Fast payback with none of the traditional robotic costs for programming, set-up, and dedicated work cells

Explore the industry's most popular mid-range cobot, the UR5 >

Explore the UR10 longer-range, heavier-payload cobot >

See how CNC cobots are used in the metals and molding industry >