Teradyne and Siemens Deliver a Manufacturing-Focused Showcase at MxD

Teradyne Robotics (TR), part of Teradyne Inc., is teaming up with the multinational technology giant Siemens AG (Siemens) to bring the future of AI-driven automation solutions in manufacturing to life before MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) showcase attendees. MxD is a research and innovation hub (based in Chicago, IL) that provides industry partners with a 22,000-square-foot factory floor for testing and evaluating the latest digital manufacturing technologies and cybersecurity solutions. MxD works alongside the U.S. Department of Defense and a network of industry partners to advance U.S. manufacturing.

The Siemens Digital Enterprise Center at MxD will showcase the latest digital manufacturing technologies alongside Teradyne company cobot technologies in a real-world factory line setup. Image used courtesy of Siemens

Showcasing the Latest Technologies

The Siemens Digital Enterprise Experience Center at MxD is already a scintillating showground of its digital software competencies, bringing together multimedia and (as many as 20) live software systems. The process automation testbed provides a unique window into the virtual factory with digital twin technology, process, predictive maintenance, and augmented reality applications. Siemens is a founding member of MxD and focuses on the digital transformation of industries, supported by AI-based automation and robotics solutions.

TR companies MiR and Universal Robots will collaborate with Siemens, showcasing their innovative automated cobot technologies, including new generation cobots (UR20, UR30, and a MiR 250) and a mobile robot. The companies intend to replicate a real-world factory line that showcases the robotic solutions, allowing customers and partners across industries (such as aerospace, consumer-packaged goods, automotive, medical, semiconductor, and more) to gain first-hand insights into the benefits of onboarding automated technologies.

MxD provides an innovation testbed for the latest technologies and solutions in evolving process industries. Video used courtesy of MxD

In a previous article from Control Automation, we ran through some of the UR20’s key features and capabilities, including its adaptable end-of-arm tools (EOATs) for machine handling applications. Machine operators can add suction cups, grippers, or other tailored tooling to accommodate product and package handling (of various sizes and types) and welding (such as spot, metal inert gas, and Tungsten inert gas). The UR20 is designed to aid rapid deployment and is compatible with existing conveyor setups and palletizing systems.

Improving Interoperability

Earlier this year, Universal Robots announced that its software now incorporates PI's Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI). A standardized interface called the SRCI makes communicating easier for automation systems and robots, making controlling and coordinating robot operations more streamlined. This connection aids compliance with the SIMATIC Automation system, which implements the Profinet SRCI standard, enhancing integration and interoperability.

MiR is leveraging the Siemens SIMOVE platform to define a VDA 5050 adapter. VDA 5050 is a standardized communication interface designed to provide autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) agnostic communication with a unified fleet management system. SIMOVE is a modular solution designed to accelerate the deployment of automated mobile applications, including autonomous mobile robots and autonomous guided vehicles. Application areas include material handling, manufacturing line, and logistics center processes. This collaboration is intended to enhance interoperability between MiR robots and other fleet robots commensurate with the SIMOVE system.

In April, Siemens and Universal Robots joined forces to encourage using AI-enabled robotics innovations to revolutionize intralogistics fulfillment. Effective robotic picking is made possible by the partnership between UR's cobots and Siemens' SIMATIC Robot Pick AI vision technology, which addresses labor shortages and growing operating expenses.