Sam Thomason compares bolt-on cobots versus gantry loaders for CNC automation. Gantry systems like the Takamas XT6 win on speed, rigidity, and floor space for new projects, while cobots work better for legacy machines that need complex part handling.
Everybody, this is Sam the Robot man and today I'd like to have a bit of a chat about bolt on robotics versus integrated gantry robotics. So you can probably see in the video beside me there's a cobot cell that I set up back for IMTS in 2018 where I hooked a UR5 robot up to one of our manual load GSL 10 lathes. And this is a great example of a fantastic way to automate a machine that didn't have pre existing automation features. But like anything in life and with any tool, there is no one tool that's better than them all. It's all about context. It's all about having the right tool for the job. So I'd like to talk a little bit about where gantry robotics come in.
If you're automating a lathe without a loading system system like my GSL from the last video, or dealing with parts that need to do a pirouette just to get into the chuck, then yes, bolt on robot makes lots of sense. But for everything else, a gantry system is almost always faster, easier to maintain and quicker to change over, especially when running families of similar parts. Takamas have perfected this on machines like the XT6. You see here. The gantry loaders part pickup and drop off locations are tightly optimized, reducing travel time. Plus it uses only the axes you actually need, giving you better rigidity and far greater repeatability as well as much better speed. That's a huge deal when loading into collets or diaphragm chucks with minimal stroke. And trust me, aligning two axes is way easier than coordinating six. And it's not just about performance. Changeover is also smoother. There's no robot in your way when you open the door to swap inserts. And if you've ever tried reaching around a pedestal mounted arm to access a turret, well, you'll know it's not much fun. Then there's the floor space aspect. A built in gantry takes up far less room than a bolt on robot with fencing or safety scanners. So bolt on is great for legacy machines or complex part handling. But if you're specing out new automation, start with gantries first. I'm Sam the Robot man and I'll see you in the next episode for more automation insights. Thanks. And hey, before you go, mark this in your calendar. Next week on Wednesday, May 14th at 10:30am CST US Time Central Time, I'll be taking a live tour of the Takamas factory where I used to work in Hakusan City, Japan. Don't miss this chance to see Japanese CNC Automation in Action. Sign up for free from the link in the description. I'm Sam the Robot man and I'll see you in the next episode.
