In light of the current skills gap and employment shortage, cobots are playing a vital role in manufacturing operations now more than ever since manufacturers are having to think outside the box to maintain productivity.

[LORAIN, OH - June 2022] Absolute Machine Tools together with Productive Robotics will exhibit their entire lineup of collaborative robots in booth #338519 in the South building at IMTS 2022. To give attendees a better understanding of just how easy it is to use and integrate these robots into their manufacturing processes, there will be an area designated for "free play", allowing attendees to get hands-on experience with how simple and safe these collaborative robots really are. Maximizing the safety, convenience, and productivity provided by collaborative robot (cobot) technology, the four different OB7 cobots in the series are engineered to handle a variety of payloads and sizes while accomplishing simple to complex tasks. In light of the current skills gap and employment shortage, cobots are playing a vital role in manufacturing operations now more than ever since manufacturers are having to think outside the box to maintain productivity.

Fully compliant with ISO 102018-1 industrial robot safety requirements, OB7 cobots can perform operations ranging from machine tending, deburring, applying adhesives, painting, welding, and assembly without the need for expensive space inhibiting fencing to isolate them from human coworkers. To facilitate application, these cobots are built with a true 7th axis inside the unit's arm, rather than 6 axes. Most cobots on the market today are built with only 6 axes or include rails or other accessories to claim a seventh axis. The 7th axis on an OB7 is built-in and true and allows the cobot to be positioned at the side of the machine door, so as to not block operator access to the work envelope for changing things like tooling or inserts. Also, this eliminates the need to move the robot and have to re- determine the proper pick or way points again, which saves time and money.

Because OB7 collaborative robots are programmed on a "teach" platform, they require no coding or programming. Any shop personnel can teach the cobot new tasks by simply manually moving the arm of the cobot and dragging and dropping tiles on the control tablet interface. Pre-programmed tiles are also readily available in the OB7 tablet, and custom job functions for complex or repetitive tasks can be created and then labeled and saved for future recall. The OB7's computer controls all axis joints and components, and network ports are locked to prevent unauthorized access. A rolling stand with integrated casters enhances portability and usability, and an assembly table on the stand provides a work surface for stacking blanks and collecting finished parts, allowing for constant and continuous production of product.

OB7 CNC Packages come equipped with a standard end-effector or end-of-arm single parallel gripper which can be applied in hundreds of production applications. An adapter plate can be added with a second parallel gripper providing for dual gripping for fast finished parts and new material changes. OB7 cobots are also compatible with most end-effectors and end of arm tooling attachments. Users can adjust gripping force, speed, and opening position manually or automatically through the tablet. Collaborative capability can be adjusted to fit specific production situations. When running at safe speeds, no guarding is required. To operate at higher speeds and prevent collisions, an optional laser safety scanner is available that has a 270˚ detection range and maintains a 5 m protection zone and a warning zone of 20 m.

Ongoing software updates enhance the cobots' connectivity, expedite efficient integration with other equipment, and facilitate real-time status monitoring with email and text alerts. Productive Robotics cobots are made in the U.S.A. allowing users to benefit from fast, reliable technical support and services. "Productive Robotics products, such as this OB7 line of cobots, support Absolute Machine Tools' commitment to providing affordable easy-to-use automation solutions to all sizes of manufacturers and allows for the ability to upskill the workforce they currently employ. OB7 removes the need for continuing repetitive tasks that often harm shop employees or make them get tired of the job they are doing. Instead, OB7 allows these employees to perform other more valuable added tasks and responsibilities that give them pride in the work they do. Everyone knows that finding employees is difficult, so manufacturers truly need to consider improving the skills of those employees already loyal and working hard, allowing them to increase their pay and self-worth, so why not give them the tools to do so, and I believe implementing an OB7 collaborative robot is a good place to start." said Courtney Ortner, director of marketing for Absolute Machine Tools' A+ Automation Team.

To see more simple affordable automation solutions, visit Absolute Machine Tools' Booth #338519 at IMTS 2022. For more information about Productive Robotics OB7 Collaborative Robots visit https://absolutemachine.com/product/ob7-cobot/.
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About Absolute Machine Tools, Inc.
Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. sells and supports Mitsubishi Electric Automation Robots, Productive Robotics Cobots and Robots, FANUC America Corporation; Johnford Bridge & Gantry Mills; You Ji Vertical Turret Lathes; Seiki Mill/Drill/Tap Centers; QuickTECH Multi-Axis Multi-Spindle Mill/Turn Centers; LICO Multi-Slide CNC Screw Machines and Twin Spindle Multi-Slide Mill/Turn Centers; Nexturn Swiss-type Lathes; AccuteX Wire EDM and Die Sinker Machines; and Precihole Deep Hole Drilling and Hole Finishing Machines.

The company has worked with several of its principal machine tool partners for over 25 years to offer some of the most heavy-duty, accurate, and productive machines in the industry. Absolute is an authorized FANUC America Corporation Systems Integrator and a Mitsubishi Electric Automation Diamond Partner.

Absolute Machine Tools has built its reputation on exemplary applications engineering, service, customer support, comprehensive training, and effective preventive-maintenance programs. In addition to its headquarters in Lorain, Ohio, the company has established direct full-service technical centers in Mason, Ohio and Livonia, Michigan. For more information, contact Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. at 800-852-7825 or www.absolutemachine.com.