HERMLE expands its automation portfolio:

Robotersystem RS 1 jetzt in GEN2 Ausführung

With the transfer of the robot system RS 1 to the GEN2 platform, Maschinenfabrik Berthold HERMLE AG is consistently expanding its automation portfolio. Following the RS 2, the compact RS 1 has now also been brought up to the latest technical standards.

The system is designed specifically for users involved in high-variety manufacturing who face increasing demands in terms of unattended operating times, flexibility and process reliability.

Combined cell for pallet and workpiece automation

The RS 1 GEN2 is designed as an integrated automation cell for handling pallets, workpiece carriers and individual parts. The focus is on flexible use across a range of manufacturing scenarios – from single-part production through to small and medium-sized production runs.

A defining feature is the combination of:

automated pallet handling

integrated parts handling

setup during production

High system availability is achieved through automatic gripper and clamping device changes, as well as the ability to implement different machining strategies in parallel.

The HERMLE RS 1 GEN2 robot system with two adapted C 32 five-axis machining centres

Scalable system architecture

A key feature of the RS 1 GEN2 is its modular and scalable architecture. The system can:

be operated with one or two machines
be upgraded at a later date from single-machine to dual-machine operation
be supplemented with additional peripherals such as rack modules, measuring machines, washing equipment or AGV systems

It can be connected to various HERMLE machining centres, enabling flexible cell configurations to be implemented.

Compact design with excellent accessibility

With a footprint of approx. 12 m² (4.25 x 3.00 m), the RS 1 GEN2 is one of the most compact solutions in its class. Despite the small footprint, access to the working areas of the machine remains completely unobstructed – in both single-machine and dual-machine operation.

The almost entirely glazed safety enclosure improves visibility of the process while also supporting the safety concept during manual interventions.

Centralised handling system with a high load capacity

At the heart of the system is a centrally positioned 6-axis robot which has a maximum load capacity of 60 kg. Thanks to its positioning on the system platform, it reaches all the relevant stations:

Machine working areas (up to two)
Rack modules
Setup stations
Transfer stations

This enables short travel distances, high dynamics and stable cycle times.

Smart rack system with dynamic assignment

The rack system is based on a software-supported, adaptive storage strategy. Workpieces and pallets are sorted automatically and in a space-optimised manner without any fixed assignment (“chaotic storage”).

The advantages:

maximum use of the available storage space
reduced setup times
no manual rack configuration

The number of available rack modules is adapted to the specific system configuration.

Integrated measurement technology for reliable loading

The setup station system is fitted with a laser monitoring system which checks the height and width of workpieces before they are stored. This ensures that only validated components enter the automated material flow.

At the same time, the control identifies available storage capacity and, for every active transport operation, checks whether there might be a more suitable storage location.

A wide range of gripper and clamping systems

An extensive portfolio is available to accommodate different component geometries and manufacturing strategies:

Electric gripper ELRG
Standard and hybrid grippers
Single and double grippers
NSR grippers for pallets up to 60 kg
Automatic clamping jaw change for vises

This makes it possible to combine both pallet and single-part processes within one cell – even in parallel on separate machines.

Adaptive control software

The system control handles the complete coordination of the processes:

Order management
Material flow control
Status monitoring
Dynamic prioritisation

In the event of faults, such as a tool breakage, the system implements automatic contingency strategies and continues with alternative machining jobs. An integrated preview helps the operator to plan several days ahead.

The result: High flexibility in a minimal space

With the RS 1 GEN2, HERMLE is launching a compact, highly modular automation solution for demanding manufacturing environments. Particularly worth highlighting are:

high flexibility when components change
scalable machine connection
smart storage and control concept
compact design with full functionality

The system is therefore specifically designed for companies which need to automate their production cost-effectively while at the same time responding flexibly to changing requirements.