AIMS features robotic technology with AutoFetch
ANCA has been providing a wide range of automation solutions for many years. One of the recent offerings in this space is the ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System or AIMS for short. AIMS is an ecosystem of individual modules – or building blocks - which could be configured to build a tailored automated tool manufacturing system. Modularity and flexibility mean that it caters to both small and large enterprise type manufacturers. The system could be designed to be very simple, using a trolley for manual pallet and tool transfer with basic ERP connectivity. It could also be a complex, fully autonomous production solution which requires minimal human intervention.
One of the most noticeable components of a fully automated AIMS cell is AutoFetch – the AMR robot responsible for transferring pallets between the setting station called AutoSet, to the tool grinder. It also automatically transfers single tools for spot check measurements outside of the grinder. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of traffic and the AutoFetch can get very busy. An AIMS cell is typically configured within a footprint of the existing factory with adjoining areas where standard, manual operations are taking place. The company says it is a great flexibility feature but also raises many questions about how autonomous operation can function alongside the traditional production plant with frequent foot traffic.
AutoFetch AMR is designed to safely operate in a factory environment where people are present. The AMR moves from one station to another using an optimized route, and it constantly scans the immediate area for unexpected objects. When an object is detected, the AutoFetch will stop and navigate around it. An array of sensors - laser scanners, 3D cameras and proximity sensors - are used for this purpose.
