New versatile collaborators for manufacturing environments – increasing productivity with collaborative robotics

IEN Europe: Can you briefly introduce our readers to the new D-Bot series, which was first presented at Hannover Messe? What are the highlights?
Mayer-Rosa: The new D-Bot series is our first cobot family. We have developed six different models, each with six axes and weighing from 26 to 85 kg. Depending on the model, payloads weighing from 6 to 30 kg are moved at speeds of up to 200° per second, between 800 and 1800 mm. This allows us to achieve precision and repeatability of ±0.02 mm, and the integration of 24-bit encoders ensures constant performance. With this D-Bot series, we are introducing the next stage in the development of collaborative robotics, adding an important element to our automation portfolio.

But that’s not all. Other advantages include the fact that D-Bots are equipped with a wide range of functions such as Pick & Place, Palletizing, Machine Tending and Welding as “ready-to-use” applications. Furthermore, no special programming knowledge is required – thanks to “Plug & Play”, movement sequences can be defined and command execution described in the blink of an eye. Another advantage is the high level of flexibility in terms of supported interfaces: EtherCAT, CAN Bus, IO Link and Modbus are supported – as is the manufacturer-independent Codesys programming environment, which we use to maximize the performance of the cobots while ensuring maximum variability. Teaching is also easy via drag and drop or via Python, ROS 1 or C++.

IEN Europe: How do you see the new product series in the context of the existing Delta Robotics portfolio?
Mayer-Rosa: With the new D-Bot series, we are not only expanding our portfolio of SCARA and classic industrial robots, but also expanding our product range and at the same time responding to urgent questions from the industry in times of shortage of skilled workers. Our cobots are designed to be used quickly and easily – without the need for in-depth programming knowledge. They are also equipped with safety functions – in the spirit of collaborative robotics – that allow them to work together without the need for light barriers and cages, as is the case with industrial robots. Now, unlike other cobots, we have gone a step further and introduced additional solutions enabling cooperation between humans and machines with our switchable Reflex safety function. Instead of stopping and remaining in position when they encounter resistance, as is usually the case, our D-Bots perform a short counter-movement to provide pressure relief.

IEN Europe: This is a completely internal development, from the ground up. What benefits does Delta expect to gain from this?
Mayer-Rosa: This means that we can offer our customers advice, support and assistance for all their automation needs and we can deliver everything from a single source, both in terms of hardware and software. However, if we look at the market, we quickly realise that the shortage of skilled workers will be one of the most pressing issues of the future. There are few companies that do not complain about a shortage of young talent – while experienced employees are retiring. Market researchers predict an annual growth of 20 percent in the field of collaborative robotics until 2032 – and with our European-manufactured and developed D-Bots, we are delivering a product that fits into our existing portfolio of smart manufacturing for this very market. As a result, we have become an even more interesting solution provider for our customers – and the interest already shown in our new cobots proves that we were right.

IEN Europe: What range of tasks could the new series cover? Are there specific application areas and industrial sectors for which they are particularly suitable?
Mayer-Rosa: With cobots, we are targeting customers from industries and sectors such as automotive and electronics, as well as logistics. D-Bots are not only suitable for machine picking, but also for assembly, packaging and material handling, making them ideal for the classic end user with a machine park. Another advantage is the IP66 certification, which allows for use in industries where conditions can be a bit rough and cleaning with a steam jet is necessary.

Our cobots are designed for collaboration between humans and robotics, as well as for applications requiring high precision and repeatability – this also includes collaboration between several cobots. With D-Bots, we can now offer a more comprehensive range of solutions to meet individual requirements. We are therefore creating enormous synergy potential for our customers and providing them with a comprehensive automation strategy towards the smart factory of the future across our entire product portfolio.

IEN Europe: Delta Electronics is known for its strong commitment to energy efficiency. To what extent does this also apply to the new range of cobots?
Mayer-Rosa: Our goal as a company is to choose the most resource- and energy-efficient approach possible for new products. That is why we also focused on this when developing the D-Bot series and use the most sustainable sources possible for production and materials used. One example is the integration of a conventional tablet as a central control unit and a handy HMI, which is part of our cobot package. It is important to look at the bigger picture: our cobots are an integral part of Delta’s holistic automation portfolio and therefore operate in a sustainable and efficient product environment.

IEN Europe: Looking to the future, what changes do you expect in the field of collaborative robotics, e.g. in terms of payload range or reach?
Mayer-Rosa: Although our presentation and launch of our D-Bots took place only a few months ago, we are of course building on this momentum and are already developing the next generation of cobots to set new standards. While I don’t want to reveal too much just yet to keep the excitement going, it’s worth taking a look at the overall development of collaborative robotics: the market will continue to grow in the future – especially with regard to AI integration. It is therefore all the more important to be aware of the possibilities of this technology today.

If we look at your chosen payload and reach areas, for example, we have already achieved a very wide market reach with our cobots. However, one question arises, especially regarding reach: If cobots are already to be seen as new collaborators in production, why shouldn’t they be just as flexible and mobile on the go as regular employees? In the future, the use of AMRs will become part of everyday life in many companies – and it is not hard to imagine that a combination with collaborative robots could also be a profitable solution in the future. We are already working on the topic of digital twins in production, where all types of robotics will be implemented.

IEN Europe: Thank you for your time and sharing your insights.