7-Axis Cobots Feature “World’s First” Integration of Controller Into the Base

The Kassow Robots team reduced the size of its traditional external robotics controller to allow it to be integrated into the base of its Edge Edition robots. The new controller's footprint measures only 160 x 200 millimeters, and its volume has been reduced by 90% compared to the classic controller.

At the Automate show this week, Control Automation's Director of Engineering Content, David Peterson, was able to examine one variant of these new 7-axis controllers mounted on a Morrell Group autonomous mobile robot (AMR). The demonstration highlighted the focus on supporting integration with other systems.

Kassow Robots Edge Edition mounted on an AMR from Morrell Group at Automate 2024. Image used courtesy of David Peterson

Optimized for AMR and AGV Applications

Kassow Robots claims that this is the first time a cobot has had the controller integrated into the base. By eliminating the bulky robotic controller's additional weight and size, these lightweight cobots are well-suited for AMRs and automated guided vehicle (AGV) applications.

These cobots can be directly connected to a DC power supply, allowing them to be easily powered by a battery. This simplifies AMR/AGV applications, too.

Kassow Robots Edge Edition cobots include a controller integrated into the robot base. Image used courtesy of Kassow Robots

The Kassow Edge Edition Cobot currently has five models:

1. KR1205 has a 1200-millimeter reach for 5 kg payloads.
2. KR1805 has an 1800-millimeter reach for 5 kg payloads.
3. KR810 has an 800-millimeter reach for 10 kg payloads.
4. KR1410 has a 1400-millimeter reach for 10 kg payloads.
5. KR1018 has a 1000-millimeter reach for 18 kg payloads.

A remote Power On / Off controller enables the Edge Edition cobots to be controlled by an AGV or PLC. The arm has also been configured to run automatically without the use of a teach pendant after initial programming.

Each robot comes with many standard features, including:

• 4 dedicated safety inputs (2x I/Os for redundancy).
• 16 digital inputs (safety supported in pairs).
• 16 Configurable digital inputs or outputs.
• 2 analog inputs.
• 2 analog outputs.

The Unique 7th Axis

The defining feature of Kassow Robots' KR series and Edge Edition Cobots is located at the top of the J2 arm.

The location of the 7th axis on the KR810 Kassow Cobot. Image used courtesy of Kassow Robots

This unique feature can prevent a robot from reaching a singularity and alarming out during operation. A singularity occurs when two joints are aligned or near the edge of the travel limits. Depending on the type of motion that is defined when programming, singularities may not be able to be avoided.

For example, if the robot has to enter a small compartment, a linear move may be the only option to prevent a crash, but this can cause a single axis to exceed its limits. With this additional axis, the robot now has more flexibility during programming and can prevent unnecessary alarms for new programmers.

Featured image background used courtesy of Adobe. Foreground images used courtesy of Kassow Robots and Morrell Group.