Applied Robotics Inc., a leading global manufacturer of robotic end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions, brings electrical module design and functionality to the next level by adding tooling diagnostics and webpage features to their SmartModule^™ line. Today Applied Robotics Inc. announced their innovative SmartComm^™ communications module which supports Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP and DeviceNet communication protocols. The SmartComm module is featured on the new SmartChange^™ tool changer (also announced this week). Both the SmartChange tool changer and SmartComm modules will be showcased on Applied Robotics’ partner’s booth (Innovation Matrix) at the International Robot Exhibition (iREX 2009) November 25 – 28^th in Ariake, Japan.

This module is an open device level network that provides communication between simple industrial devices (such as sensors and actuators) and higher-level devices (such as robots, programmable controllers, and computers). The Module enables tool changers to be linked to a factory communications network to exchange data, as well as provide I/O capabilities, diagnostics reporting, and real time acceleration data.

The SmartComm Module provides extremely fast tooling network connection times. A connection time from the Robot Side Module to the Tool Side Module of 150ms uses a proprietary subnetwork. The patented SmartCharge^™ feature improves connection times even further by eliminating power-up on the Tool Side. With SmartCharge^™ enabled, connection times are 60ms or less.

Another key element in SmartComm^™ is the diagnostic reporting feature. The Ethernet Diagnostics provide a webpage to set maintenance counters, valve configuration, naming, IP address and view information such as lifetime cycle counts, maintenance counts, timing of tool change functions, a histogram of timing trends, three axis accelerometer values, and data reports.

“With SmartChange^™ and especially with SmartComm, we feel we have something unique and quite innovative to offer customers,” said Jim Fitzgerald, vice president of Applied Robotics Inc. “We looked at every aspect of the tool changer and set out to develop a system that was stronger, smaller and smarter and we feel we not only met but exceeded market demands. We are very proud of this accomplishment.”

The SmartChange family of tool changers consists of four models - the SC125, SC160, SC200 and SC250, all with moment load capabilities that exceed the dynamic ratings of every robot currently available with respective faceplate mounting configurations of 125mm, 160mm, 200mm, and 150mm. More information on the SmartComm and the new family of tool changers can be found on the company’s website at www.appliedrobotics.com.

Applied Robotics Inc., headquartered in Glenville, N.Y., is an ISO-9001 registered, employee-owned company serving the world’s automation market. Founded in 1983, Applied Robotics designs and manufactures end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions intended to solve complex automation problems and improve efficiencies. Serving a wide spectrum of customers and industries ranging from large Fortune 500 companies to small privately-held businesses, the company’s wrist-down solutions can be found in manufacturing, welding, assembly, material removal and material handling applications throughout the United States, Canada, Pacific Rim, Europe, Mexico, Asia, South Africa, South America and Australia. More information can be found on the company’s website at www.appliedrobotics.com.

Applied Robotics, the Applied Robotics logo, SmartModule, SmartChange, SmartComm and SmartCharge are trademarks of Applied Robotics Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective companies.