Robotics Blog
Industry topics and ArtiMinds news
November 30, 2023
That´s what our customers say
ArtiMinds’ software products for robot automation are used by our customers in a wide variety of applications: from mechanical assembly, surface processing or quality control to laboratory automation.
Our robotics engineering services, with which we support our customers individually, are just as diverse as the application sectors.
What especially do customers value about our expertise? And why do they no longer want to program robots without ArtiMinds?
In this video they will tell us.
November 20, 2023
3 Questions to… Roman Klingl
Who are the people who are shaping robotics at ArtiMinds every day? The format “3 Questions to…” reveals more and introduces the faces behind the team.
Today, our Sales Director Roman Klingl is our interview partner. He describes himself as an active, communicative and purposeful person, so he definitely has the ideal qualities for his position at ArtiMinds. His current focus lies on expanding the sales team and implementing a scalable sales structure. He is happy being able to count on the know-how and support of his team at all times.
1. What do you enjoy most about your work?
My motto is “Think in solutions!”. That’s why I love working with people who have the desire to make a difference. And that is definitely the case at ArtiMinds. Every day, together we turn ideas into reality and unleash positive change.
2. What fascinates you about your job?
I am fascinated by the fact that we are operating in a highly dynamic future market. It’s not just about simple robotics, but about the demanding challenge of making sensor-adaptive robot applications “fly”. This requires a high degree of technical finesse and is anything but trivial. However, with our innovative software products, our experts manage to make this complexity manageable for customers. That is something that truly excites me.
3. What do you do to balance your professional life?
To find a balance, I like to retreat for walks in the forest or the mountains. These moments, together with my wife and our dog, allow me to clear my head and recharge my batteries.
November 10, 2023
Release of additional dates for the Webinar “Cables completely under control”
Due to the high demand for our current webinar series on “Robot-based automation in the field of cable handling and assembly”, we have just put two additional dates online.
The first two sessions on November 8 & 21 were fully booked within a very short time.
We are therefore offering two additional dates on November 16 at 3 pm and November 21 at 11 am (CEST).
What is the webinar about?
When flexible parts such as cables, wires or connectors are involved automating assembly processes can be a real challenge.
In this new free of charge webinar series our application experts explain why and, above all, how sensor-adaptive robotics plays a key role in automated cable processing and wire harness production.
Furthermore, we will show what automation solutions are already available on the market for handling and assembling cables, talk about what cost savings can be expected, and how an efficient and economically profitable implementation can be achieved by using robots.
November 6, 2023
TechTip: Graphical Export of a robot program
When programming complex processes, it can sometimes become quite confusing, especially when templates in ArtiMinds RPS are organized by hierarchies.
In order to still be able to keep track of the program, there is now a new function called ‘Program Visualization’! With it, you can either effortlessly visualize the flow of individual program sections, i.e. sub-processes, or even create a comprehensible overview of the entire program and export it graphically.
How to perform a program visualization and which options you can set is revealed in our current TechTip.
October 25, 2023
How to handle the shortage of skilled workers
The shortage of skilled workers has become a burning issue in recent years. The problematic situation affects almost all industries and threatens the countries` economic growth and innovative strength.
The use of robots, i.e. robotization, is increasingly being proclaimed as a viable solution for the future.
But do robots really help to address the shortage of skilled workers?
October 15, 2023
Research project RoboGrind: Successful Project Completion
Almost two years ago, the RoboGrind research project was launched with the aim of ensuring long-term sustainability in the remanufacturing of worn components of green technologies, such as wind turbine rotor blades. To achieve this, an AI-based, flexible automation solution for robotic surface processing was to be developed.
At the end of September the project was successfully completed as planned. Therefore we have created a final video to present the research results.
October 12, 2023
Upcoming Webinar Special Edition: Cables completely under control
Reducing manual labor, increasing automation: when it comes to flexible parts such as cables, wires or connectors, many companies have a hard time.
In this new free webinar series our application experts explain, what kind of industrial automation solutions for the handling and assembly of cables already exist, what cost savings are possible, why robots in combination with sensors play a key role and how applications can be implemented efficiently and economically profitable.
The webinar special edition starts on November 08.
September 9, 2023
Meet ArtiMinds at Motek in Stuttgart
From October 10 to 13, Motek will be held together with Bondexpo in Stuttgart. The focus is on industrial production as a complete system. The trade fair maps the complete process chain for economical production and assembly automation.
At our booth 7103 in hall 7 with our partner next robotics, we will show how ArtiMinds RPS and LAR support the robot-based automation of gripping and inserting flexible cables.
You would like to talk to our automation experts at Motek, but don’t have a ticket yet? Use the following button to register directly for your free day pass!
August 22, 2023
Release of ArtiMinds RPS 1.24
The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.24 is now available for installation.
The update includes, among other things, the integration of new robot models from Kuka and Fanuc, as well as software enhancements like a new export functionality “Program to Visualization” for creating a flowchart of the logical program structure and a new popup editor for quickly changing the template tool.
You can find the entire change log with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.
The release is available via download or online update.
August 16, 2023
3 Questions to… Oliver Karrenbauer
Who are the people who are shaping robotics at ArtiMinds every day? The format “3 Questions to…” reveals more and introduces the faces behind the team.
Today, Oliver Karrenbauer is our interview partner. True to his motto “No problem is too hard to solve”, the software developer, who describes himself as reliable, analytical and persistent, especially loves challenging customer projects. He has been part of the team for more than seven years and is responsible for making it easier for our customers to work with robots.
1. What fascinates you about your job?
What fascinates me most are the different robot systems and the diverse applications that we solve for our customers. Every day is different and brings new challenges to overcome.
2. How does a typical work week look like for you?
A typical work week can be very varied. Sometimes I am in close direct exchange with our customers to implement specific software solutions. On other days, I focus on developing new features in our ArtiMinds RPS software or work intensively on solving difficult problems. Every week brings new tasks and challenges, which makes my workday exciting and dynamic.
3. What do you do to balance your professional life?
I like to put on my sports shoes to go running. Whether to relax or to prepare for an upcoming marathon, running helps me clear my head and recharge my batteries.
August 3, 2023
Visit ArtiMinds at Deburring Expo
Deburring Expo, the leading trade fair for deburring technologies and precision surfaces, will take place from October 10 to 12 in Karlsruhe. At our joint booth with SHL Automatisierungstechnik in hall 1, stand 412, we will present the latest technologies and processes for robot-based automation of deburring and surface finishing processes.
Get your free trade show ticket – we are looking forward to your visit!
July 5, 2023
Automatica 2023 – Review
Four exciting and eventful trade fair days at automatica in Munich are behind ArtiMinds. We would like to thank all visitors for the great interest and the intensive personal exchange.
What were the highlights and which sensor-adaptive applications could be seen at our booth in hall B4? In our trade show review, we have compiled the most important information as well as a short trade show film.
June 23, 2023
Innovative robotics thanks to the use of laser scanners
For robotics, laser profile sensors, also known as laser scanners, open up new possibilities in factory automation and offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for precise 3D data acquisition. ArtiMinds RPS now also supports the use of laser scanners by integrating specialized predefined templates.
A good application example is the gripping and insertion of cables. With the ArtiMinds template library, the gripping point and the orientation of the gripper relative to the cable can be carried out quickly and reliably based on a scan of the cable end, allowing a wide range of feeding techniques to be implemented.
We have summarized all the important information about the laser scanner integration, advantages and alternatives in a compact leaflet.
June 14, 2023
Why no-code and low-code tools have become indispensable in robotics
With modern robot systems, almost all processes can be automated. Ususally, robots take over simple, dirty, monotonous or physically demanding tasks. However, with the right hardware and, above all, software, very complex and demanding tasks, so-called “Advanced Robotics” applications, can also be solved. The latest ArtiMinds article, published in the trade journal IEN Europe, reveals 3 tips for a time and cost-efficient implementation of robot-based automation processes in your manufacturing and why no-code and low-code tools have become indispensable in robotics.
May 30, 2023
What Makes No-Code and Low-Code Tools So Popular?
“To unlock the power of software development without coding” – That´s what no-code and low-code tools promise to do. Looking at robotics automation, our latest blog post highlights why these tools are revolutionizing the industry, empowering citizen developers, boosting collaboration, and accelerating innovation.
May 5, 2023
3 Questions to… Florian Aumann
Who are the people who are shaping robotics at ArtiMinds every day? The format “3 Questions to…” reveals more and introduces the faces and the team.
Today, Florian Aumann is answering our questions. Of course, how could it be otherwise: as a software developer, he enjoys searching for and finding solutions to complex, technical problems the most. And he has been doing this for six years now!
How does Florian describe himself in three words? As a cheerful nature, nerd and idealist.
1. What does a typical work week look like for you?
Most of the time I deal with RPS development. This can be both small and larger projects for customer-specific but also internal requests. Of course, regular meetings with customers or colleagues are a must. Often you can also find me in the Automation Engineering department, where I help dealing with questions and projects. On Fridays, a successful week is rounded off with a traditional Thai meal together with the team!
2. What do you do to balance your professional life?
My weekends with my girlfriend in Coburg in Bavaria are particularly relaxing. I also enjoy hiking and cooking.
3. What is your personal motto?
We´ll get it right!
April 26, 2023
New Whitepaper: Achieving Automation – but how?
Cost pressures, shortage of skilled workers, tense supply chains, aspired reshoring, or unattractive work tasks – there are plenty of reasons and drivers for automating processes.
But how do you identify the manufacturing processes and work tasks with the greatest automation potential in your production? What role does robot-based automation play and how are you able to avoid pitfalls?
Our new whitepaper provides helpful tips and shows you the path to automation as a step-by-step guide.
April 24, 2023
Don´t miss: ArtiMinds at automatica 2023
Automatica is the world’s leading trade fair for Smart Automation and Robotics and will be the industry’s meeting point from June 27 to 30.
Contact us to receive a free ticket to visit the exhibition and ArtiMinds in Hall B4, Booth 204.
We are looking forward to your visit and our personal exchange!
March 27, 2023
Release of ArtiMinds RPS 1.21
The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.21 is now available for installation. The update includes, among others, several enhancements and new features like the new tool “Meander” to create edges on a CAD surface, the new template “Point Inverse” for calculating the inverse pose of a point as well as a new wizard that guides through the calibration process for 3D models and/or points (3-Point Calibration Wizard).
You can find the entire change log with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.
The release is available via download or online update.
March 24, 2023
New Video Tutorial
ArtiMinds RPS generated robot programs are prepared to be easily maintained by service personnel. Even after local changes have been made, ArtiMinds offers options to synchronize the program on the robot with the digital representation in ArtiMinds RPS.
In this video, see how easy it is to teach waypoints or bases of robot programs generated by ArtiMinds. Later, the local changes are imported into the software again and the simulation is updated automatically.
March 16, 2023
Robotics Tip: Maintenance 2.0 – Teachpoint optimization
Until a robotic system is fully up and running in continuous operation, many steps have to be performed during planning, setup, commissioning and ramp-up. Those aspects are usually taken into account sufficiently, however, the effort of maintenance during runtime is most often underestimated. Component and machine tolerances, mechanical wear, human error, general environmental influences, and the setup of new variants can create a significant amount of work.
How you can reduce the effort during maintenance with ArtiMinds RPS and LAR software and at the same time increase the efficiency of the maintenance processes, we explain in our current Robotics Tip article.
March 3, 2023
3 Questions to… Jonas Langeheine
Who are the people who are shaping robotics at ArtiMinds every day? Our new format “3 Questions to…” reveals more and introduces the faces and the team.
Let’s start with our Product Manager Jonas Langeheine, who is responsible for a customer- and application-centric product development.
He tells us what his day-to-day work is like, what he particularly enjoys about his job and how he likes to spend his free time.
February 2, 2023
Don´t miss: ArtiMinds at all about automation trade show in Friedrichshafen
At all about automation you will experience systems, components, software and engineering for industrial automation and industrial communication.
Get your free ticket and visit us at our booth B2-305
February 1, 2023
Release of ArtiMinds RPS 1.20
The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.20 is now available for installation. The update includes, among others, extended integrations and functionalities for UR, KUKA and FANUC as well as new builders and templates to read and write the coordinates of a point.
You can find the entire change log with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.
The release is available via download or online update.
January 17, 2023
NEW: Robotics Glossary
What does online or offline programming mean, or what is an Euler angle or force-torque sensor, and what is meant by continuous path control?
We have collected these and numerous other technical terms from the fields of robotics, industry and artificial intelligence as well as ArtiMinds specific terms and explained them in our robotics glossary.
January 10, 2023
Robotics project consulting and engineering services from ArtiMinds
According to your individual requirements, our experienced Automation Engineering team can support you with consulting services in all phases of your project.
From developing the automation idea, to concept development, to prototypical implementation of the robot application as a feasibility study – our Automation Engineering team has many years of experience in robot-based automation and sensor-adaptive robotics.
Until the final transfer of the results to the shop floor, e.g. together with your machine builder or system integrator, we are the right partner for your robot-based automation project!
December 16, 2022
Best Practice: Robotic grinding application for processing weld seams
In cooperation with ArtiMinds the company SHL successfully automated a highly challenging weld finishing robot application. The goal was to develop a flexible solution without any pneumatic spindles, since those are hard to monitor and cumbersome to maintain.
The work pieces, which vary in size and dimensions, consist of several pipes welded together. The task was to remove the excess material at the weld seam on the inside of the work pieces.
Programming such force-sensitive tasks typically requires a high level of robotics and programming expertise. However, with the software solutions and programming support from ArtiMinds, SHL set up, commissioned, and identified the optimal process parameters in just a few days.
Learn more about the project and cooperation in the corresponding application video.
December 7, 2022
Explainer Video: ArtiMinds LAR
ArtiMinds LAR is the central solution for analyzing robot process data for holistic monitoring and optimization of automation processes.
The tool analyzes live sensor data of the robot, such as occurring forces, tool paths and velocities and automatically combines them with process information such as part serial numbers, process steps and sequence information.
Watch our latest video to learn how ArtiMinds LAR can support you in optimizing production processes and how the data is helpful for various stakeholders in your organization.
October 21, 2022
Cable assembly and handling
Automated handling, manipulation, and assembly of flexible workpieces such as cables, tubes, or fabrics/fabric cover pose several challenges in production. Traditional robot processes often lack the dexterity to handle these sensitive materials. Localization of the position and identification of the shape of parts are a major challenge in classic robot programming. The liability and form instability of the material results in constantly changing dynamic of the part tolerances, shape, and localization throughout the entire assembly process.
But robot-based cable assembly can now be programmed and implemented with ArtiMinds RPS.
September 1, 2022
Successful AI research in Baden-Württemberg
As a research-strong and innovative state, AI is a key technology for Baden-Württemberg. Three examples from research and applied research, showcased in a short movie by Baden-Württemberg International, highlight the state’s potential, success and diversity of ideas in the field of AI.
ArtiMinds is presented as one of the three examples. „In Baden-Württemberg there’s this spirit of making things actually work and not shiny“, Dr.-Ing. Darko Katic, Senior Teamleader AI at ArtiMinds Robotics, sums up the LÄND’s great potential in AI.
August 19, 2022
These applications can be realized using ArtiMinds
To know how: ArtiMinds is not just template-based programming software for industrial robots. With ArtiMinds, sensor-adaptive processes in particular can be programmed much more easily and industrialized more quickly.
Why? Because the more than 60 function templates contain intelligent algorithms that ensure that the robot executes, for example, a plugging process as quickly and precisely as possible and even optimizes itself over several cycles.
Our new video shows which applications can be realized using ArtiMinds RPS and LAR:
May 6, 2022
Free Robotics Checklist
Are you planning a robotics project? To ensure efficient planning and integration, it is important to think about the concept and requirements of the application, your goals, the technical prerequisites and the requirements for human-robot collaboration in advance.
Use our interactive checklist and the supplementary tips to make sure you don’t forget any important points and to find the right hardware components and software tools for your application.
April 12, 2022
Easy Robot Program Transfer Without Loss of Process Parameters
A robot programming developed with ArtiMinds RPS can be easily transferred to robots of other manufacturers.
As the software uses a generic template program to create native robot code, force-controlled assembly processes etc. can be transferred easily while maintaining the parameters of the process. Reteaching due to kinematic changes is fast and easy.
So, for example, a feasibility study can also be realized with a Cobot. Later, an industrial robot can be used for the robotic cell.
March 11, 2022
Bin Picking and Force-Controlled Assembly
Unsorted components can be robustly detected with the Keyence Bin Picking System RB-800, while the search algorithms of ArtiMinds RPS take over the downstream force-controlled assembly of the components – an ideal combination.
February 16, 2022
Robotics Best Practice: How Maus automated the grinding process of aluminum mold shells
The grinding of molded shells is a physically demanding job, but due to the complex geometries the task cannot actually be automated with robots. With the support of ArtiMinds, however, Maus GmbH has now found a solution that allows the robot to grind out the shells in a force-controlled and precise manner.
Melchior Maus, master degree in technical model making, reports: “Up to now, we had no experience with robots. But with their software solution and expertise ArtiMinds opened the door into the field of robotics for us. Our vision is that every workstation in mold construction will have a robot to assist the worker in grinding out the molded shells.”
In the latest Success Story video, Melchior Maus explains the details of the application and tells what benefits he has had by using ArtiMinds RPS and cooperating with ArtiMinds.
February 11, 2022
Why operational effects are very time consuming for robot programmers
During the lifecycle of a robotic cell, a system is exposed to numerous operational influences.
These can be shocks and vibrations triggered, for example, by forklifts or other machines, the wear of tools, spare parts that react differently than the previous components, changes in work piece batches or space available in the hall. Changing lighting and temperature conditions or the difference between a cold-started and a warmed-up robot can also have an effect.
What does this mean in concrete terms? Our latest blog reveals the facts!
January 12, 2022
Gripping, greasing, joining – force-controlled gear assembly with ArtiMinds
Primus Präzisionstechnik manufactures and supplies customized motor-gear units, which are developed individually. Being innovative is one of the most important criteria to stay one step ahead of the competition. In order to increase product quality and process stability, and to reduce costs through better dosing of grease when greasing gears and shafts, Primus automated the assembly process of a gear unit for the automotive sector using robots.
Although the team had no experience in robotics prior to this project, using ArtiMinds RPS robot programming software and LAR analysis software Primus was able to program the application independently and to implement a flexible robot cell.
Quality was increased as desired and the reject rate was reduced to almost zero.
More about the cooperation and application in the Case Story Video!