NPE 2018: Robots That Are Faster, Smarter, and More Collaborative

At the 2018 North American Industrial Automation Conference & Exposition (NPE), robots on display were noticeably faster, smarter, and more interconnected than their predecessors. Industry insiders highlighted three core trends: advanced control systems that accelerate cycle times, integrated robot–machine coordination, and a growing shift toward automated cells that bundle multiple downstream operations with the press. This evolution is also broadening the range of robot types on the floor—from SCARA and delta “spider” models to a diverse array of collaborative robots.

Six‑axis jointed‑arm robots remain the most common sight at NPE, yet they now compete with five‑, six‑, or seven‑axis linear robots that feature servo‑driven wrists. Both categories are benefiting from programming tools that execute multi‑axis moves simultaneously, anticipate clamp and ejector actions, and position the robot in optimal standby poses—all of which shave milliseconds off each cycle.

Smart controls are also capable of adaptive cycle optimization: they learn the most efficient timing and positioning for repetitive tasks, and when the workflow allows, deliberately slow the robot to reduce wear without compromising throughput.

The precision and programmability of servomotors have largely displaced pneumatics on take‑out robots, including both the main axes and wrist rotation. On the exhibition floor, servo‑driven sprue pickers are gaining traction as miniature, high‑performance robots capable of fine‑tuned part orientation. Nevertheless, most vendors agree that pneumatic systems will continue to serve simple pick‑and‑drop applications for the foreseeable future.

Demand for higher productivity also intensifies scrutiny of vertical‑axis flutter caused by acceleration, deceleration, and machine shock. Manufacturers are addressing this by reducing arm mass, increasing structural stiffness, and employing active vibration‑suppression software that manages acceleration profiles and introduces counter‑motions—akin to noise‑cancelling headphones—to dampen unwanted motion.

Programming simplicity has become a staple across the industry. Many vendors achieve this through a unified interface that spans entire product families, while others align the look and feel of six‑axis jointed‑arm systems with linear or Cartesian models. The newest generation—collaborative robots or “cobots”—eliminates the need for specialized programming expertise by supporting “lead‑through” teach‑mode, allowing the robot to learn complex tasks quickly. Several cobots showcased at NPE feature built‑in cameras that scan QR codes at processing stations, instantly triggering pre‑programmed sequences for that specific location.