ANCA Machine Tools, in collaboration with its project partners, aims to commercialise a proven prototype of a fully integrated robotic and digital control system, in response to customer demand. The robotic system is designed to automate existing production processes to achieve unmanned 24/7 operating environments.

The prototype robotic system has been developed on ANCA computer numerical control (CNC) machines, with the intention of commercialising the robot across multiple industries where high-pressure chemical wash-down is a required step in the production process, such as pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. An important technical feature of the ANCA robot is the IP67 protection rating, which allows the robot to operate in difficult production environments containing high levels of dust and liquids.

A key differentiating factor of the ANCA robot is the fully integrated digital control system, developed by ANCA Motion and used on ANCA CNC machines. Most robotic systems in a factory production environment require integration of multiple hardware and software providers into a single operating solution. The ANCA robot provides a fully integrated cyber-physical product that provides end-users with an easy-to-operate universal solution.

The combination of IP67 protection rating and fully integrated digital control system fills a niche in the market as products with these features are unique, complex and not widely available.

The robot prototype has been developed to operate on ANCA CNC machines, specifically the process for loading and unloading small parts inside the ANCA machine for grinding. Sold as an optional extra, approximately 60 per cent of all ANCA customers purchase an automated loading system. As the demand for Industry 4.0 solutions increase, this feature is increasingly sought-after. ANCA Machine Tools currently import the required hardware to provide customers with a robotic option. Successful completion of this project will replace imported robotic product with an Australian manufactured robotic system. All project IP will remain in Australia.

On completion of this project, ANCA Machine Tools will have a fully functional robot and digital control system ready for commercialisation across multiple industry sectors globally, as well as for ANCA CNC machines. This project supports ANCA’s business plan in transitioning from a mechanical and pneumatic based automation systems company to a more advanced and complex robotic automation solutions provider and developer of Industry 4.0 smart factory data exchange technology.