Ulrich Rotte

Assembly Order Picking with Two Robots on a 13 Metre Traversing Axis

Automating a production line can be done flexibly and in a small space. Customised solutions and safety software functions are a key element for successful implementation.
Success story about automated assembly of gate controls using FANUC robots by the German company Ulrich Rotte Anlagenbau und Fördertechnik GmbH.
Two FANUC robots are installed on a 13‑metre linear axis to handle assembly order picking. Safety is guaranteed by Dual Check Safety (DCS). Combined with FANUC Roboguide simulation and 3D vision guidance, this setup delivers a flexible and future‑ready production line.

Key Insights from Task to Result

Task

The door and gate specialist Hörmann asked FANUC partner company Ulrich Rotte to develop an automated assembly system for gate controls. It should enable parallel production for new and legacy products and consist of manual and fully automatic processes.

Solution

Ulrich Rotte developed an extensive system including two robots working in parallel on a 13 metre traversing axis picking parts from prepared carriers and two compact robots with long reach for automated optical and electrical testing. The company also designed and built several customised grabbers for the robots

Result

Two M-710𝑖C/45M robots work alongside one another on a linear axis equipped with safety software to avoid collision. The plant’s Vision System is on another axis independent of the robots. After the assembly, two LR Mates are used at the test station and a long-arm M-20𝑖A/12L FANUC robot works on the final assembly.

Ulrich Rotte

Image related to the success story ULRICH ROTTE.  FANUC Germany. 

Success story features two robots on a 13-meter traversing axis.

Ulrich Rotte Anlagenbau und Fördertechnik GmbH from Germany boasts a 30-year legacy, originating from a former petrol station and evolving into a versatile builder of specialized facilities in automation technology. With over 80 employees at its Salzkotten headquarters and an annual turnover nearing 10 million euros, the company prioritizes in-house knowledge and experience. Their forte lies in tailored solutions for clients, particularly in fully automated production facilities and robotics.

Find out more about Ulrich Rotte

Driving Community

One of Ulrich Rotte’s showcase projects involved assembling gate controls for the door and gate specialists Hörmann, incorporating manual and automated processes for both current and legacy products. Robots, guided by a 3D Vision System, handle order picking and assembly, ensuring precise operations without compromising safety. Ulrich Rotte developed and built customised grabbers for the different tasks that the robots are taking care of.

Close‑up of the FANUC robot performing order picking: the advanced end‑effector secures components with precision, enabling seamless integration into the automated assembly process.

Two FANUC M-710𝑖C/45M robots at Hörmann’s Salzkotten factory take parts from prepared large load carriers from a total of 14 spaces. They are then laid on workpiece carriers. Handling reusable packaging and preparing it to ensure it can be returned is also part of the task. It is possible to select manual or automated supply and disposal of order picking.

14 places means that the robots have long paths. Therefore, both FANUC robots have been assembled on a 13 metre long linear axis. Robot 1 approaches spaces 1 to 7, robot 2 approaches spaces 8 to 14. So long as the robots do not travel beyond their respective borders, “Dual Check Safety” (DCS) software offers sufficient protection. Another safety option from FANUC, “Interference Check”, prevents the robots from colliding with one another in dynamic operation.

Mounted on the long linear axis, the FANUC robots deliver flexible order picking for assembly processes. Dual Check Safety (DCS) secures operations, while integrated vision systems guarantee accuracy and quality.

A 3D Vision System delivers the position information required for grabbing and also determines information on the fill level of the respective load carrier. Project manager Daniel Bürgermeister reports: “It is significantly easier to work with a system in which CAD models are stored instead of defining image features which have to be checked each time. I’m not a programmer, and I was able to operate it within a few minutes.”

The workpiece carrier with all the parts required for the assembly take the product through the entire assembly process. A final inspection at the automated test station is supported by two type LR Mate 200𝑖D robots that simulate different operating procedures.

The FANUC robot’s gripper executes precise picking and placement tasks, guided by 3D vision for maximum accuracy. Each movement ensures reliable handling of components and consistent assembly quality.

After passing the test, controls move to Hörmann’s storage facility for final assembly. Since range is important for this task, a long-arm M-20𝑖A/12L FANUC robot applies lids and type plates, verified by image recognition. If approved, controls are placed in a load carrier and moved by a Rotte conveyor.

Ulrich Rottet testimonial image. Website use only!
Cytat z referencji

Daniel Bürgermeister

Project Manager Ulrich Rotte Anlagenbau und Fördertechnik

All facilities feature visual management units for manual or automatic operation. In automatic operation, facility management is connected to the Hörmann central production management.

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