Robots struggle at MACH

A review of the MACH machine tool exhibition held at the NEC, Birmingham, and specifically on the robotic exhibits. Although the number of stands demonstrating robots was down on the last MACH in 2002, there were some new product releases from Rexroth Bosch, Fanuc and ABB. Two of the first applications of the new Rexroth Bosch articulate arm robot are described, as is a machine tool tending project at UK aerospace manufacturer, Centrax. One of the more popular applications at the show was press brake tending and exhibits by Amada and Edward Pearson are highlighted.