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Automated Machine Tending System for Multi-Station Operations

SESTO’s machine tending system pairs a robot or cobot with the Magnus AMR platform to automate lot transfers between multiple production machines or tools. The mobile manipulator AMRs navigate seamlessly across load ports, smart racks or CNC machines, enabling unmanned operations across your production facility.

Equipped with advanced sensors and vision guidance, every pick and place action is accurate and reliable ensuring high throughput. Coordinated through the MagFleet management system, it supports high-mix, low-volume manufacturing while minimizing manual intervention and downtime.

Challenges
  • Manufacturers needed a flexible solution to service multiple machines with one robot, optimizing capital investment.
  • Manual part transfers between machines led to errors, slow turnaround, and inconsistent throughput.
Solutions
  • Multi-station coverage: One mobile robot tending several machines reduces capital cost and floor footprint.
  • Coordinated mobility: Smart route planning and scheduling optimize movement between stations.
  • Machine to machine handshake:
    Ensures lots or parts are only picked up after verification through SEMI equipment communication protocols.
  • Connected automation: Integrates seamlessly with MES, ERP, and robotic arms for synchronized operation.
  • Sensor verification: Ensures accurate pick-and-place performance under dynamic conditions.
Outcome
  • Improved utilization: Maximised robot uptime and minimized idle time across probe stations and machines
  • Reduced manual labor: Freed operators from repetitive part transfers and alignment tasks.
  • Consistent quality: Precision handling ensures lot transfers are repeatable and performed reliably. 
  • Higher throughput: Optimized scheduling and automation reduced cycle times across multiple machines.
  • Scalable flexibility: Adaptable to future production expansion.