Automation Tooling System (ATS) stated that this new platform is able to perform linear automation capabilities, while only occupying a small space by running multiple and parallel processing on the same line.
Using SuperTrak Gen3 as the foundation for its new offering, ATS’ micro platform has individual shuttle control and configuration capabilities.
A spokesperson for ATS told us that the individually controlled shuttles are driven using a series of electromagnetic coils, which cause the shuttles to ‘jump’ between tracks. With this ability, the platform can take any form needed for the optimization of continuous cell manufacturing.
The company states that the small size platform enables the configuration process to be done before determining the final product, which in turn makes it well suited to high-mix applications for batch manufacturing.
“SuperTrak is a platform that offers flexibility to the system designer because it enables high speed, asynchronous motion,” the ATS spokesperson explained.
The firm continued by saying that the SuperTrak Micro can make a large amount of optimized product within the same automation cell line so changeover can be done “instantaneously” and different groups can be batch manufactured as needed throughout the process.
