Delcam co-ordinated the 30-month COMET project focused on improving the accuracy of machining with industrial robots. Funded by the European Commission, the project developed innovative robotic machining systems that are flexible, reliable and predictable with an average of 30% cost efficiency savings in comparison to machine tools. In order to achieve this, the COMET project addressed the following critical limitations of machining with industrial robots:

• A lack of absolute positioning accuracy
• An inability to reject disturbances in terms of process forces
• A lack of reliable programming and simulation tools that ensure right first time machining

Objectives:

• Pioneer a new generation of adaptive production systems using industrial robots
• Demonstrate the new technologies in the following industrial sectors:
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Mould and die
• High precision components
• Disseminate project results and develop training programs

The COMET project created a revolutionary solution enabling the use of industrial robots for high-end machining. In combination with an innovative Plug-and-Produce platform, this provides manufacturers with cost effective, flexible and reliable manufacturing solutions. Delcam focused on developing an integrated Programming and Simulation environment for adaptive robot path generation for machining with Industrial Robots (PSIR). As a result of working with numerous robotics experts in the COMET project, Delcam has implemented the latest robot machining technologies into PowerMILL Robot to make it easier than ever to program industrial robots.