A method for confirming cutting tool's location includes: a position calculation unit basing on plural sleeve positions in a tool magazine to train and obtain training posture data and training signal strength data of each the sleeve position; and the position calculation unit sending a tool call command to move a target cutting tool among the cutting tool to a tool exchange position. The latter step includes: obtaining a posture data and a signal strength data of the target cutting tool; based on the posture data and the signal strength data, the position calculation unit comparing the training posture data and the training signal strength data to confirm a target sleeve location of the target cutting tool; and, rotating the tool magazine to move the target cutting tool from the target sleeve location to the tool exchange position. In addition, a machine system using the method is also provided.

The invention relates to a bending tool (1) comprising a tool body (2) having an upper (3) and an opposite lower end region (4), wherein an attachment extension (5) is configured in the upper end region (3), and a working tip (6) is configured in the lower end region (4). A tool identification marker (11) is disposed in the tool body (2), and a communication interface (9) is disposed in the attachment extension (5) on at least one side surface (8) and not projecting beyond it, which interface is connected with the tool identification marker (11) by way of a connection line (10). An electronics unit (12) is disposed in the tool body (2). A voltage supply contact (14) that is electrically insulated relative to the tool body (2) is is disposed on the attachment extension (5), which contact is connected with a voltage supply module (15) of the electronics unit (12). Furthermore, a change-over switch (16) is disposed in the connection line (10), wherein in a first switching position, the tool identification marker (11) is connected with the communication interface (9), and in a second switching position of the change-over switch (16), the electronics unit (12) is connected with the communication interface (9).

A method for confirming cutting tool's location includes: a position calculation unit basing on plural sleeve positions in a tool magazine to train and obtain training posture data and training signal strength data of each the sleeve position; and the position calculation unit sending a tool call command to move a target cutting tool among the cutting tool to a tool exchange position. The latter step includes: obtaining a posture data and a signal strength data of the target cutting tool; based on the posture data and the signal strength data, the position calculation unit comparing the training posture data and the training signal strength data to confirm a target sleeve location of the target cutting tool; and, rotating the tool magazine to move the target cutting tool from the target sleeve location to the tool exchange position. In addition, a machine system using the method is also provided.

A tooling system may comprise a device configured to communicate with an identifier of a machine tool and a tool database having tool information including a predefined proximity associated with the identifier. The device may be configured to automatically activate, without a user-initiated scan, communication with at least one of the machine tool and the tool database in response to the identifier being within the predefined proximity. The device may also be configured to transfer tool information of the machine tool with respect to the tool database.

A method for monitoring a payload-handling robot assembly having at least one robot includes identifying a robot-handled payload arrangement on the basis of a current position of the robot assembly relative to a specified change position of the robot assembly. In another aspect, a robot assembly includes at least one robot, a monitoring apparatus configured to determine a current position of the robot assembly and to identify a robot-handled payload arrangement on the basis of the current position of the robot assembly relative to a specified change position of the robot assembly, and a payload receptacle for receiving a plurality of different payloads. The robot is configured for handling the plurality of payloads in an alternating manner.

A set of respective self-configuring probe interface circuit boards (SC-MPIC's) are disclosed for use with a measurement system comprising host electronics and respective interchangeable measurement probes. Member SC-MPICs each comprises: a local circuit (LS) for probe identification, signal processing and inter-board signal control; and higher-direction and lower-direction connectors pointing toward and away from the measurement probe, respectively. Member SC-MPICs establish a processing hierarchy by generating lower board present signals on their higher-direction connector, higher board present signals on their lower-direction connector, and determining whether they are the highest and/or lowest SC-MPIC based on receiving those signals from adjacent SC-MPICs. They can independently perform probe identification matching operations using probe identification data from compatible and incompatible probes, and the highest SC-MPIC does this first. Member SC-MPICs advantageously pass through or isolate signals from other members in the set depending on the hierarchy, various received signals, and internal processing.

A tooling system may comprise a tool scanner, a tool database, and a user interface device. The tool scanner may be configured to scan a tool identifier on a tool. The tool database may have tool information associated with the tool identifier. The user interface device may be in communication with the tool scanner and the tool database. The user interface device may receive tool information from the tool database in response to the scan by the tool scanner, concurrently display a tool issue description and a tool issue image from the tool information of the tool database, receive a tool area selection with respect to the tool issue image, and provide access to a tool issue history from the tool database in response to the tool area selection.

Robots capable of accommodating dynamic replacement of end effectors load and run software that allows the end effector to be operated without change to the main control program. The driver may be dynamically linked and run during program execution when the corresponding end effector is detected. Typically, the robot controller will store a library of drivers, and load the appropriate driver when a new end effector is detected.

The disclosure relates to a tool part for a cutting tool having an identification marker arranged at the tool part, wherein the identification marker is a unique machine readable code associated with individual dimension information data. The individual dimension information data includes at least one individually measured dimension of the tool part as measured when manufacturing the tool part that will change while wearing the tool part. The disclosure further relates to a system, a method and computer program product for utilizing an identification marker on a tool part for a cutting tool, for determining a tool wear of the tool part.

In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.