A processing apparatus 1 includes: a workpiece-set-position recognition unit 114 that moves an arm distal-end portion to a specified position measurement point to measure a shape of a workpiece in a workpiece set state in which the workpiece is positioned by a workpiece positioning unit, and thereby recognizes a set position of the workpiece; a processing-point-information generation unit 115 that, based on the set position of the workpiece and processing-target-portion information 124 indicating a position of a target portion of the workpiece for specified processing, generates processing-point information 125 indicating a processing point which is a movement point of the arm distal-end portion to perform the specified processing on the workpiece using a processing tool in the workpiece set state; and a workpiece-processing control unit 116 that moves the arm distal-end portion to the processing point based on the processing-point information 125 to perform the specified processing on the workpiece using the processing tool.

A method for coordinating an identification of a defect in the surface coating of a workpiece and processing same via grinding and/or polishing using at least one grinding or polishing tool that is moveable over the defect in an automatic and computer-controlled manner based a stored program is provided. The surface coating of the workpiece is automatically optically scanned and the scanned position data is detected in a database. The defect is identified by comparing the detected position data with stored target data of the workpiece. Possible movements of the grinding or polishing tool are simulated to process the defect. The setting data for the grinding or polishing tool determined in the simulation is forwarded to a master computer. The determined processing data for processing the defect is transferred to the grinding or polishing tool. The defect is processed using the grinding or polishing tool.

A process for automated sanding of a vehicle component surface is provided and includes providing a sanding mechanism having a sanding head engaged with a housing, a rotary motor contained within the housing, the rotary motor having a drive shaft rotatable about an axis and extending outwardly therefrom, a radial plate attached to a first end of the drive shaft, and a sanding disk having an abrasive surface releasably attached to the radial plate; attaching the sanding head to a gimbal having a pressure sensor; powering the rotary motor driving rotation of the drive shaft, the radial plate and the sanding disk in at least one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; movably applying the sanding disk to the surface at a maintained constant pressure; and achieving a desired finish on the surface prepared to be primed and painted to a class A auto high sheen surface finish.

Disclosed is a machining unit for machining a bearing component. The machining unit includes an industrial robot and at least one abrasive tool. The at least one abrasive tool is coupled to the industrial robot and a controller. The controller is configured to control a movement path of the at least one abrasive tool such that a contact of the abrasive tool is in the normal direction to a surface of the component.

Provided is an automatic teaching system that is readily able to achieve automation, even when a small but varied number of processing objects are to undergo polishing or coating. The automatic teaching system includes a three-dimensional shape measurement apparatus, a reference marker, an image analysis apparatus, and a robot control device. The three-dimensional shape measurement apparatus acquires shape data of a processing target region on a processing object relative to the reference marker, and the image analysis apparatus divides the shape data of the processing target region into a plurality of continuous reference surfaces, in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, automatically generates a program of an operation path along which a polishing apparatus or coating apparatus of the robot is to be operated, for every reference surface, in accordance with a predetermined operation path generation rule, and transmits the program of the operation path to the robot control device.

An apparatus includes: a receiving surface configured to receive a stack of grinding discs; a frame arranged substantially parallel to the receiving surface so that the stack of grinding discs is positioned between the receiving surface and the frame, the frame only partially overlapping an outer rim of a topmost grinding disc of the stack of grinding discs; and a mechanical pretensioning unit coupled with the frame such that a defined force is exerted by the frame on the stack of grinding discs.

In order to respond flexibly to various processing modes, such as forming curved surface shapes, when cutting a workpiece using a wire saw, this wire saw device (1) is provided with: a single robot arm (2) that is capable of moving freely by means of multi-axis control; a wire saw unit (3) that is detachably connected to the robot arm (2) via a tool changer (7); a wire (8) that spans a plurality of pulleys supported within the wire saw unit (3); and a workpiece cutting zone (20) that is established between the pulleys. The workpiece is cut to a prescribed shape by moving the robot arm (2) in a preset direction while running the wire (8) of the wire saw unit (3) and pressing the wire (8) against the supported workpiece.

A system for monitoring one or more of an abrading tool, a consumable abrasive product and a workpiece, the system can optionally comprise: a data storage device; a sensor; a communication unit; a consumable abrasive product that is attachable to and detachable from the abrading tool and configured to abrade the workpiece; a computing system comprising one or more computing devices configured to: receive a first data from the communication unit regarding the sensor, the first data indicative of at least one operating parameter of one or more of the abrading tool, the consumable abrasive product and the workpiece; identify if the at least one operating parameter falls outside a predetermined operating parameter range; and if the at least one operating parameter falls outside a predetermined operating parameter range, store a second data based upon the first data in the data storage device.

In an automatic polishing system configured such that under control of a polishing robot and/or a polishing tool by a polishing controller, the polishing tool provides a polishing action on a polishing subject face, a color intensity measurement instrument is provided for measuring an intensity of a specified color in the polishing subject face. Based on the intensity of the specified color measured by this color intensity measurement instrument, the polishing controller controls the polishing robot and/or the polishing tool, so that an amount of polishing work by the polishing tool onto the polishing subject face is adjusted according to the intensity of the specified color.

A device (1) for automatically changing sanding discs (12) includes a stacking device (10) for a plurality of grinding discs (12) and a guide element (16) for orienting the suction openings (32) in the grinding discs (12) along a common central axis (18), wherein the guide element (16) is arranged eccentrically with regard to the central axis (18). A positioning element (17) is provided for positioning a tool head of a grinding device, wherein the positioning element (17) and the guide element (16) are mounted in a floating manner. A device (1) for automatically changing grinding discs (12) includes a detachment device (50), wherein the detachment device (50) has a bearing surface (51) for a grinding-disc receptacle. The bearing surface (51) has an opening (52), the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the grinding disc (12). A separating element (53) is arranged above the opening (52). A system includes a device (1) for automatically changing grinding discs (12) containing a stacking device (10) and a detachment device (50).