An apparatus for the automated bending of workpieces is disclosed. The apparatus includes a storage, a robotic device and a bending machine for deforming workpieces handled by the robotic device. The apparatus further includes an image capture device and a control device. The image capture device can capture image data from different storage sections. A plurality of markings are provided on the storage, the positions of which are stored in the control device. A respective position of the image capture device includes at least two markings. The control device is configured to carry out an evaluation of the image data of the associated storage section by means of the stored positions of the markings in the associated storage section, the location of the image capture device and/or the location of a workpiece to be handled relative to the reference coordinate system automatically.

A device for loading or unloading sheet metal processing or wood working machine, including: sensor interface that receives information on workpieces in a loading area; representation unit for creating representation of workpieces and loading area, based on sensor signal; user interface for providing representation to machine operator and for receiving user input from machine operator including information on position of workpieces in representation; evaluation unit for determining revised representation of workpieces and loading area, based on sensor signal and user input, interface being designed for providing revised representation to machine operator and for receiving further user input including information on workpiece loading operation carried out; planning unit for determining control instructions enabling loading robot to execute loading operation being carried out based on signal and on further user input; and control interface for activating and controlling loading robot to execute loading operation based on control instructions.

The invention relates to a combination of a press brake and a serial manipulator having at least six joints. The press brake includes a frame arranged on a base surface; two beams for clamping press brake tools, said beams being arranged in the frame and being movable towards to and away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the base surface. The serial manipulator includes a base, having a main plane, on which a first joint of the serial manipulator is arranged, which first joint is rotatable around a first axis perpendicular to the main plane. The serial manipulator is arranged at a distance from the press brake; and the first axis of the serial manipulator is tilted towards the press brake.

A workpiece manipulation device for a swivel bending machine includes a base rack; a manipulation device carrier arranged on the base rack so as to be displaceable by a manipulation device carrier guide in a Y-axis relative to the base rack; a manipulation arm arranged on the manipulation device carrier so as to be displaceable by a manipulation arm guide in a Z-axis relative to the manipulation device carrier; a first rotary punch arranged on the manipulation arm, and a second rotary punch arranged on the manipulation device carrier. The manipulation device carrier is configured in an L-shape and has a first limb, which extends along a Y-axis, and a second limb, which extends along the Z-axis. The manipulation arm guide is formed on the second limb, and a distance between the manipulation arm guide and the rotational axis of the first rotary punch is greater than 1000 mm.

A method of manufacturing a press-formed product includes: a heating step; a transportation step; and a pressing step. The transportation step includes: using claws of a pair of first arms to support the lower surface, at both ends, of a first heated workpiece and lift the workpiece; using claws of a pair of second arms to support the lower surface, at both ends, of a second heated workpiece and lift the workpiece; transporting the first heated workpiece with the lower surface supported, at both ends, by the claws of the pair of first arms and the second heated workpiece with the lower surface supported, at both ends, by the claws of the pair of second arms, where the first and second heated workpieces overlap each other in the direction normal to the sheet surfaces; driving the pair of first arms to lower the first heated workpiece to a pressing location on a press machine; and driving the pair of second arms to lower the second heated workpiece to a pressing location on the press machine.

A manipulator for components, in particular sheet metal parts, includes a base body mountable stationarily or movable along a guide arrangement, a first pivot arm pivotally coupled to the base body via a horizontal first pivot axis, a second pivot arm pivotally coupled to the first pivot arm via a horizontal second pivot axis and a third pivot arm pivotally coupled to the second pivot arm via a horizontal third pivot axis. A first axis of rotation extending radially to the third pivot axis is formed on the third pivot arm. A gripper support arm is rotatably coupled to the third pivot arm via the first axis of rotation and extends radially to the first axis of rotation. A gripping arrangement is rotatably coupled to the gripper support arm via a second axis of rotation spaced from the first axis of rotation. A bending installation includes the manipulator.