Flexible robot cell
ZiMo
PROCESS AUTOMATION – simple and efficient
A shortage of skilled workers, monotonous tasks, weekend shifts and a lack of flexibility in production are increasingly forcing companies to make compromises that have a negative impact on quality, efficiency and growth. Overtime to compensate for staff shortages has now become a permanent solution and it is difficult to find new skilled workers. Here is where a cost-efficient and easily integrated process automation system offers a sustainable solution – for small and medium-sized companies as well as for large factories. Take advantage of the potential of extra shifts without personnel, increase your production capacity and take the pressure off your employees where it counts. This allows you to improve productivity, quality and flexibility – without expanding your floor space.
ZiMo is the solution for cost-effective and straightforward process automation for everyone, from small businesses to large companies – ZiMo is the solution. The Zimmer Group's flexible robot cell allows for mobile and easy commissioning, with impressively quick integration into your processes. Whether machine loading and unloading, pick & place tasks or quality assurance – ZiMo supports you exactly where you need a helping hand. You have free choice of a wide variety of accessories and receive the package tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us, we would be happy to advise you!
YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
- Boost productivity and quality: Cost-effective acquisition and fast integration optimize your production processes.
- Ready for use 24/7: Reliable 24/7 – for maximum utilization of capacity and consistently high efficiency, even in three-shift operation.
- Bridging the shortage of skilled workers: Automated processes take the pressure off your team and secure production, even when you are short-staffed.
- Maximum performance level with maximum security: Smart safety components for smooth operation without compromising on cycle time, flexibility or quality.
VARIABLE STRUCTURE, VERSATILE APPLICATIONS
ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS
Thanks to the wide portfolio of available accessories and options, you can adapt ZiMo to your individual needs and requirements. The variable setup and fast changeover times guarantee maximum flexibility in your processes and enormous potential for modernizing your production sequences.
Expand the platform of the flexible robot cell with interfaces and components such as application-specific end effectors, robot sets, safety scanners, storage stations for small load carriers and much more. The Zimmer HMI option offers you the convenience of easy commissioning and control. With the optional remote maintenance, your ZiMo gets regular updates and optimizations. This saves you valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus fully on areas of production that offer real added value for your company.
AUTOMATION FOR EVERY APPLICATION
VARIABLE FOR ALL PRODUCTION SITUATIONS
As an interface between humans and robots, the flexible ZiMo robot cell paves the way to automation for small and medium-sized companies and helps large factories optimize their processes. At the same time, there are no barriers to the use of the intuitive, mobile handling system. This includes repetitive loading and unloading of tooling machines or machine tending, logistics and pick & place applications as well as complex assembly tasks that need increased safety. ZiMo performs monotonous tasks of low to high repetition cycles with maximum accuracy. It not only allows you to reduce the costs of production processes, but also takes the load off valuable skilled workers and still ensures stable machining processes.
SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
Application examples
ZiMo's compact design gives you universal use and free positioning, ideal for small batch sizes and flexible workstations. ZiMo can be used without any complex connection to your system. The module system thus offers you absolute freedom of use and versatile adaptation to your changing needs. See below for selected application examples for specific requirements.
Integration into production
Two variants
Easy Automation
Simple integration
With Easy Automation, you get an all-round carefree package. The Zimmer HMI gives you easy control, including remote maintenance. At the same time, you benefit from the wide range of options and accessories.
- Shortage of skilled workers? No problem: Compensate for short-term staff shortages
- Flexible with various robots: Compatible with a wide range of robot types
- Immediately ready for production: Ready-made function blocks for easier commissioning and use
- Endless possibilities: Experienced programmers have the opportunity to go deeper. This means that the system can be expanded to include every conceivable function and interface on request.
- Worldwide service and support: Support where you need it thanks to remote maintenance
- Fast return on investment: Investment pays for itself after just 1.5 years
Platform Kit
Configurable as required
Would you like to program ZiMo completely by yourself? With the Platform Kit, you get the base module with or without PLC and can configure the robot cell entirely according to your requirements.
- Customizable to your brand: Ideal for integrators and partners
- Compatible with almost all common robots: Integrate the robot of your choice
- Maximum flexibility: Wide range of equipment and options
- Fully customizable configuration: No restrictions in the application
Easy Automation – What is included?
Base module
- Base frame on four lifting rollers with locking feet
- Tabletop fully finished to customer specifications
- Control cabinet including fan / ventilation grille
- Prepared interface (pneumatically/electrically)
- Basic electrical equipment
- Status display (LED strip)
- Docking bar with "present" query
- Integrated brackets for accessories
Engineering
- Conformity assessment procedure with corresponding certification
Full service
- Integration and commissioning possible
- Remote maintenance
- Comprehensive services
Ready-to-start programming with Zimmer HMI + control panel
- Intuitive controls
- No programming knowledge required
Robot
- Compatible with a wide range of robot manufacturers
Integrated end effector portfolio (configurable)
- A selection of 2-jaw parallel grippers, 3-jaw concentric grippers, 2-jaw angular grippers, vacuum suction cups or the MATCH ecosystem, preconfigured robot sets
- Pneumatic, electric, vacuum, IO-Link
Options (configurable)
- Safety scanner
- Storage station for MATCH components
- Interfaces (Digital Safety I/O, Euromap 67, passive distributor, IO-Link, pneumatics)
- Battery-operated, autonomous thanks to transport with Miles, safety interface, integration in fleet management system and Mosaic
Accessories (configurable)
- SLC rack
- Additional docking bars
Platform Kit – What is included?
Base module
- Base frame on four lifting rollers with locking feet
- Tabletop partially machined
- Control cabinet including fan / ventilation grille
- Prepared interface (pneumatically/electrically)
- Basic electrical equipment
- Status display (LED strip)
- Docking bar with "present" query
- Integrated brackets for accessories
Engineering
- For checking the integration of new robot models, for example
Service
- For mechanics
- When purchasing the PLC, support at the control level is available as an option (excluding robot programming)
Customer programming with the support of Zimmer software packages
- ZiMo PLC + PLC modules for easy integration of ZiMo options and the Zimmer Group portfolio
- Zimmer Comfort Apps, Zimmer GuideZ
Robot
- Compatible with almost all robot manufacturers
Complete end effector portfolio (configurable)
- Gripping and vacuum components, MATCH ecosystem, tool changers, axis compensators, collision protection, adapter plates, sensors and accessories, preconfigured robot sets
- Pneumatic, electric, vacuum
Options (configurable)
- Safety scanner
- Storage station for MATCH components
- Interfaces (Digital Safety I/O, Euromap 67, passive distributor, IO-Link, pneumatics)
Accessories (configurable)
- SLC rack
- Additional docking bars
INTUITIVE CONTROL VIA ZIMMER HMI
Versatility that is hard to beat: Our Zimmer HMI gives you a simple and intuitive introduction to the world of automation. The interface is designed so intuitively, partly due to the preconfigured function blocks, that no programming knowledge is required to put the function blocks together. For new components, all available configurations can be called up and used via an integrated database. In addition, the control system offers many flexible expansion options, giving even experienced programmers convincing advantages. Should you still have any questions, our support team is available at any time to provide secure and fast remote maintenance.
Robot
Robot selection for Easy Automation
ZiMo can be combined with a large number of common cobot models. With Easy Automation, you benefit from a thorough compatibility check including stability analysis. Here’s a complete list of compatible preconfigured robots:
Robot selection for Platform Kit
You can combine the Platform Kit with robots from almost any manufacturer, so it fits right into your existing setup. We would be happy to help you check how to integrate new robot models. Please contact us!
End effectors
With over four decades of experience in the field of handling and robotics, we offer you the necessary expertise and variety of end effectors to meet your specific requirements.
1. Electric handling components
Precise, energy-efficient and low-maintenance – ideal for flexible gripping tasks with variable force control.
2. Pneumatic handling components
Robust and powerful – proven for dynamic applications with high cycle rates.
3. Vacuum components
Ideal for flat or sensitive components – for safe and gentle handling of a wide range of materials.
4. MATCH end-of-arm ecosystem
One system, many options – with a standardized interface concept for fast tool changes and maximum flexibility.
5. Preconfigured robot sets
Ready for immediate use – perfectly coordinated combinations of robotics and grippers to get your project up and running quickly.
For Easy Automation
With Easy Automation, you get all the benefits of an integrated end effector portfolio that includes a selection of 2-jaw parallel grippers, 3-jaw concentric grippers, 2-jaw angular grippers, vacuum suction cups as well as the MATCH ecosystem and preconfigured robot sets.
For the Platform Kit
The Platform Kit provides you with the Zimmer Group's entire end effector portfolio, including gripper and vacuum components, the MATCH ecosystem, tool changers, axis compensators, collision protection, adapter plates, sensors and accessories and preconfigured robot sets.
FAST RETURN ON INVESTMENT
STAFF SHORTAGE AS A COST TRAP
The ongoing shortage of skilled workers is creating organizational challenges for many companies and causing significant costs. Shortages in staff lead to production delays, quality losses and restricted growth. ZiMo offers effective relief here: Automated processes help alleviate staff shortages and significantly reduce the workload of valuable skilled workers. This improves the utilization of your resources, increases planning reliability and creates room for growth. This makes automation the strategic answer to the current challenges facing the industry.
Personnel support
ZiMo takes over monotonous or physically demanding tasks – instead of replacing personnel, the robot cell adds to your existing capacities.
Increased revenue
Higher production availability with the same workforce makes it possible to process more orders in less time – a direct lever for increasing revenue.
Maximized profit
Reduced personnel costs, higher product quality and increased utilization of capacity lead to a better contribution margin and secure your competitive edge in the long run.
Quality assurance
ZiMo reduces rejection rates and ensures consistently high product quality thanks to standardized processes and repeatable procedures.
Increased production
ZiMo can be operated without personnel in additional shifts, thereby increasing production capacity without requiring additional space or personnel.
Reduced costs
Low operating costs, low maintenance requirements and high energy efficiency contribute to a noticeable reduction in the total cost of ownership (TCO) – for a sustainable reduction in your budget planning.
Equipment, options and accessories
In detail
Base module
The base module is ZiMo’s stable and ready-to-connect foundation. With an integrated control cabinet, prepared electrics and standardized interfaces, it comes fully equipped with all the technology you need – for a quick start without any additional effort. Thanks to sophisticated components such as lifting rollers, a docking bar and status display, the base module offers maximum flexibility and convenience during transportation, commissioning and operation. As a result, you benefit from an immediately usable platform with a high degree of prefabrication and a wide range of expansion options.
Some components can be positioned according to customer requirements, depending on the application, and therefore have different positions to choose from. For example, you can configure the positions of the robot (1), the safety scanners (2) and the MATCH storage station (3).
Battery-operated base module
This configuration combines our Miles autonomous mobile robot and the ZiMo mobile robot cell to create a high-performance system. Both units are fully integrated into the higher-level control technology: Miles receives its orders from the fleet management system, while ZiMo is controlled directly by the control system.
Once Miles positions the robot cell precisely, the two systems are decoupled and perform their respective tasks separately. While ZiMo performs tasks such as loading and unloading machines or order picking, Miles is ready for the next transport order, such as pallets or containers. This significantly increases fleet efficiency and system utilization.
Thanks to its integrated battery, ZiMo is fully mobile and only requires a temporary connection to the power supply via the charging station. A fixed grid connection is not required.
Options
1. Safety scanner
For all applications outside of human-robot collaboration (HRC), safety scanners are absolutely essential for ZiMo, especially for machine loading and unloading without a safety fence. The 2D safety scanners from SICK are an integral part of the safety circuit and are considered separately during risk analysis. With a detection angle of 275° per scanner and an effective range of 7.5 m, they make it possible to flexibly secure even complex working areas. Thanks to eight freely definable monitoring fields and four separate switch-off paths per scanner, the system offers maximum safety and maximum productivity at the same time.
2. Storage station for MATCH components
The MATCH storage station offers space for up to four different end effectors from the extensive MATCH ecosystem and is therefore ideal for automated tool changes when applications change. The gripper change is fully automatic and safe, supported by an integrated signal query for "part present" detection.
3. Interfaces
ZiMo offers a wide range of configurable interfaces for seamless integration into existing production environments. Whether IO-Link, Digital Safety I/O (32 I/O), Euromap 67, pneumatics with or without safety function or a passive distributor
– with the right connection, all options are open to you.
4. Remote maintenance
With Zimmer HMI, you can access the convenience of remote maintenance. You can connect the HMI to your company network via Wi-Fi/LAN. This means you will get quick support if you need it, for example with
- ... Problems and malfunctions
- ... Programming
- ... Updates and bug fixes