Roth & Rau - Ortner showcasing cleanroom transport robot at SEMICON Europa
From October 8th to 10th 2013 Roth & Rau - Ortner GmbH will be presenting Scout active, its new mobile robot for cleanroom applications during SEMICON Europa (Via Mobile 4).
As a specialist for fab automation, the company has developed the autonomously navigating robot together with its partner MetraLabs GmbH.
Equipped with a 6-axis-robot, Scout active can execute transport jobs in semiconductor fabs as well as in other ultraclean environments. It can not only transport wafer cassettes, but it also can pick and place those where needed.
"Up to now, Scout has been known as a transport vehicle only," says Karli Hantzschmann, Division Manager Automation of Roth & Rau - Ortner. "Now it becomes an active system, which takes over transport jobs as well material handling tasks from busy operators - thus Fabs can operate more efficiently and save valuable time and cost."
The image at the top of this story shows that Scout can be used safely in areas where people and machines work closely together.
Autonomously operating SCOUT for efficient material transport in Semiconductor Factories
Scout navigates autonomously and does not require any additional infrastructure, neither on the floor nor on the ceiling. Via WiFi and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) , new transport jobs can be issued, and important status information like its current position can be displayed. Scout is cleanroom proven up to ISO class 3/ US FED 1 and has shown its reliability with over 5.000 km of operational performance.
Via an Operator GUI, status information is displayed and transport jobs can be entered
Scout can be integrated wherever a permanently installed transport system such as rails or a conveyor system cannot be implemented or would be too expensive. "With its compact size and reliable sensor technology Scout can operate safely in areas where people and machines work very closely together." explains Hantzschmann.
Scout is capable of moving various materials and products between any points in the fab; it can take measurements and provide tools and auxiliaries where needed. Equipped with different handling units, (i.e. robot-arms or linear-axis) or transport features, (i.e. for SMIF Pods and HA 200 boxes), Scout can be individually configured to customers' specific needs.
Smart Automation Solutions for more competitive Semiconductor Factories
Scout is an integral part of Roth & Rau - Ortner"˜s "Missing Link" concept, which offers tailor made automation solutions for existing semiconductor fabs. Its main focus lies in manufacturing and is well-suited for semi-automated-production.
In older fabs manual material handling between production steps is quite common. "This uses up valuable manpower, it is time consuming and it generates significant cost, and on top of that, it is error-prone. For these production lines, Ortner has individually designed technology for wafer and cassette handling in cleanrooms, custom made for making fabs more competitive." comments Karli Hantzschmann.
Demonstration of the robot Scout at the Roth & Rau - Ortner booth (Via Mobile 4) will take place from October 8th to 10th, 2013, at 11:00 and 14:00. The company is asking for previous information if possible so they can arrange to see you.
Product version of "Scout active" which can transport materials and pick and place them
Product version of "Scout reticle transport" which automates the transport of reticles in semiconductor fabs
Scout working in a semiconductor cleanroom
Scout can even be used safely in areas where people and machines work closely together
Charging Station: Scout's charging stattion
(All pictures are credited to Roth & Rau - Ortner GmbH)