TouchThink Industrial PCs Empower Mobile Collaborative Robots to Build Modern Factories

Industry Development Background

Under Industry 4.0, the manufacturing industry has shifted from traditional mass production to a flexible production model characterized by short cycles, small batches, and customization. This transformation is particularly evident in industries such as 3C (Computers, Communication, and Consumer Electronics), automotive electronics, and semiconductor packaging, where production lines require frequent material loading, transportation, assembly, and process adjustments. However, traditional robotic arms and AGV equipment are typically limited to fixed operations or single functions.

To further improve production efficiency and effectiveness, manufacturers must adopt more dynamic, agile operational configurations.

This is where mobile collaborative robots come into play. These advanced robots, which function like humans with “hands, feet, eyes, and brains,” integrate the mobility of AGVs with robotic arm functionality. They can perform multi-functional, cross-regional tasks, meeting the growing need for more complex and adaptable production processes.

Project application requirements

The core technologies of a customer’s mobile collaborative robot cover machine vision, autonomous navigation, motion perception, and robotic arm force control. In order to accurately control the multi-axis collaboration of the robot’s mobile chassis and robotic arms, a powerful industrial computer “brain” is needed to quickly complete data processing and real-time decision-making tasks.

When industrial PCs coordinate with high-frame-rate cameras and mechanical arm actuators such as cylinders and motors, image acquisition cards and motion control cards are essential to ensure precision and efficiency. Therefore, the PCI expansion capability of the industrial PC is indispensable to meet these operational needs.

TouchThink IPC Product Solutions

To meet these demands, TouchThink offers a high-performance, expandable industrial PC solution featuring the TPC06-WIPC industrial PC combined with the TPC101-M2 embedded industrial monitor. This solution is precisely tailored to the needs of mobile collaborative robots, providing reliable smart equipment for use in production workshops, warehouses, and other industrial scenarios.

1. Robust and Flexible Hardware Expansion and Functional Integration

The TPC06-WIPC industrial PC in this solution comes equipped with a 16-channel high-speed PCIe interface and a 32-bit PCI slot, allowing seamless integration of video image acquisition, motion control, and I/O expansion cards. Additionally, it includes:

• 6 USB ports
• 4 serial ports
• 16-bit isolated GPIO

This diverse connectivity supports the control and integration of motors, cameras, sensors, laser scanners, switches, and other devices. With these features, the industrial PC enables mobile collaborative robots to perform flexible and autonomous operations, meeting the complex demands of modern production environments.

2. Superior Performance and Efficiency Assurance

The TPC06-WIPC industrial PC supports 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Intel® Core™ i3/i5/i7/i9 processors, delivering exceptional computing power for demanding tasks. To enhance performance under high workloads, it offers:

• Dual DDR5 memory modules for faster data processing
• Comprehensive storage expansion with:
  • 2 SATA 3.0 ports
  • 1 mSATA slot
  • 1 M.2 slot

This robust configuration ensures that mobile collaborative robots maintain high performance and responsiveness, even when executing complex and continuous tasks. These features guarantee smooth operations, reliable data management, and quick task execution, making the solution ideal for high-demand industrial environments.

3. Reliable Embedded Interaction Hub

The accompanying TPC116-M2 industrial monitor features a 3mm ultra-thin front panel design, making it perfectly suited for embedded installation on mobile robot platforms. This design ensures stability during movement, even along complex routes.

Key features of the TPC116-M2 include:

• FHD full high-definition display for crystal-clear visual feedback
• 10-point touch support, facilitating:
  • Real-time monitoring of operating conditions
  • Path editing for mobile robots
  • Software interaction for human-machine collaboration

This robust interactive hub enhances usability and efficiency, ensuring seamless coordination between operators and mobile robots, even in dynamic industrial environments.

Driving Innovation Across Multiple Industries

Mobile collaborative robots powered by TouchThink industrial PCs are unleashing their full potential and innovation across various fields. This solution has enabled numerous customers to achieve commercial success in industries such as:

• Precision manufacturing
• Semiconductors
• 3C and automotive electronics
• Biomedical applications
• New energy solutions

With its advanced technology and versatile capabilities, TouchThink’s solutions empower factories and industrial operations to embrace flexible, agile workflows, unlocking new efficiencies and business value.