Mecademic is a unique robot company because it has focused entirely on one type of robot: tiny, full-functional industrial robots.
The vision behind Mecademic is simple but powerful. Rather than trying to make big industrial robots then trying to make them more precise, as other manufacturers might do, the team at Mecademic took a different route. They reasoned that small robots can be more precise in the first place. The company has focused on becoming world leaders in small, precise robots.
This approach is certainly working. Mecademic robots are now sold in 40 countries and recently had a 50% annual compound growth rate in Asia-Pacific automation markets.
In this spotlight on Mecademic, we’ll look at how you can program Mecademic robots easily for your chosen application.
The Mecademic Story: What Sets Mecademic Robots Apart
Mecademic was established in 2013 in Montreal, Canada by CNC machinist Jonathan Coulombe and robotics professor Ilian Bonev.
They initially focused on the academic market. However, the innovative design and precision of their first product, the Meca500 six-axis robot, soon attracted the attention of the industrial sector.
With its remarkable five-micron position repeatability, the Meca500 quickly became the go-to industrial robot for high-precision robotic applications in various industries. In 2023, the company then released a SCARA robot.
Mecademic also prioritized a different type of programming from other industrial robots. For example, they don’t include require a robot controller or teach pendant!
Unlike traditional industrial robots, that often require extensive knowledge, accessories, and configuration, Mecademic robots operate as simple plug-and-play automation components.
What Industries are Mecademic Robots Used In?
The small form factor and high precision of Mecademic robots makes them very popular in industries with limited space requirements and precision tasks.
In industries like automotive and aerospace, with their strict industry standards, Mecademic robots are used for tasks like precision inspection and micromanipulation. Similarly, companies in biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing use Mecademic robots to facilitate critical processes like sample and microplate handling.
With such a focus on precision, the electronics and consumer device industry also significantly benefits from Mecademic robots. Companies use them for tasks like functional testing and component inspection.
3 Example Applications for Mecademic Robots
If your application needs small, precise, easy-to-integrate industrial robots, Mecademic robots are ideal.
Here are 3 example applications from different industries that people are already achieving with Mecademic robots:
1. Micro-Assembly for Rapid Production Scaling
Mecademic robots are perfectly suited to micro-assembly applications, from driving small screws to applying stickers.
One example of micro-assembly comes from the medical device industry with Mecademic users Cretex Medical. With Meca500 robots, they could rapidly scale the production of catheter devices and improve the work environment.
2. Micro-Manipulation to Increase Productivity 400%
Micro-manipulation is also a perfect application for Mecademic robots. They support both programming and real-time operation with a joystick.
SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies used Mecademic robots to achieve high precision when inserting microneedle assemblies. This increased the productivity of the task by 400%.
3. Inspection and Testing for Drug Delivery Systems
Accurate inspection and testing is vital in many industries and are ideal tasks for Mecademic robots.
Mati Therapeutics used Meca500 robots as part of the inspection of components for their drug delivery systems. The robots placed the components in front of two cameras for position feedback and inspection.
Options for Programming Mecademic Robots
Whatever application you choose for your Mecademic robot, it’s important to use a programming method that helps you deploy your robot easily and efficiently.
One common method for programming industrial robots is to use the robot’s teach pendant. With Mecademic, this option is notably absent. As the company says, “there is no bulky controller cabinet, teach pendant, or any messy cables.”
There are 2 main options for programming a Mecademic robot:
- PLC Programming — Instead of a robot controller, Mecademic robots are controlled through a standard Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The robot is treated like any other automation component. You send the motion commands to the robot through your preferred communication interface using whatever programming language you already use for PLC programming.
- RoboDK — For a feature-rich, graphical approach to programming, supported by a powerful API if you need it, you can also program your Mecademic robots offline using RoboDK. It also allows you to fully test your robot application in the simulator without the physical robot being present.
With RoboDK, the simplicity of Mecademic robots is given a boost of extra functionality. You just load your chosen Mecademic model from the integrated Robot Library. This streamlines the programming process and reduces unnecessary downtime.
Spotlight on 3 Models in the RoboDK Library
The RoboDK robot library includes the entire range of Mecademic robots models.
At the time of writing, it includes Mecademic’s 5 robots and tools, including its 6 DoF DoF arms, SCARA robots and pneumatic gripper.
Here are 3 models that you can find in the library:
Robot 1: Meca500 R4
The Meca500 is a highly precise 6-degree-of-freedom manipulator designed for a variety of automation tasks.
With a payload capacity of 0.5 kg, a reach of 330 mm, and an impressive 0.005 mm of repeatability, this compact robot is suitable for intricate assembly operations and fine automation projects.
An interesting variant, the Meca500-OBS, features a specialized Optical Black Surface Treatment that absorbs 96.5% of light from the visible spectrum. This unique design tackles the common challenges of shiny surfaces faced in optics manufacturing and AI vision applications.
Robot 2: MCS500
The MCS500 is Mecademic’s highly efficient 4-axis SCARA robot.
With a payload capacity of 0.5 kg, a generous reach of 225 mm, and repeatability of 0.005 mm, this robot is ideal for applications such as assembly, packaging, and material handling.
Before its public launch in 2023, the company optimized its design through a worldwide Early Access Program that provided valuable insights from selected experts, enhancing its design and functionality.
Robot 3: Mecademic SCHUNK MPG-plus 25 Gripper
Offered in collaboration with Schunk the MPG-plus 25 Gripper is an advanced pneumatic gripper designed for precision and versatility.
With an adjustable gripping velocity and force, the gripper features a stroke of 3 mm per jaw, repeatability of 0.03 mm, and a maximum gripping force of 40 N.
For added flexibility, you can attach the gripper to a custom bracket to the end of the Meca500. This bracket can be 3D printed or manufactured in another way and allows the gripper to be attached at 90-degrees.
How to Program Mecademic Robots Easily with RoboDK
If you want to streamline the deployment process for your Mecademic industrial robot, it’s worth looking at using RoboDK for your programming tasks.
RoboDK’s rich simulation environment makes it easy to quickly design robot programs and test them before you put the robot into production. The intuitive graphical interface allows you to quickly create robust programs while the API allows you to incorporate any advanced features you want.
To get started, download a trial copy of RoboDK from our download page and load up your favorite robot model.
Which Mecademic model do you use and for which applications? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel
