Sepro Group: Integrated Automation Cell, Gripper Systems and Remote Diagnostics

(Photo: Sepro).

At Fakuma 2026, the Sepro Group will present a demonstration cell for handling inserts in plastics injection moulding. The cell combines a five-axis "S-15X" linear robot with the "Visual 4" control system, a six-axis "LR Mate" robot from Fanuc, the flexible "Asycube" feeding system from Asyril, machine vision technology from Keyence, as well as servo-driven transfer axes, grippers, drawers and conveyor equipment. Using two configurations, the system demonstrates semi-automated and fully automated processes. The insertion of parts into an injection mould is simulated.

Semi-Automated and Fully Automated Insert Handling
In semi-automated operation, inserts are manually loaded into drawers. The six-axis Fanuc robot picks up the parts and places them on a servo-driven transfer axis. Following an optical quality inspection by the Keyence machine vision system, the Sepro linear robot picks up the parts and simulates their insertion into the mould. Finally, the inserts are returned to the front of the cell via a conveyor system. The concept is particularly suitable for applications involving smaller batch sizes or a high variety of part variants, where manual part feeding can be economically viable.

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In fully automated mode, the "Asycube" feeding system singulates the inserts and provides their position data to the "S-15X". The linear robot picks up the parts, transfers them to the transfer axis and, following optical inspection of their quality and orientation, moves them into the mould area. The inserts are then returned to the feeding system via a chute. Both operating modes are designed as closed-loop processes within the demonstration cell. The company does not provide specific figures for cycle times or measurable productivity improvements.

Centralised Control and Application-Specific Grippers
The "Visual Automation" control architecture is designed to coordinate the robots, feeding system, machine vision system and other peripheral equipment through a common operator interface. According to Sepro, diagnostic and analysis functions as well as access to production data are also available. The centralised control system is intended to simplify commissioning and facilitate adaptation of the automation cell to changing production requirements.

Another focus is on application-specific gripper systems. Sepro matches grippers and robots to the part geometry, mould and handling process. This is intended to improve process reliability and optimise part removal and insertion operations in particular. The press release does not provide detailed technical specifications for the gripper systems presented.

Service, Remote Diagnostics and Modernisation
Sepro states that its global service network comprises more than 140 specialists at 47 service centres. Through an international hotline and secure remote access, the company provides support for fault diagnosis, programming, maintenance and spare parts identification. According to the company, approximately 80 per cent of service requests can be handled without an on-site visit.

The service portfolio also includes retrofit and upgrade measures. These include control system modernisation, software and functional enhancements, adaptations to grippers and mould configurations, and the transfer of existing robots to other injection moulding machines. At the "Service Bistro" at Fakuma 2026, Sepro will provide information on preventive maintenance, spare parts stockholding, modernisation options and training programmes offered by the "Sepro Academy".

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
12–16 October 2026
Hall A1, Stand 1202

More information:
www.sepro-group.com, www.fanuc.eu, www.asyril.com, www.keyence.de

Sepro Robotique, La Roche-sur-Yon, France + Sepro Robotique GmbH, Dietzenbach, Germany

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