Compared to heavy-duty robots, although SCARA robots entered the Chinese market relatively late, they have become incredibly popular in recent years, attracting numerous companies to enter this market. However, in a fiercely competitive market, technology remains the key factor determining success or failure. Companies with deep technological expertise and a strong capacity for innovation continue to maintain their leading edge in this field.

[STEP Group | Zhongweixing] On December 12, at the 2019 High-Tech Robot Annual Conference, Wang Liang, Marketing Director of Shenzhen Zhongweixing, delivered a speech titled “Technological Innovation Drives the Steady Progress of SCARA.” In his speech, he pointed out, “It’s true that OEM manufacturers are facing tough times right now, but we must look to the future. Future profits and market size will both stem from technological innovation—and since its inception in 2006, Zhongweixing Robotics has built its development on precisely this core foundation.”

Wang Liang, Marketing Director of Zhongwei Xing

Industrial robot innovation primarily focuses on control systems and the robot’s mechanical structure. Although it may seem straightforward, there are actually many subtle nuances involved. In 2010, Zhongweixing was the first in China to launch an integrated drive-and-control controller. Last year, the second-generation integrated drive-and-control controller, QC410, was introduced. Wang Liang believes that... An excellent robotic system should possess these characteristics: comprehensive functionality with a strong focus on user experience; optimized performance that surpasses imported counterparts; quality-first approach with meticulous attention to detail; and well-designed, easy-to-use operating software.

First, in terms of functionality, When performing horizontal transfer, the SCARA robot can be equipped with third-party tools at its end effector, enabling it to be applied in a wide range of scenarios—for example, using a screwdriver for assembly. To ensure optimal coordination between the robot and the tool, the robot control system itself must be equipped with corresponding functional modules.

In specific application scenarios, when SCARA robots need to work in conjunction with vision systems, they require automatic calibration capabilities; for online operations, they need dynamic tracking functionality; and for precision assembly, they require highly accurate positioning capabilities. It can be said that the Zhongweixing QC410 boasts an extensive feature library that covers the majority of application scenarios in the 3C industry.

From a performance perspective, The speed of SCARA robots directly affects manufacturing efficiency, while precision influences the yield of intelligent manufacturing. Often, pursuing higher precision means sacrificing speed, and striving for greater speed comes at the expense of precision. So how can we simultaneously improve both of these technical metrics?

“Through comprehensive optimization—from the driver layer and application software layer all the way down to the hardware—we strike a balance among numerous factors to achieve optimal performance. Taking the QC410 as an example, we conducted comparative experiments using real-world data and compared it with most of the mainstream brands both domestically and internationally, achieving a score of 1...” Take, for example, the test of 00% multi-directional pose accuracy. At different coordinate points, Zhongweixing’s deviations were all very small, and its performance was outstanding. From the comparative experiment on distance accuracy at 100% speed, “Zhongweixing also showed relatively small deviations and outstanding performance,” Wang Liang pointed out.

From the perspective of stability Product stability is influenced by a variety of factors, including manufacturing processes and testing standards. To address this, Zhongweixing has made numerous efforts starting from the details, such as: The QC410 controller has a built-in detection system. When anomalies occur, the system provides early warnings and offers maintenance and upkeep recommendations, helping to prevent ultimate failures and thereby comprehensively enhancing the overall stability of the control system. It is reported that products launched by Zhongweixing eight or nine years ago are still in operation on-site today, demonstrating their characteristics of stability, reliability, and high quality.

Wang Liang said, “In addition to this, the robotic system must also be simple and easy to use. The QC410 can select different motion modes—such as speed and trajectory—based on the specific application scenario. The system will automatically adjust these parameters internally. Of course, we also offer more advanced features: during debugging, we precisely monitor the current changes in each motor and optimize the motor performance to its fullest potential according to the application scenario.”

From the perspective of ontological innovation Wang Liang pointed out that Zhongweixing’s entry into the field of body manufacturing was due to accidental factors—at the time, they hadn’t been able to find a suitable body manufacturer to collaborate with in validating Zhongweixing’s control system. In 2018, Zhongweixing launched the GR series SCARA robots, which featured numerous innovations compared to the previous-generation AR series. For example, the stabilization time has been shortened by 25%, the acceleration time has been reduced by 20%, positioning accuracy has improved, the theoretical service life has increased by 50%, and the temperature has dropped by 20℃. We’ve taken a small step toward higher speed and greater precision, and another small step toward greater stability and reliability.

“Our in-depth research on the robot’s physical structure largely unlocks the full potential of our own robotic control system. Only when a high-quality system is paired with a well-designed physical structure can we create an outstanding product that better serves our customers,” Wang Liang pointed out.

As a pioneer in integrated robot drive and control technology in China, Zhongwei Xing... S Since 2015, CARA has cumulatively shipped over 10,000 units, covering a wide range of niche markets and application scenarios. Wang Liang stated that, based on extensive feedback from users regarding their process requirements, Zhongweixing’s SCARA robots have been continuously iterated, optimized, and improved. Zhongweixing will remain committed to using the resolution of on-site issues as the fundamental guiding principle for innovation and development, and will continue to work hand-in-hand with our customers, offering high-quality products, excellent service, and reasonable prices.

Good news
On December 13, the highlight of this year’s annual conference—the Golden Globe Awards ceremony, themed “The Rising Chinese Power”—delivered good news: The Zhongwei Xing GR series SCARA robot was shortlisted for the 2019 Innovation Technology Award and successfully won the Golden Globe Award. 。

This year’s selection focuses on robotics companies and highlights cutting-edge technological innovations. Through competition and demonstration, it seeks to identify the driving forces behind the future development of these companies. Moreover, it honors with the highest distinction those enterprises that have consistently dedicated themselves to the robotics industry, encouraging innovation and jointly promoting the healthy and stable growth of the robotics sector.

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