fruitcore robotics specializes in the development, manufacture and marketing of technically outstanding and easy-to-use industrial robots, that facilitates automation for companies of all sizes. fruitcore robotics was founded in 2017 and employs around 75 people, including highly specialized experts in design, electronics as well as software development. In addition to its headquarters in Constance on Lake Constance (Germany), the company has another production site in Villingen-Schwenningen.
Interview with Patrick Zimmermann, Managing Director (CFO) of fruitcore robotics GmbH.
2. What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Patrick Zimmermann: With HORST (Highly Optimized Robotic Systems Technology), we have developed a robot system that makes automation easier for companies in all industries and of all sizes. The 6-axis industrial robot is designed to make economical robotics possible even for SMEs. On the one hand, HORST’s innovative drive technology ensures an excellent price-performance ratio. The customer can get started in robotics with the smallest model for under 10,000 euros. In addition, the robot is very easy to use. The intuitive horstFX software enables users to get started with programming quickly and easily, even without special knowledge.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
P.Z: The modular portfolio includes the industrial robot HORST, the intuitive horstFX software, and intelligent features for camera recognition and plug-and-play solutions including grippers. We offer the industrial robot in different reach classes with 600, 900 and 1400 mm reach and a payload between 3 and 15 kg. All three models are Made in Germany.
HORST can be used in almost all sectors and industries: for machine loading and unloading, for stacking, sorting and packaging products, for handling of turned, milled and stamped parts, but also for pick & place applications of small parts in pharmaceutical or medical technology as well as in electronics manufacturing and testing technology.
E.E: What’s the news for 2021 about new products?
P.Z: We are constantly working on further simplifying the entry into automation for companies. Most recently, we have expanded our online offerings. With horstCOSMOS we offer our customers an IoT platform for managing robots that can be accessed via the browser. The horst365 service packages give users access to horstCOSMOS and to numerous support solutions that are tailored precisely to their requirements and the robot’s intended use. Users can manage their HORST industrial robots, back up data and receive the latest updates and performance optimizations of the horstFX software and system components. The robot systems can be monitored and analyzed remotely via horstCOSMOS. We are also planning further robot models that expand the attractive positioning in terms of both price and performance class.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
P.Z: Many companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, still often find it difficult to use industrial robots because there has been a lack of simple and inexpensive solutions. This is where we provide a remedy with HORST. Thanks to the easy installation and programming of HORST, SMEs can also master a high number of variants and small batch sizes. The industrial robot is not only inexpensive to purchase, but also eliminates high setup costs.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends? What are the most innovative products marketed?
P.Z: We see a great need for robots that are easy to use, powerful and at the same time cost-effective. This makes it possible to automate applications with robots in the company that were previously out of the question because they were too expensive or complex. With the right system, it is worthwhile for small and medium-sized companies in particular to get into automation right away. Our industrial robot can be integrated very quickly and efficiently into a wide range of processes and applications thanks to its flexibility. Another trend are collaborative systems that work hand in hand with humans, without any protective space at all. Although HORST is not a cobot, it can be used with laser scanners without a protective space. When a human approach the workspace, the robot’s speed is first reduced and, at a certain distance, the robot’s movement is stopped. This makes HORST easy and safe to use together with humans.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?
P.Z: It is not only due to the current global Corona crisis that the robotics industry is currently falling short of expectations. This makes the key factors for efficient robot use already mentioned the more important: ease of use and low costs. We are continuously developing our robot systems to the latest state of the art and expect in 2021 to bring automation in companies further forward with our innovation.
The industrial robot HORST shows what it is capable of.
FRUITCORE ROBOTICS GMBH
Macairestraße 3, 78467 Constance, Germany
Tel: +49 7531 94599 44
Email: horst@fruitcore.de
Website: https://fruitcore-robotics.com/en/
Social media links:
LinkedIn: https://de.linkedin.com/company/fruitcore-gmbh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitcore_robotics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruitcoreGmbH/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fruitcore.de/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-vNQy_YYlYRCUkpPoivNUw