About the Techman TM Series
The Techman TM Series is a family of collaborative robots distinguished by one decisive feature: a native vision system built directly into the robot, with camera, lighting, and image-processing software integrated into the same platform and programming environment. This eliminates the complexity that traditionally makes vision-guided automation the domain of specialists. Payload options span from 4 to 20 kilograms across the range, covering electronics assembly, machine tending, palletizing, and inspection tasks. The TMflow graphical programming environment uses flow-chart logic that operators learn quickly, and hand-guided teaching speeds path creation. Certified collaborative safety allows fence-free operation in assessed applications, while the built-in vision handles landmark positioning, barcode reading, pattern matching, and color or shape identification without external PCs. Techman has grown into one of the world’s largest cobot suppliers, with strong adoption in electronics manufacturing where its vision advantage shines brightest. For factories seeking vision-guided automation without vision-system integration headaches, the TM Series offers an elegant, proven, and cost-effective solution.
Key Specifications
- Native built-in vision system
- Payloads from 4 to 20 kg
- TMflow graphical programming
- Hand-guided teaching support
- Certified collaborative safety
- Landmark positioning technology
- Barcode and pattern recognition
- Strong electronics industry adoption
Vision-Guided Electronics Assembly
Electronics manufacturers use TM robots to pick connectors, place components, and assemble devices where part positions vary between fixtures. The built-in camera locates each part before the robot moves, compensating for variation automatically. Because vision and motion share one programming environment, technicians set up new products in hours rather than contracting vision specialists for days.
Machine Tending With Position Correction
Machine shops deploy TM robots for tending applications where blanks arrive in trays with imperfect positioning. The robot photographs each tray, calculates pick positions, and adapts without precision fixturing. This vision correction removes a major cost from automation projects, since inexpensive trays replace machined fixtures, and changeover to new parts requires only software updates.
Inspection And Quality Verification
Factories use the TM Series’ camera for in-process inspection: verifying part presence, reading barcodes and date codes, checking labels, and confirming assembly steps before products advance. Vision results link to pick decisions in the same program, so rejected parts are sorted automatically. This integrated inspection catches errors at the source rather than at end of line.
Palletizing With Mixed Products
Logistics operations use larger TM models for palletizing where product types change frequently. The vision system identifies incoming cartons by barcode or appearance, and the robot places each according to its assigned pattern. Operators manage exceptions beside the robot in the fence-free cell, combining machine consistency with human judgment for variable workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about TM robots?
The TM Series’ defining feature is its integrated vision: camera, lighting, and image processing built into the robot and its software. Vision-guided applications that normally require specialist integrators become accessible to ordinary automation engineers, dramatically reducing project cost and deployment time.
What payload range is available?
The TM Series spans payloads from 4 to 20 kilograms across multiple models with corresponding reaches. This range covers delicate electronics handling through to palletizing, letting factories standardize on one programming environment across diverse applications.
How does landmark positioning work?
The robot photographs a landmark, a printed marker placed on a fixture or machine, and recalculates its working coordinates relative to that reference. If the robot or fixture shifts, programs remain accurate without re-teaching points, greatly simplifying cell maintenance and mobile robot applications.
Is the vision system hard to use?
No, vision tasks are configured within the same graphical TMflow environment used for motion programming. Pattern matching, barcode reading, and positioning tasks use guided setup dialogs, so engineers without image-processing backgrounds successfully deploy vision-guided applications.
Can it operate without safety fencing?
Yes, TM robots carry certified collaborative safety functions enabling fence-free operation in properly risk-assessed applications. Force limiting stops the robot safely on unexpected contact, allowing shared workspaces that save floor space and support flexible human-robot task sharing.
What industries use TM robots?
Electronics manufacturing is the strongest adopter, followed by automotive components, food packaging, and logistics. Any application combining handling with identification or inspection benefits from the integrated vision, particularly high-mix production where flexibility matters.
How is the robot programmed?
Programming uses TMflow, a flow-chart-based graphical environment on a tablet or PC, with hand-guided teaching for positions. The approach suits operators without programming backgrounds, while scripting and communication interfaces support advanced integration with factory systems.
What company stands behind it?
Techman Robot, founded with backing from Quanta Group, has grown into one of the largest cobot manufacturers globally. A worldwide distributor network provides sales, training, and service, with particularly strong support infrastructure across Asian manufacturing regions.
