Introduction
Manufacturers across industries are continually seeking smarter, more flexible ways to automate part handling and assembly. One of the most versatile tools in that mission is a flexible feeding system, and at BlueBay Automation, we’ve engineered a solution that combines precision, adaptability, and speed: the Kassow Flex Feeding System.
This blog will walk through how this compact yet powerful system works, why it's particularly well-suited for high-mix production, and how the synergy of Kassow Robotics, Asyril Asycube, and EYE+ vision creates a uniquely flexible feeding solution.
What is the Kassow Flex Feeding System?
The Kassow Flex Feeding System is a small-footprint, high-performance automation cell that combines three best-in-class technologies:
- A Kassow 7-axis collaborative robot, known for its extended reach and dexterity.
- An Asyril Asycube flexible feeder, capable of handling a wide range of part sizes and geometries.
- The EYE+ vision system, a smart control platform that manages both the feeder and the robot with seamless coordination.
This trio forms an integrated system where parts can be bulk-fed, gently vibrated, located via vision, and picked precisely by the robot—all without custom tooling or mechanical changeovers.
Why Combine Kassow, Asyril, and Eye+?
These technologies were designed to complement each other:
Kassow Robots bring 7 degrees of freedom to collaborative automation. That seventh axis gives the robot an "elbow," allowing it to reach around fixtures and into tight spaces—a major advantage in feeding applications where access is limited or where parts arrive in unpredictable orientations.
Asyril’s Asycube feeders use patented 3-axis vibration technology to separate and spread parts evenly across the surface, regardless of shape or material. There’s no need for vibratory bowls or custom tracks.
EYE+ acts as the brain of the system. It analyzes the feeder surface, identifies valid pick points, and sends precise coordinates to the Kassow cobot. It also adapts in real-time, so parts can shift and move—the system stays accurate.
How Does it Work?
- Bulk parts are loaded into the feeder’s hopper.
- The Asycube gently vibrates, singulating and spreading parts across the platform.
- The EYE+ camera scans the surface, detects parts, and selects optimal pick points.
- The Kassow cobot receives the coordinates and picks the part with sub-millimeter precision.
- The cycle repeats, continuously and adaptively.
This loop happens within seconds, allowing for rapid pick rates even in high-mix environments.
Real-World Use Cases
- Electronics assembly: Small PCBs or connectors often vary slightly between batches. The flex feeder handles them without retooling.
- Medical manufacturing: Parts like syringes, caps, or valves are often delicate and come in multiple variants.
- Automotive suppliers: Feeding plastic or metal fasteners in varying sizes is made easier by the system’s adaptability.
Benefits That Matter
- Quick changeover: New parts can be taught and run in no time.
- Zero custom tooling: No expensive fixturing or part-specific feeders required.
- Compact footprint: Ideal for workcells with limited space.
- Safe for human interaction: With a cobot at the center, the system is collaborative by design.
Final Thoughts
The Kassow Flex Feeding System isn’t just a smart combination of components—it’s a modular, scalable approach to automated part feeding that makes real business sense. Whether you're looking to improve throughput, reduce setup time, or simply get more out of a small space, this system delivers.
Kassow Robots Flex Feeding Solutions