ST. PAUL, MN—3M and Eckhart have developed a cobot-based automated tape application system for the automotive and industrial market.

The 3M Automated Taping System (ATS) is designed to automate manual processes involving 3M attachment tapes. The system can apply adhesion promoters, create extended liner tabs, and precisely position cut-to-length tape or die cuts onto components.

“A significant majority of our global customer base today applies tape manually,” says Rachel Moses, U.S. business manager for 3M’s Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division. “The manual process is labor-intensive, prone to repetitive tasks that create ergonomic issues for employees, and often results in significant rework. [The ATS uses] collaborative robot technology to optimize ergonomics, first-time quality and productivity.”