Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, systems and methods for creating a universal bridge controller interface that provides a unified and common set of commands between a host machine and a peripheral machine or robot. The universal bridge controller may simplify the ability to integrate, synchronize, and coordinate the control and operation of various machines. This may be beneficial to companies wishing to implement cost saving automation techniques to a variety of machines built by different manufacturers. The advantage of this approach is that it may allow for a single hardwired link to be created between the machine and the bridge controller allowing for robot integration over a factory network, creating a high level of portability of robots between machine work cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate the use of collaborative robots to tend metal fabrication equipment are provided. In one embodiment, a universal mount is provided that can be installed on a pedestal to secure a collaborative robot in a designated location. In various embodiments, the universal mount may provide the ability to move the pedestal that holds the collaborative robot away from a machine access door for redeployment or to allow machine maintenance or part inspection.