GCI is preparing to roll out a major update to its smart arm platform, Adaptics®, designed to streamline setup, improve flexibility, and expand capabilities across a wide range of industrial assembly applications. The updated software ecosystem, which will enter field testing later this year, introduces a powerful new approach to managing tool positioning and enforcing torque sequences.
The New Adaptics®: Smarter, Faster, and More Scalable
This upcoming release represents a complete rethinking of the Adaptics® architecture. The new version breaks the software into modular components that work independently but seamlessly within a broader system. Each connected device (e.g. torque tool, barcode scanner, etc.) can operate through dedicated software endpoints. This modularity enables easy expansion to support new devices or workflows.
Key Enhancements Include:
- Dramatically Faster Setup – Users will be able to get new systems operational in a fraction of the time by importing a 3D model of the smart arm instead of performing manual measurements or encoder homing.
- Intuitive Workflow Configuration – New processes can be configured by simply operating the arm in “training mode,” allowing the system to learn the correct sequence of movements automatically.
- Real-Time Visualization Tools – A live rendering of arm movement and joint angles helps with diagnostics and fine-tuning. Onscreen crosshairs display the current target area in either 2D or 3D, making it easier to verify accuracy.
- Multi-Tool and Multi-Cell Coordination – The updated platform can manage multiple smart arms and tools within a single workstation or across multiple cells, supporting complex, synchronized operations.
- Streamlined Integration – Support for native communication with Ethernet/IP PLCs reduces the need for third-party components in many environments, making integration into existing automation systems more straightforward.
- Better Hardware – The current Adaptics® setup requires a PC, USB4 module, Anybus module, and BEV (Brake Engagement Verification) circuit. The new version will combine all of this into one sleek unit. This will also pave the way for the use of upgraded encoders. When combined with Adaptics®, this will provide clients with industry-leading accuracy.
Expanded Use Cases and Future Growth
The new Adaptics® platform is built with flexibility in mind. The system is also designed to retrofit into existing torque reaction arms, including those from other manufacturers, making it a versatile option for companies looking to modernize without replacing hardware.
Coming Soon
Field trials of the new Adaptics® platform will begin later this year, with a full release expected in 2026. This foundational upgrade lays the groundwork for ongoing enhancements.
