Technology ‘revolutionises’ machining robotics with 300% higher precision
10 March 2025 
Siemens is promising to revolutionise machining robotics with a new technology that, it claims, will deliver a 200–300% improvement in path accuracy, increases in productivity of up to 40%, and much higher dynamic rigidity. It describes its “groundbreaking” Sinumerik Machine Tool Robot (MTR) technology as “a significant advance in the precision and productivity of robots that will open the door to new applications in the manufacturing industry”.
MTR is based on an intelligent control concept that gives industrial robots the characteristics of machine tools. It supports high-precision path applications, even when machining hard materials such as steel, whose toughness requires increased cutting forces and more damping.
Compared to conventional industrial robots, the new system is said to overcome these challenges with an improvement in path accuracy of up to 300%, and much higher dynamic rigidity. These characteristics make it ideal for demanding processes in sectors such as aerospace, defence, and automotive, and for other precision robotic applications, including post-processing of 3D-printed metal parts.
The MTR adds new functions and types of robot to Siemens’ Sinumerik Run MyRobot /Direct Control system. According to Siemens, it enables “a quantum leap” in accuracy and productivity.
As well as improved accuracy, the new control concept delivers a 20–40% increase in productivity. This makes it especially attractive for applications that don’t use process forces, such as waterjet and laser cutting. The MTR is controlled by Siemens’ digital native CNC, Sinumerik One. Because of its use of digital twins, it is a key element in digital transformation and helps to simulate and test workflows virtually.
The first users to integrate the MTR into their robots are autonox Robotics and Danobat, which is a new Siemens partner.
autonox is known for its powerful robots used in numerous industries worldwide. It offers accurate, efficient machining systems using dedicated CNC robotic mechanisms.
Danobat is a CNC machinery specialist that entered the robot market recently with a family of precision robots that, it says, set new benchmarks in accuracy and efficiency, combining the flexibility of a robot with the stability and precision of a machine tool. It plans to offer MTR robots ranging from compact versions with payload capacities of 220kg and a reach of 2.6m, to one that can handle payloads of up to 520kg with a 3.6m reach.
These robots are said to combine the accuracy and stability of a machine tool with the agility and flexibility of a six-axis robot, and are expected to create new manufacturing opportunities for demanding industries such as aerospace, e-mobility, and energy.
The Sinumerik MachineTool Robot is available initially in Europe and Asia.
Autonox Robotics: LinkedIn
Danobat: LinkedIn
