Configurable capacity grid tray for robot part handling

A robotic machine tending system, comprising:

• a robot having at least one gripper for gripping a workpiece;
• a controller configured to execute job manager software to control movement of the robot;
• and
• a configurable tray configured to hold workpieces in one or more grid patterns of pockets;
• wherein the configurable tray comprises:
• a frame including a plurality of frame segments including a plurality of positioning features spaced evenly along an inner edge of the frame segment;
• and
• a plurality of separation bars configured to be selectively positioned within the frame to define the one or more grid patterns of pockets by selectively positioning a first number of the plurality of separation bars between positioning features of a first pair of opposed frame segments of the plurality of frame segments and selectively positioning a second number of the plurality of separation bars overlapping the first number of the plurality of separation bars between positioning features of a second pair of opposed frame segments of the plurality of frame segments, the first pair of frame segments being perpendicular to the second pair of frame segments.

A method for configuring a tray for robot workpiece handing, comprising:

• selectively positioning a first plurality of separation bars within a corresponding first plurality of evenly spaced positioning features formed on a first pair of opposing frame segments of a frame;
• selectively positioning a second plurality of separation bars within a corresponding second plurality of evenly spaced positioning features formed on a second pair of opposing frame segments of the frame, the second pair of opposing frame segments being perpendicular to the first pair of frame segments and the second plurality of separation bars overlapping the first plurality of separation bars;
• and
• attaching a pair of locking bars to the second pair of opposing frame segments such that the locking bars overlap ends of the second plurality of separation bars to clamp the second plurality of separation bars in place.