Posted to News on 25th Jun 2015, 12:56
Fanuc unveils world-beating 35kg payload collaborative robot
Fanuc Robotics UK is launching the CR-35iA collaborative robot that has a payload of 35kg, which is claimed to be higher than any other on the market. The human-safe CR-35iA is intended to open up applications that have previously been off limits for both traditional industrial robots and lighter-duty collaborative robots.
Over the last few years, the first generation of collaborative robots - or cobots - has been revolutionising the way in which robots and humans work together. In contrast to traditional robots, which cannot operate in an operator-occupied workspace without safety fencing, these cage-free robots can work side-by-side with humans on shared or separate tasks.
To date, this nascent technology has been concentrated on the 5-15kg light-duty "universal robot' realm. Now Fanuc has taken the collaborative approach into the previously uncharted heavy payload territory. The TUV-certified CR-35iA can assist with high-payload handling, assembly, component feeding and workpiece loading/unloading tasks that have historically had to be carried out manually. Key target areas include - but are not limited to - automation assembly lines, metalworking and packaging.
John Rainer, regional sales manager at Fanuc UK explains: "The idea is that companies will effectively be able to create partnerships that capitalise on the strengths of robots, which, coincidentally, tend to be the weaknesses of humans, and vice versa. So, for example, the CR-35iA may assume the heavy aspects of handling, alongside humans carrying out quality checks, adjustments or difficult tasks that require an element of problem-solving and flexibility.
"The development of the CR-35iA has been all about anticipating our customers' future production needs. We know, from talking to them, that the next generation of robotic automation needs to lie in smart and safe solutions that promote the interaction of human operators and industrial robots. We are extremely excited about the potential applications that this breakthrough collaborative robot will unlock."
With health and safety regulations stipulating 25kg as the maximum load an operator may handle, there is a real requirement for a robotic system to handle loads that exceed this limit. The CR-35iA comes into its own here, particularly in difficult-to-access areas where conventional assist machinery cannot fit or where a six-axis robot adds dexterity.
Intelligent sensors
Another unique selling point of the CR-35iA is said to be the way in which it detects human presence. While most other collaborative robots are encased in a sensing cover that stops the robot when a human gets too close, Fanuc's collaborative robot ensures safety through the use of intelligent sensors, which automatically stop the robot if it touches a human operator. This means the CR-35iA can go closer to the jig and other peripherals when required.
The CR-35iA is built on the same design principles that have earned Fanuc's industrial robots a reputation for 99.99 per cent reliability. The collaborative robot is also based on the same servo drive and control platform and incorporates the same programming and operating interface as the company's conventional robots. This makes for a smooth and easy transition to the CR-35iA for integrators and operators of existing Fanuc robots.
The first CR-35iA is currently undergoing pre-production tests with one of the world's largest automotive companies. While it is still very early days for collaborative robots, Fanuc expects to be building more than 100 units per year in Europe very soon.
Follow the link for more information about teh CR-35iA collaborative robot.
