Collaborative Robots Load, Unload Machines Without Need for Barriers
Westec 2017: FANUC America will demonstrate machine load/unload with its CR-7iA table-top size collaborative robot equipped with iRVision.
FANUC America will demonstrate machine load/unload with its CR-7iA table-top size collaborative robot equipped with iRVision. During the demonstration, the robot will pick up a part and load it into a lathe’s chuck, then remove the part from the chuck and place it back onto a part tray, showing how a collaborative robot can be used for machine tool loading and unloading. The cell will have area scanners running at full speed when the operator is outside of the cell.
The CR-7iA, CR-7iA/L, CR-4iA and larger CR-35iA collaborative robots are equipped with highly sensitive contact detection, enabling them to share workstations with people and perform more strenuous tasks or repetitive operations without industrial safety barriers, the company says.
The CR-7iA offers a 717-mm reach and 7-kg payload; the CR-7iA/L offers the same payload with a 911=mm reach; and the CR-4iA has a 550-mm reach and 4-kg payload. The design for the compact collaborative robots is based on the LR Mate-series of mini material-handling robots and they are said to be ideal for small part sorting and assembly, inspection, machine tending, and part delivery.
Related Content
-
Made in the USA - Season 1 Episode 2: The Automation Puzzle
There is a fundamental question we need to answer when we talk about automation: To what extent is automation an answer to the skilled workforce shortage, and to what extent is automation vs. Skilled labor the wrong comparison to make in the first place?
-
4 Steps to a Cobot Culture: How Thyssenkrupp Bilstein Has Answered Staffing Shortages With Economical Automation
Safe, economical automation using collaborative robots can transform a manufacturing facility and overcome staffing shortfalls, but it takes additional investment and a systemized approach to automation in order to realize this change.
-
Increasing Productivity with Digitalization and AI
Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.
