FANUC America Demonstrates Robotic Solutions for the Protein Industry at IPPE 2023

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – (Jan. 5, 2023) – FANUC, the global leader in CNCs, robotics and ROBOMACHINEs will demonstrate its latest robotic solutions for the food processing industry at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) Jan. 24-26 in Atlanta, in Booth #BC9201.

FANUC DR-3iB/6 Stainless Delta Robot Handling Protein

At IPPE the DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS robot will use 3DV iRVision® and iRPickTool line tracking software to pick randomly-oriented pieces of chicken from a continuous infeed conveyor.  Equipped with a Soft Robotics gripper, the robot will pick chicken breasts and reorient them onto an outfeed conveyor.   The cell features high-speed picking with product reorientation. 

“The DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS is designed to help food companies address increasing production demands, and at the same time overcome their critical labor shortage.” said Jessica Juhasz, staff engineer, FANUC America.  “We paid close attention to our customers’ request for a stainless robot that’s able to withstand very stringent cleaning methods.  Cleanliness in food processing prevents outbreaks which can cost companies millions of dollars to recover.”

The DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS is rated IP69K and features a fully enclosed stainless-steel body that is resistant to the chemicals and high pressure/temperatures required in strict wash down environments.  It has a 1200mm reach (450mm height) and a powerful four-axis design allowing it to handle 6kg payloads at high speeds.  The robot’s mirror-like surface finish ensures that any microbial contaminants can be washed away cleanly.  With additional features such as NSF H1 food grade lubricant, secondary oil catch basins (with viewing windows to monitor potential leaks), self-draining surfaces and many other small details driven by USDA/FDA standards, the DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS is ideally suited for primary food handling applications. 

The new robot operates with FANUC’s latest R-30iB Plus controller with integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision, Force Sensing, Robot Link, Collision Guard and Zero Down Time (ZDT).   

“The DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS robot has an IP69K rating and meets USDA and FDA food safety standards, which will help companies increase their production efficiencies without compromising food safety,” added Juhasz.

FANUC CRX 25iA Cobot

FANUC’s expanded series of CRX collaborative robots includes the new CRX-5iA, CRX-20iA/L and CRX-25iA.  Now with a total of 11 CR and CRX cobot model variations, FANUC has a cobot to handle products ranging from 4 to 35kg in applications such as picking, packing, palletizing, inspection, machine load/unload, sanding, welding and more.     

At the show, a CRX-25iA cobot, offering a 25kg payload and 1,889mm reach will demonstrate case palletizing.  Guided by a 3DV/200 vision sensor mounted to the arm, the CRX-25iA will palletize boxes to nearly 7’ high.  In addition, the CRX-25iA will be mounted to a mobile cart to showcase its flexibility.  The robot can be easily repositioned by hand and uses vision to automatically adjust to its new location and continue working accurately.  FANUC’s line of CRX cobots are extremely robust and can run for up to eight years without maintenance.   

FANUC SCARA Robots

FANUC’s SCARA robot family has six models including a ceiling-mount version and two environmental options rated IP65 to withstand dust and liquids commonly used in the food industry. 

At IPPE a FANUC SR-12iA Environmental SCARA will pack and unpack trays of eggs. The demonstration will feature the SR-12iA’s 900 mm reach and heavy payload capabilities. 

A FANUC TECHTalk at IPPE

While at IPPE, be sure to attend the TECHTalk “Thinking of Automating Your Food Production?  Key Things to Consider” on Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 3:00-3:20 p.m. in C Hall, Booth C10611.  Chris Lorente, FANUC America’s Executive Director – Global Accounts for the food and consumer packaged goods sectors will review the latest automated solutions for picking, packing and palletizing.   You’ll come away with ideas to overcome labor challenges, improve efficiencies and remain competitive.    

---

About FANUC America Corporation

FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan and provides industry-leading CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINEs. FANUC’s innovative technologies help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability. Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, FANUC America has facilities throughout North and South America. Learn more at www.fanucamerica.com or explore collaborative robots at crx.fanucamerica.com.

Connect with FANUC America on YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.