FANUC Demonstrates High-Speed and Articulation With Parallel-Link Robots at IMTS 2016

FANUC showcases parallel-link robots at IMTS 2016, delivering high-speed picking, precision assembly, and flexible automation with advanced vision technology.

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ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – (Sept. 12, 2016) FANUC America Corporation will demonstrate the speed and articulation of its M-3iA/6A and M-1iA/0.5SL parallel-link robots at IMTS 2016, booth #S-8919. 

Intelligent Bolt Insertion – An M-3iA/6A robot equipped with iRVision® locates and picks bolts from a tray, checks bolt length on-the-fly, and inserts them into a casting.  Bolts that are not the correct length are taken to a reject bin.  After all bolts are inserted into the casting, a fixed camera inspects to ensure all bolts are fully inserted.  Next, the casting tips and dumps the bolts back on the tray and the cycle repeats. 

High-Speed Picking and Stacking – The M-1iA/0.5SL robot uses iRvision to track and iRPickTool software to pick flat metal plates on an infeed conveyor.  The parts are then stacked on a slow moving outfeed conveyor, de-stacked and recirculated to repeat the cycle.  The cell demonstrates accurate picking and placing at high speeds.   

FANUC Intelligent M-3iA robot

The M-3iA robot is a larger version of the company’s M-1iA and M-2iA parallel-link robots.  Available in a three, four or six-axis model, the M-3iA offers the same unique 

parallel-link structure, and accommodates payloads up to 12kg.  In addition, it has the largest work envelope of any robot in its class (1350mm x 500mm). 

The M-3iA is ideal for simple and complex material handling, material removal or assembly processes for a variety of industries including: machinery, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food handling, cosmetics, office supplies, consumer products, and solar panels. 

The M-3iA six-axis model has a three-axis wrist for complex assembly tasks.  The extreme flexibility offered by the three-axis wrist enables the robot to pick up and insert parts at simple or compound angles, and twist parts into place, similar to the flexibility offered by a manual operator. 

The four-axis M-3iA has a single-axis wrist for simple assembly and high-speed picking operations, offering speeds up to 4000 degrees per second.  In addition, a hollow wrist allows hoses and cables to be routed internally, which minimizes wear and tear on the tooling cables. 

A three-axis M-3iA has up to 12kg payload and offers higher throughput when the applications do not require orientation control of the product.

The M-3iA, like all FANUC robots, operates with the company’s latest R-30iB Controller with integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision, Force Sensing, Robot Link, and Collision Guard. 

The M-3iA parallel-link robot offers a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Patent-pending three-axis, parallel-link wrist maximizes flexibility.
  • Six-axis design (three-axis wrist) enables part feeding from the sides of a work zone, increasing the useable workspace.
  • Four-axis design (single-axis wrist) moves parts at extremely high speeds; a hollow wrist allows tooling cables to be routed internally, minimizing wear and tear.
  • Three-axis design operates at high speeds and offers a 12kg payload.
  • Food option with food-grade grease features a special coating to handle acid and alkaline disinfectants, and low-pressure rinsing.
  • Ability to work with primary (unpackaged) or secondary (packaged) food products.
  • IP67 rating for the entire robot means the robot is waterproof and can withstand harsh environments, including dust and oil mist.
  • Collision Guard detects robot collisions with external objects, minimizing damage to the part and robot.
  • Robot Link controls and coordinates up to ten robots through a network exchange of robot positional data.
  • FANUC Force Sensor is available for intricate assembly applications. 

M-1iA Intelligent Parallel-Link Robot

The M-1iA is a lightweight and compact parallel-link robot designed for small part handling, high-speed picking, packing, kitting, and assembly applications.  The robots are very easy to integrate into production lines, and easy to learn, which minimizes downtime and maximizes output.

In addition to the M-1iA/0.5SL, the M-1iA family of robots includes the M-1iA/0.5A six-axis model, the M-1iA/0.5S four-axis model and the M-1iA/1H three-axis model.  The unique parallel-link structure provides higher speeds and accuracy compared to traditional handling robots.   Like all FANUC robots, the M-1iA operates with the company’s latest integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision, Force Sensing and Robot Link.

The M-1iA offers a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Lightweight (12kg for three-axis model; 14kg for four-axis model; 17kg for six-axis model), compact size allows operation in small spaces.
  • Six-axis design enables part feeding from the sides of a work zone, increasing the useable workspace.
  • Multiple installation orientations accommodate a wide range of work areas.
  • Unique parallel-link design maximizes speed.
  • Supports a multiple-arm configuration of up to four robots.
  • A camera for iRVision (built-in) can be integrated into the robot.
  • Mate rack-style controller provides intelligent robot functions.
  • Robot Link controls and coordinates up to ten robots through a network exchange of robot positional data.

FANUC Force Sensor is available for intricate assembly applications.

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.

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