FANUC can proudly present
the new Model CR-35iA, a collaborative robot that with its 35-kg payload beats
anything currently available on the market and sets a new milestone.
Collaborative robots can no
longer be regarded as light-duty units. The CR-35iA’s 35-kg payload allows it
to handle heavy-duty, industrial-manufacturing operations. One of the first two to come to Germany will
go straight into a test application at an automobile manufacturer, where it
will immediately replace a “red workstation” in a real-world application.
The new robot’s 35-kg
payload is a veritable godsend and, as in the early days of industrial robots,
its job is handling hard, unpopular tasks. Strenuous, routine tasks and workplaces where unfavorable ergonomic
conditions prevail will be its preferred assignments. However, no longer will it be cordoned off by
a cage. Humans will be able to interact
with it and contribute their cognitive and sensory capabilities, which will
allow the two of them to accomplish their tasks in a congenial manner.
Of course, the new robot
comes with the full complement of safety features that has thus far been
standard equipment on all of FANUC’s robots. Areas having differently characterized safety zones (DCS) within the
robot’s workspace may be defined and actively utilized. The robot retains its full functionality. Humans retain full control over robot
operation.
Opportunities for utilizing
numerous, standard, software- and hardware options available on FANUC’s
conventional robots open up whole new dimensions. For example, iRVision, FANUC’s integral
vision system, may be readily employed in 2D/3D-mode. Its ROBOGUIDE simulation software, which allows
assessing robot reaches or task feasibilities, may also be readily employed in
conjunction with the CR-35iA. Since
programming is based on the standard user interface, extensive operator
retraining will be unnecessary.
There are two general types
of scenario where the CR-35iA is the ideal choice. One involves its automatically and
independently working alongside a workplace involving a human operator, which
will provide the optimum in safety. Another worthy of mention is that it allows situating two robotic
workstations closer together. Collaborative robots, such as FANUC’s CR-35iA, have been developed for
applications involving close collaborations with humans. For example, at a joint robot-human
workstation, the robot would handle lifting and holding heavy work pieces or
modules. Robot-human collaborations at
assembly stations are also feasible.
New applications areas are
also expected:
FANUC tested the
characteristics of collaborative robots on a version having a 3-kg payload that
was exhibited at the “Jimtof” show in Japan and the IMTS in Chicago. The major function of interest is “Contact
Stop”. The “Soft Cover” on the robot’s
arm complies with the safety standards stipulated under ISO 10218-1, Category
3, as has been verified by the TÜV. Another
major function is “Push to Escape,” under which the robot may be shoved in any
direction by a human operator.
Just how painstakingly
FANUC has been in developing the CR-35iA is also evident from its choice of
color scheme. Studies have shown that the
color tone chosen for the robot arm’s “Soft Cover” is regarded by human
operators as particularly pleasing, another example of how engineering and
industrial design can complement one another.
The new robots are also
expected to find new application areas. In cases where more or less simple handling mechanisms have been
maneuvered entirely by human muscle power, replacing the mechanisms involved
with a CR-35iA will allow taking a cost-saving step toward automation. The automobile industry leads the way in
expressing interest in collaborative robots. Engine manufacture and assembly stations are the key areas where they
would come into play. Experience
indicates that marketing opportunities exist in the areas of loading and
offloading machine tools, as well as at packaging stations, where robots can
take over handling tasks and human workers can perform inspection, testing, or
shipping tasks.
