FANUC Robotics America will demonstrate intelligent palletizing/depalletizing with its R-1000iA/80F “Gakushu” (Learning) robot during Pack Expo 2012, Oct. 28-31, at McCormick Place, Chicago, booth #N3251.
The Gakushu Robot uses FANUC’s patented software to improve robot performance by learning the characteristics of programmed paths and then speeding them up while maintaining the programmed paths and smoothing motion. Motion cycle time is reduced by up to 15% with the added benefit of smoother overall motion.
“The Gakushu Robot maximizes robot speed and reduces robot cycle time while smoothing motion and maintaining the taught path,” said Mike Webb, product manager, FANUC Robotics America. “This product is ideal for manufacturers looking to increase production. Whether looking to eliminate a system bottleneck, or increase overall line rate, the Gakushu Robot can help without large investments in capital equipment or the need for expert programmers.”
At the show, a FANUC R-1000iA/80F Gakushu Robot will compete with a standard R-1000iA/80F robot without the learning capability. Both robots will perform identical case palletizing/depalletizing operations. The Gakushu Robot shows a significantly higher throughput compared to the standard robot. DCS Speed and Position Check Software restricts the travel of the robot to the exact area in which it works.
“The repeatability and short cycle times provided by the ‘Gakushu’ robot maximize the robot’s efficiency for production, which is key to a successful palletizing system,” added Webb.
Intelligent R-1000iA Robot
The R-1000iA/80F has an 80kg payload, and the R-1000iA/100F has a 100kg payload. Both robots feature a slim design, allowing customers to reduce the overall size of their automation system by using more robots in each work cell, or making work cells with a single robot significantly smaller. The narrow footprint of the R-1000iA also allows for easy access to adjacent robots, fixtures and work pieces. The R-1000iA can be floor or invert mounted, and has a large work envelope.
“The R-1000iA is also more energy efficient than robots with larger payloads,” added Webb. “Manufacturers using fewer or smaller work cells requiring less conveyance equipment, sensors, and control panels will realize an additional energy advantage provided by smaller automation systems. This equates to a greener facility using less energy.”
R-1000iA Features and Benefits
Very small footprint reduces size of automation system.
# High-density installations allow work to be completed in fewer stations.
# Single-robot work cells can be designed to fit in tight spaces.
# High-speed operation minimizes robot cycle times.
# Simple serial-link configuration with large operating envelope (including rear and downward side).
# Upright or invert mounting accommodates a wide range of work areas without a reduction in payload.
# Strong wrist load ratings support the latest compact servo weld guns.
# IP67 rated wrist allows operation in wet conditions.
# Right sized for 80kg or 100kg applications reduces energy usage.
# Optional Solution Arm dressout package with internal cable routing for spot welding processes.
The new R-30iB robot controller offers a variety of intelligent functions including: patented Gakushu (learning) robot, iRVision, Force Sensing, ROBOGUIDE, Robot Link, Collision Guard and Dual Check Safety (DCS) Speed and Position Check Software.
Next Generation R-30iB Controller
The new FANUC R-30iB Controller uses high-performance hardware and the latest advances in network communications, integrated iRVision®, and motion control functions. The R-30iB Controller features FANUC’s exclusive new and easy-to-use iPendant with 4D graphics. The iPendant displays process information and the actual process path directly on the iPendant screen, enabling easier setup and troubleshooting.
Based on the latest FANUC Series 30iB CNC Controller, the new R-30iB Robot Controller is compact, providing customers a significant space savings. The new R-30iB Controller is also energy efficient, requiring less power consumption than previous models.
Dual Check Safety (DCS) Speed and Position Check Software
Prior to the application of safety rated robot software, all safeguarding of the robot needed to be external, and required a safety rated limit switch or cam system, safety rated area scanners, or other devices to limit robot travel or enhance protection. DCS safety rated robot software allows the safety design of the robot system to use the robot itself for some of the safety functions.
The most significant benefit of DCS Speed and Position Check is in applications where the travel of the robot needs to be restricted due to floor space or process limits that are less than the full reach of the robot. Restricting the robot motion in Cartesian space means the robot can be restrained to exactly the area in which it works; something that is not possible with the current systems that limit robot motion externally using limit switches.
“By moving some of the safety functions to within the robot, customers will realize significant savings in floor space, flexibility in system layout, reduced hardware costs, and improved reliability,” said Claude Dinsmoor, general manager, material handling segment, FANUC Robotics.
In addition, safe “zones” can be enabled and disabled from an external source such as a safety PLC (based on the cell design). Designing a system with multiple zones and appropriate guarding means an operator can safely enter and leave the workspace of the robot.
“This streamlines the design of robot cells because it prevents the robot from entering the load area when an operator is present,” added Dinsmoor. This type of application is possible with existing technology, but it is typically difficult to setup, expensive to implement, and requires more floor space than a system using DCS.”
[info] www.fanucrobotics.com [/info]