The Japanese robot manufacturer FANUC targets highly automated industries and new customer groups. Among other things, the company wants to counter the shortage of skilled workers with simple and intuitive programming solutions.
Both novice and experienced programmers can now reap the benefits of all FANUC robot models, either using the traditional iPendant or via a tablet. “We offer operators the ability to move intuitively in the robot environment without setting limits for programmers,” says Ralf Völlinger, General Manager of FANUC Europe’s Robot Business Division.
Flexibility is also the focus in the field of collaborative robotics. In automatica, the company is introducing additional features that will enable more payload capabilities: the CRX-25iA to handle 30kg instead of 25kg and the CR-35iB to handle 50kg instead of 35kg, with no stance restrictions from the doll.
The M-710iD robot has been present at the automatic fair carrying out a logistics application, which is just one of the many possibilities for this versatile robot. The successor to the M-710iC offers a higher payload and speed, as well as more inertia and wrist moment capabilities. Additionally, a curved arm allows for use in applications that involve tighter spaces, such as removing parts from a container.
Another major innovation at the trade show has been the optional iPC (Industrial PC), which offers high computing power to process data-intensive operations at fast cycle times. Dedicated to FANUC’s AI application software, such as container selection, automatic route generation, and more.
System integrators and partners at the FANUC booth showcased innovative applications outside of the traditional industry sector in which AI plays an important role. For example, the “Bakisto” robot system developed with the oven manufacturer WIESHEU and the retail specialist Wanzl baked fresh croissants for visitors. The system ensures a more accurate data-based calculation of required baked goods and quantities, helping to relieve supermarket and discount store employees.
Already in use in large laundries is “Velum”, a system developed in collaboration with start-up Sewts. Equipped with FANUC robots, a 3D camera and intelligent software, Velum analyzes the movements of deformable materials and efficiently feeds the textiles into folding machines.
FANUC sees partnering with new companies as an opportunity to explore new markets and ideas. The company’s 7,000-square-foot automatica booth highlighted new themes backed by proven expertise and technical depth. There will also be a separate area for those interested in career opportunities at FANUC.
Robots on mobile platforms are an easy way to make production more flexible. FANUC has developed a mobile handling unit in collaboration with the Austrian partner Ger4Tech. The “G4T4” mobile platform is paired with a CRX collaborative robot and solves container picking tasks using FANUC’s iRVision camera system.
The DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS delta robot is less mobile, but suitable for unpackaged food. In combination with a SR-12iA SCARA robot, it will serve an automatic cheese packaging line. The SR-12iA is also ideal for handling packaged foods through options like food grade grease.
In the field of battery handling applications, FANUC demonstrated its strength with a demo cell featuring an M-1000iA robot on a Güdel cross axis. The robot, which can move 1,000 kg, has a particularly large range of motion. An application involving the assembly of battery parts using a SCARA SR-3iA/U robot will also address this growing market.
Various solutions for welding were an additional attraction for the visitors of the exhibition. FANUC partner LEWA Attendorn, for example, showed a flexible and optimal response to complex manufacturing challenges within an assembly process, while partner Demmeler’s welding cell will focus on an intuitively programmable collaborative CRX robot for automated welding. .
Other partners, such as Wandelbots and voraus robotik, demonstrated topics such as “no code” programming and the human robot interface of the future. Last but not least, the INperfektion company exhibited a two-component gluing application using a FANUC CRX-20iA/L and a 3D vision system.