Kawasaki Robotics will unveil new products in its extensive robotics portfolio, including the new CL series of intelligent collaborative robots (cobots), at IMTS in Chicago from September 9-14. The CL series collaborative robots, which can be ordered with multiple payloads, and new industrial robot solutions for applications such as welding, machine manipulation and material removal, provide manufacturers with endless flexibility and expanded options when selecting automation solutions that meet their diverse needs.
“Kawasaki Robotics is committed to providing manufacturers with the advanced automation technology they need to meet production schedules without compromising quality or safety,” said Seiji Amasawa, president of Kawasaki Robotics. “We are leading the robotics industry by working with innovative partners such as AMT, Hurco, Wauseon Machine and NEURA Robotics to integrate our technology with theirs to maximize human ingenuity.”
CL Series creates a “new era” of collaborative automation
Developed in collaboration with NEURA Robotics, the CL Series collaborative robot challenges the current understanding of collaborative robots, offering industrial-scale performance and speed and maximum protection without compromising the safety and flexibility benefits of human-robot collaboration. The CL Series collaborative robot is compact and robust, using the same durable housing as Kawasaki Robotics’ industrial robot arms. It can work without protective covers, even in crowded and harsh environments that may not be suitable for other collaborative robots. The CL Series collaborative robot operates in zero gravity (zero G), requiring only light guidance and precise hand coordination, creating a highly efficient solution for applications such as machine operation and welding.
“With our CL Series collaborative robots, we are ushering in a new era of collaborative automation,” said Amezawa. “By offering advanced functionality and industrial-scale performance and speed as standard features, productivity is increased, product quality and worker safety are improved, and the need for rework is reduced.” “Our entirely new methodology and agile approach to collaborative robots will enable manufacturers to more easily address labor shortages while achieving a strong return on investment.”
Other new robotic solutions being demonstrated at IMTS include:
Robot Machine Operator Racking System: This turnkey, easy-to-setup, no-code robotic machine operator solution with a modular parts-feed racking system was developed in collaboration with Hurco, a developer of CNC machines. The demo included a Kawasaki RS013N robot, 16 workpieces (four mounted on pallets and 12 held on 5-axis LiteVises), and a Hurco VM15Di CNC machine, all with Hurco’s WinMax CNC control. The system was designed to meet customer demand for producing high-mix, low-volume parts without having to learn how to program a robot. Ultimately, machinists have a secure solution that can handle a wide variety of part sizes and quantities and scale capacity to meet highly specific application requirements.
Welding Robots: Providing top performance since the 1960s, these arc welding robots utilize cutting-edge technology to improve quality and efficiency. New models debuting at IMTS include the BA013N and BA013L, which incorporate intelligence, real-time path correction, adaptive arc welding and RTPM capabilities to help manufacturers improve quality and meet production goals.
RoboFin: Developed in collaboration with AMT and NEFF Automation, this versatile robotic material removal solution meets a variety of finishing requirements. RoboFin works with a variety of materials and surface types, extends abrasive life by up to three times, and provides unmatched precision and consistency to deliver the same high-quality results every time.
K-Positioners: These positioners allow the robot to easily manipulate the workpiece position to ensure the welding torch is positioned at the optimal angle and distance to deliver consistent, high-quality welds. The positioners speed up the welding process by automating workpiece movement, shortening overall cycle times and reducing the need for rework. K-Tracks: The integration of K-Tracks simplifies production line reconfiguration, allowing one robot to handle different products and processes, reducing the total number of robots required. This flexibility is critical in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing market conditions, allowing manufacturers to quickly adapt to new demands, needs, and opportunities.