The latest iteration of the world’s strongest collaborative robot (cobot) – the FANUC CR-35iB – has received a makeover to shorten installation times and improve portability, while the unit’s overall mass is significantly (62%) lighter.
Despite the success of the previous-generation CR-35iA, FANUC has an ethos of continuous improvement that is applicable across the company’s entire product range. As a result, the new CR-35iB demonstrates a number of additional customer advantages. For example, the need previously existed for a levelling plate/base to counter any unevenness on the floor surface, a common issue in many factories. This base would require anchoring to the floor with adjustment screws for levelling, a requirement that is no longer necessary with the CR-35iB, making installation easier and faster.
Make light work of heavy lifting
As well as floor mounting, the new, lighter FANUC CR-35iB is also suitable for use on motion rails and mobile robots thanks to an impressive 62% reduction in mass (from 990 to 370 kg). This reduction is largely due to removal of the pedestal (for ground fixing) and the cobot’s soft cover (without any compromise in safety). The CR-35iB is now far easier to lift and relocate around the factory, if necessary.
Removing the pedestal also contributes to a 19% reduction in height, from 2,288 to 1,855 mm, a useful saving of 433 mm.
All ISO10218 and ISO13849 Cat. 3 Pld-certified CR series cobots are equipped with ultra-safe FANUC contact stop protection based on proven sensor technology. Users can also take advantage of well-proven FANUC DCS (Dual Check Safety) technology, a safety system that monitors position and speed. On the CR series, it is possible to connect third-party safety equipment to DCS, thus providing an additional level of safety if required.
Extended motion range
Another development on the new FANUC CR-35iB is its slightly larger range of motion, introducing even more flexibility and dexterity. For instance, J2 axis rotation is now 215°, up from 165°, while J5 axis wrist swing is 280°, instead of 220° previously.
Paul Richards, FANUC Europe Cobot Market Sales Coordinator, says: “The 1,831 mm reach CR-35iB can move at speeds up to 750 mm/s while delivering repeatability of ±0.03 mm, making it ideal for applications that include material handling/transfer, automotive assembly lines, machine tending and packaging. Essentially any task involving a heavy payload that also requires close interaction with human operatives will benefit from the introduction of our CR-35iB.”
Quick and easy maintenance
FANUC has of course retained all the benefits of the previous-generation model. For example, in the event of accidental damage, the ability to pass the main wiring harness through the arm makes repairs quick easy to minimise business disruption. This contrasts with most dedicated cobots that have cables running through the middle or along the outside. The hollow arm design also helps when looking to add devices or equipment. Take a dispensing gun, for example, where it would be possible to fit the pump on the J3 axis and feed the supply harness through the centre of the arm, making the programming process easier, more reliable and safe for use.
Control options remain the same. Users can either break from traditional programming with the FANUC Hand Guidance option, leading the cobot through paths to teach a new task, or undertake programming with FANUC’s iHMI step-by-step guides.
As with all FANUC robots, the company’s cobot series can be equipped with intelligent functions, including FANUC iRVision, FANUC Force Sensors and more. FANUC cobots are also compatible with competitor ancillaries, if preferred.
Anyone keen on seeing the new CR-35iB in action can visit FANUC (stand 5M180) at the Global Industrie 2022 exhibition in France (Paris Nord Villepinte, 17-20 May), or the company’s stand (Hall B6, booth 231) at Automatica 2022 in Germany (Messe München, 21-24 June). FANUC will have a team of expert engineers at both shows ready to answer questions and discuss specific applications.