New compact 6 kg parallel link arm robot for high speed assembly and packaging with six axes versatility

Citation

(2011), "New compact 6 kg parallel link arm robot for high speed assembly and packaging with six axes versatility", Industrial Robot, Vol. 38 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2011.04938aad.002

New compact 6 kg parallel link arm robot for high speed assembly and packaging with six axes versatility

Article Type: New products From: Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Volume 38, Issue 1

Following closely the introduction of its first lightweight parallel link design robot, the 0.5 kg M-1iA, FANUC Robotics has now launched its larger 6 kg payload version, the M-3iA. Available in four or six axes configurations, the design provides a compact handling solution for machine or system integration.

Aimed at assembly and packing operations the parallel link structure allows the compact M-3iA to be located safely in confined areas. Its cylindrical work envelope, 0.5 m deep by 1.350 m diameter, is concentric to the robot mounting base making it straight-forward to position and guard relative to peripheral equipment.

Available in a four axes configuration as well as six axes, all joint motors are positioned well away from the wrist avoiding being exposed to high acceleration and, dependant on application and aggressive materials. All joints and mated components are completely enclosed and sealed to IP67 rating – the wrist is suitable for working in a dust or oil mist environment.

Realising the importance of this high-speed configuration for picking and packaging applications, FANUC robotics has produced a food and pharmaceutical version. The FANUC robotics M-3iA food robot has a white epoxy finish for harsh material protection which also allows the arm to be disinfected with acid and alkaline fluids – food grade grease completes the specification.

FANUC robotics has developed a unique approach to applying a three axes wrist to a parallel link design to enable the wrist to accurately maintain positioning even during high-speed motion. With wrist speeds of 4,000° per second for the four axes and 2,000° per second for the six axes version, the M-3ia has a repeatability of 0.1 mm.

The four axes model M-3iA/6S has a hollow wrist for routing hoses through the centre of the gripper reducing interference, hose breakages and downtime while permitting very fast work piece rotations.

Applications requiring more complex positioning are suitable for the six axes M-3iA/6A with its ability to pick up components, assemble them at an angle and rotate them – effectively replicating a human operator but at far greater speed, with high repeatability over an indefinite sustained period.

The FANUC robotics M-3iA is controlled by the intelligent R-30iA controller with integrated functions including iRVision, robot link and collision protection. All that the robot requires to benefit from iRVision is a camera and a cable to connect it to the controller – a housing is provided in the robot body to position a camera above the wrist of the M-3iA.