Coventry-based Fanuc UK Ltd (
www.fanuc.eu) now offers three small collaborative robots as part of its industrial-robot portfolio: the CR-4iA, CR-7iA and CR-7iA/L.
These additions to the range will complement the larger CR-35iA collaborative robot, which has a payload of 35kg. The CR-4iA is the smallest of the Fanuc collaborative range, with a payload of 4kg, while the CR-7iA and CR-7iA/L (long-arm) can lift up to 7kg.
Collaborative robots are designed to work alongside a human workforce. In many cases, the need for safety fences is eliminated, as the compact design of the robots enables them to be fully integrated into a human workspace, while established sensor technology ensures that they come to a safe stop whenever they encounter an unexpected obstacle — human or otherwise. The range is TÜV-certified to meet international safety requirements in line with ISO 10218-1.
Customers can also incorporate Fanuc’s ‘intelligent’ functions into these robots, including vision and force-sensing technologies.
Fanuc vision sensors can be used for a variety of tasks, including locating workpieces, part or process inspection, or reading bar-codes; the company’s force-sensing technology accommodates a range of strategies for complex assembly — including those found in the automotive sector.
Due to their compact frames, the robots can be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, thereby offering a wide range of motions without encroaching on the operator’s workspace.
Their lightweight and slim design mean that these robots can also be mounted on a mobile platform.