Manufacturers can now process even heavier workpieces in narrow locations thanks to the latest addition to the collaborative robot (cobot) range offered by Coventry-based Fanuc UK (www.fanuc.eu/uk).

The CR-14iA/L fills the gap between Fanuc’s small and medium-size six-axis cobots; able to handle payloads up to 14kg (twice that of the low-footprint CR-7iA model), it has a reach of up to 820mm and a footprint of just 296.5 x 235mm.

However, its reach can be extended up to 911mm, provided the payload is 12kg or less.

The CR-14iA/L benefits from the same integrated sensors and highly responsive ‘touch to stop’ reactive capability as the rest of Fanuc’s cobot range; if the arm comes into contact with a fixed object or person, it stops gently and retracts.

Moreover, the kinematics of this robot allow it to work close to its base, thus making the best use of the available workspace — especially in narrow applications.

The CR-14iA/L, which has a repeatability of ±0.01mm and a maximum travel speed of 500mm/sec, is controlled by the
R-30iB Plus controller, certified to international standard ISO 10218-1, and protected to IP standards 54 and 67 in the body and wrist respectively.

Andy Armstrong, sales and marketing manager for Fanuc UK, said: “For a small robot, the CR-14iA/L has a comparatively long reach.

“This means that it can be used not only for applications in limited spaces, but also for those where a greater capability is required, such as when loading and unloading machines.

“We are seeing increasingly more interest from UK manufacturers regarding collaborative robotics.”