Fanuc extends ‘cobot’ range
27 Aug 2015
Fanuc Robotics UK has launched what it calls a “game-changing” human-safe robot, with a higher payload than other units on the market.
It is part of a new generation of collaborative robots or ‘cobots’ that can operate without safety fencing, working side by side with humans on shared or separate tasks.
The CR-35iA opens up applications currently off limits for traditional and lighter-duty collaborative robots, the company said.
The CR-35iA may assume the heavy aspects of handling, alongside humans carrying out quality checks, adjustments or difficult tasks that require an element of problem-solving and flexibility
John Rainer, Fanuc regional sales manager
Health and safety regulations stipulate 25kg as the maximum load an operator may handle, creating a requirement for a robotic solution to handle loads that exceed this limit.
While most ‘cobots’ have been designed for the 5-15kg light duty ‘universal robot’ realm, Fanuc has developed the CR-35iA to assist with heavier-duty tasks that have historically had to be carried out manually.
Key target areas include automation assembly lines and packaging, and the robot uses intelligent sensors, which automatically stop the robot if it touches a human operator.
“The CR-35iA may assume the heavy aspects of handling, alongside humans carrying out quality checks, adjustments or difficult tasks that require an element of problem-solving and flexibility,” said John Rainer, regional sales manager at Fanuc UK.
“The development of the CR-35iA has been all about anticipating our customers’ future production needs.”
