FANUC America Corporation has introduced its new M-710iC/45M robot and next generation iRVision 3D Area Sensor. The new robot is suitable for compact palletizing/depalletizing applications.
The M-710iC/45M robot equipped with iRVision can palletize four layers of cases from two different infeed stations. The iRVision 3DA/1300 Area Sensor is designed to identify poorly stacked layers and communicate the information to the robot for depalletizing. In addition, the robot uses iRVision 2D to read QR codes applied to the cases. Dual Check Safety (DCS) Speed and Position Check Software is designed to prevent the robot from moving outside of a specified work space.
The new 6-axis M-710iC/45M robot offers high-speed operation, a 2.6 m reach and 45 kg payload, which makes it suitable for high-throughput case palletizing and depalletizing. "In warehousing, the cost of processing packages is growing quickly, and this robot was built to handle fast-paced palletizing applications," said Wes Garrett, Account Manager, FANUC America. "Its compact size allows it to work well in tight spaces, and with a longer reach and 6-axis articulation it can easily manipulate product and handle large items such as structural panels."
FANUC M-710iC Robots
The new 6-axis M-710iC/45M robot is the latest member of the family of M-710iC material handling robots with payload capabilities ranging from 12 kg to 70 kg. The M-710iC is designed to be a versatile solution for a wide range of manufacturing operations including palletizing, packing, bin picking, machine load/unload and deburring.
Features of the M-710iC/45M include the following:
- Compact size allows operation in small workspaces
- Six axes, long reach, compact wrist and 45 kg payload can make it easy to handle large loads
- Flexible mounting (floor, invert, angle)
- High rigidity and advanced servo technology enable smooth motion at high speeds
- IP67 rating (enclosed cover) allows operation in factory environments with dust and oil mist
- Supports iRVision, ROBOGUIDE/iRPickPRO Simulation, iRPickTool, ROBOGUIDE/PalletPRO Simulation, PalletTool, Force Sensing, Line Tracking and Indexing options.
FANUC iRVision
"FANUC iRVision is a truly integrated plug-and-go vision system that runs on the standard CPU of every FANUC R-30iB controller without any additional hardware," said a company spokesperson. "A single source solution developed and supported by FANUC, iRVision offers easy set-up and operation for factory environments requiring 2D and 3D guidance, error proofing, visual tracking and quality control."
The high-speed 3D Area Sensor provides a detailed 3D map in one vision shot. It is built to be an easy-to-use vision tool allowing application set-up through the iPendant in a matter of minutes. The 3D Area Sensor is available in two variants: the 3DA/1300 for a wider range of view and the compact 3DA/400 for small- to medium-size applications. Both models are equipped with a higher-resolution mode for greater 3D location precision. All of the hardware and software is designed by FANUC specifically for FANUC robots.
Next Generation R-30iB Controller
"The FANUC R-30iB Controller uses high-performance hardware and the latest advances in network communications, integrated iRVision and motion control functions," said the spokesperson. "The R-30iB Controller features FANUC's exclusive and easy-to-use iPendant with 4D graphics. The iPendant displays process information and the actual process path directly on the iPendant screen, enabling easier set-up and troubleshooting."
Based on the latest FANUC Series 30iB CNC Controller, the R-30iB Robot Controller is compact, offering a significant space savings. The R-30iB Controller is also energy efficient, requiring less power consumption than previous models, and available with an optional power regeneration feature.
DCS Speed and Position Check Software
"Prior to the application of safety rated robot software, all safeguarding of the robot needed to be external and required a safety rated limit switch or cam system, safety rated area scanners or other devices to limit robot travel or enhance protection," said the spokesperson. "DCS safety rated robot software allows the safety design of the robot system to use the robot itself for some of the safety functions.
"The most significant benefit of DCS Speed and Position Check is in applications where the travel of the robot needs to be restricted due to floor space or process limits that are less than the full reach of the robot. Restricting the robot motion in Cartesian space means the robot can be restrained to exactly the area in which it works - something that is not possible with the current systems that limit robot motion externally using limit switches."
"By moving some of the safety functions to within the robot, customers will realize significant savings in floor space, flexibility in system layout, reduced hardware costs and improved reliability," said Claude Dinsmoor, General Manager, Material Handling Segment, FANUC America.
In addition, safe zones can be enabled and disabled from an external source such as a safety PLC (based on the cell design). Designing a system with multiple zones and appropriate guarding means an operator can safely enter and leave the workspace of the robot.
"This streamlines the design of robot cells because it prevents the robot from entering the load area when an operator is present," said Dinsmoor. "This type of application is possible with existing technology, but it is typically difficult to set up and expensive to implement, and it requires more floor space than a system using DCS."
For more information contact:
FANUC America Corporation
3900 West Hamlin Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3253
888-FANUC-US (326-8287)
www.fanucamerica.com