High Speed Picking and Packing with Material Handling Robots

FANUC America Corporation recently demonstrated high-speed picking and packing with its M-2iA/3SL delta and LR Mate 200iD material handling robots.

An M-2iA/3SL robot used 2-D iRVision and iRPickTool line tracking software to pick randomly oriented pharmaceutical products from an in feed conveyor. The robot placed product onto an out feed conveyor into groups of four, where an LR Mate 200iD/7LC clean room robot picked the groups of four from the conveyor and placed two products into each of two stationary boxes. Product was then randomized and the cycle repeated. The cell featured high-speed picking/packing with product re-orientation.

The M-2iA delta robot is designed for high-speed picking and assembly applications. The series includes six model variations that provide a solution for a variety of space requirements. The M-2iA is rated IP69K, which allows it to withstand high pressure and temperature wash-down environments. The robot is also constructed with corrosion-resistant materials and finishes that are designed to standup to harsh wash-down chemicals and sanitizers.

The M-2iA operates with FANUC's latest R-30iB controller with integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision, force sensing, robot link and collision guard.

M-2iA features and benefits include:

• Portable and compact size allows operation in small spaces.
• M-2iA/3A and M-2iA/3AL models offer a 3 kg payload, 6-axis design (3-axis wrist) designed for part handling and assembly.
• M-2iA/3S and M-2iA/3SL models offer a 3 kg payload, 4-axis design (single-axis wrist) to accurately move parts at high-speeds.
• The M-2iA/6H and M-2iA/6HL models offer 3-axes of motion for super high-speed picking, and a 6 kg payload.
• The M-2iA/3A, M-2iA/3S and M-2iA/6H short arm robots offer a reach of 800 mm wide x 300 mm high; the M-2iA/3AL, M-2iA/3SL and M-2iA/6HL long arm robots offer a reach of 1,130 mm wide x 400 mm high.
• A hollow wrist allows tooling cables to be routed internally, minimizing wear and tear.
• Food option features a special coating to handle acid and alkaline disinfectants.
• Ability to work with primary (unpackaged) or secondary (packaged) food products.
• Optional IP69K rating for the entire robot means the robot is waterproof and can withstand harsh environments, including dust and high-pressure cleaning.
• Supports FANUC's latest intelligent features including iRVision and force sensing.
• Collision guard detects robot collisions with external objects, minimizing damage to the part and robot.
• Robot link controls and coordinates up to 10 robots through a network exchange of robot positional data.

The family of LR Mate 200iD robots is a versatile solution for a wide range of manufacturing operations that require access into small spaces. A very slim arm about the same size as a human arm, and a bottom cable exit option minimize interference with peripheral devices. The LR Mate 200iD robots offer a "best in class" work envelope for both upright and invert mount installations. The LR Mate 200iD robots are also available with ISO class 4 clean-room and food-grade variants for food handling and healthcare packaging applications.

LR Mate 200iD features and benefits include:

• Slim arm and compact footprint minimizes interference to peripheral devices in narrow spaces.
• Available in three variations: standard, short and long arm
• Four to 7 kg wrist load capacity with 6-axis articulation
• Best in class work envelope simplifies system layout.
• Fast joint axes speeds maximize system throughput.
• Integrated 24VDC power, signal and air for easy end-of-arm-tool connection
• Integrated through-arm cable option for iRVision, force sensing, Ethernet and auxiliary axes
• Flexible mounting (upright, invert, angle)
• High rigidity and advanced servo technology enable smooth motion at high speeds
• Easy integration into machines
• Features lightest mechanical unit
• IP67 rating allows operation in factory environments with dust and oil mist.

For more information contact:

FANUC America Corporation

3900 West Hamlin Rd.

Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3253

888-FANUC-US (326-8287)

www.fanucamerica.com