Collaborative Robots Load, Unload Machines Without Need for Barriers

FANUC America will demonstrate machine load/unload with its CR-7iA table-top size collaborative robot equipped with iRVision. During the demonstration, the robot will pick up a part and load it into a lathe’s chuck, then remove the part from the chuck and place it back onto a part tray, showing how a collaborative robot can be used for machine tool loading and unloading. The cell will have area scanners running at full speed when the operator is outside of the cell.

The CR-7iA, CR-7iA/L, CR-4iA and larger CR-35iA collaborative robots are equipped with highly sensitive contact detection, enabling them to share workstations with people and perform more strenuous tasks or repetitive operations without industrial safety barriers, the company says.

The CR-7iA offers a 717-mm reach and 7-kg payload; the CR-7iA/L offers the same payload with a 911=mm reach; and the CR-4iA has a 550-mm reach and 4-kg payload. The design for the compact collaborative robots is based on the LR Mate-series of mini material-handling robots and they are said to be ideal for small part sorting and assembly, inspection, machine tending, and part delivery.