In contrast to traditional robots, which cannot operate in an operator-occupied workspace without safety fencing, these cage-free robots can work side by side with humans on shared or separate tasks.
To date, this nascent technology has been concentrated on 5 to 15kg light duty 'universal robots'. But, with health and safety regulations stipulating 25kg as the maximum load an operator may handle, there is a requirement for a robotic solution to handle loads that exceed this limit.
The TÜV certified CR-35iA is said to assist with high payload handling, assembly, component feeding and workpiece loading and unloading tasks that have historically had to be carried out manually. Key target areas include automation assembly lines, metalworking and packaging.
"Companies will be able to capitalise on the strengths of robots, which tend to be the weaknesses of humans, and vice versa. For example, the CR-35iA may assume the heavy aspects of handling, alongside humans carrying out quality checks, adjustments or tasks that require an element of problem-solving and flexibility." John Rainer, regional sales manager at FANUC UK, explained.
Whilst most other collaborative robots are encased in a sensing cover that stops the robot when a human gets too close, FANUC's collaborative robot is said to ensure safety by being coated in a rubber skin and through the use of intelligent sensors, which automatically stop the robot if it touches a human operator. This means the CR-35iA can go closer to the jig and other peripherals when required.
The first CR-35iA is currently undergoing pre-production tests with with one of the world's largest automotive companies. FANUC expects to start building more than 100 units per year in Europe soon.
