FANUC Spider Robots and Other Delta Models
Don't be alarmed. Industrial spider robots only resemble arachnids. They don't bite and they have three legs not eight.
Parallel-link or Delta style robot models go by many different names. FANUC Robotics calls theirs Genkotsu (the Japanese word for fist) as well as Spider Robots. ABB's Delta robot is the Flexpicker. And Adept's four-legged contribution is the Quattro.
Whatever the title, one thing is certain: this speedy, dexterous robot design is here to stay.
Delta robots are used in a diversity of industries from food production, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, to solar panel manufacturing, material handling, and packaging. Their spider-like nimbleness and flexibility make them ideal for handling delicate items and assembling quickly.
Industrial delta robots are typically constructed with three or four legs (jointed in the middle) connecting base to tooling plate. Motors are either located in the base, or, as with the FANUC M-3iA spider robot, incorporated into each leg. Both designs allow the legs to move with exceptional speed and dexterity. Spider robots operate within a dome-shaped work envelope. They also offer installation flexibility and space-efficiency.
FANUC Spider Robots:
FANUC's parallel-link spider robots include the M-1iA and M-3iA. Each model is available in two versions, one with four axes of movement, one with six. Six-axis FANUC spider robots have three base-mounted axes and three axes in the wrist.
The M-1iA model has a 0.5kg payload capacity, built-in iRVision, and a compact base that can mount virtually anywhere - ceiling, wall, and at an angle. The four-axis version boasts a single axis wrist capable of rotating 3000 degrees each second.
When it came to the M-3iA, FANUC sought to improve upon the traditional motor placement in the base. Small servomotors are tucked neatly into each leg, each connected to individual drive shafts, which connect to universal joints in the plate. The result is increased flexibility and speed. This particular spider robot can maneuver objects as fast as 2,000 degrees a second!
Adept Quattro: Adept Technology's four-legged Delta robot, the Adept Quattro s650H, provides exceptional speed and dexterity. It is also available in a food-safe USDA certified version, the Quattro s650HS.
ABB Flexpicker: ABB's parallel-link robot, the Flexpicker IRB 360 has three legs. There are four different Flexpicker models: compact, standard, high-payload, and long reach. Cleanroom and food-safe stainless steel versions are also available.
Interested in learning more about Delta robots? Contact RobotWorx at 740-383-8383.
Conserve with New Motoman MS120 "Master Spot" Robot
Save time, space, even energy with Motoman's new "Master Spot" robot.
The MS120 is built to fit in tight spots, move quickly, and keep electric bills low. Sporting a shorter arm and higher payload capacity than the other "Master Spot" robot, the MS80, the MS120 is well-suited for dense workcell configurations and tough automotive needs.
Faster Spot Welding
Motoman's "Master Spot" welding robots really pick up the pace. They are capable of moving 43% faster than similar sized robots. The MS120 and MS80 shorten spot welding cycle times and increase throughput.
Low Profile
The MS120 can work in close proximity with other robots, fixtures, car bodies, and parts. The robot arm itself is less than 500mm wide. This 500mm includes the harness. Another space-saving feature is its shortened arm (1,623mm reach). The MS120 is specifically designed to work with DC spot guns. These particular spot welding guns have more compact servo actuators, allowing the MS120 to maintain its low profile. All utilities are carefully routed in line with the robot arm - streamlining programming and increasing safety.
Energy Saving
As mentioned earlier, the MS120 is designed to work with lighter, smaller DC spot welding guns. These particular guns offer energy savings of 33%! All things considered, the MS120 "Master Spot" welding robot will lower power needs by 50%.
Optimal Control
Motoman's new addition is controlled by the advanced DX100. The MS120 provides exceptional speed and precision - with repeatability at +/- 0.2mm.
For more information about the Master Spot welding series (MS120 or MS80), please call 740-383-8383.
5 Axis Motoman Robotics for Pick and Place
The typical industrial robot has six axes of flexibility. However, some of Motoman Robotics' material handling robots stray from the norm and achieve extraordinary performance with a five axis construction.
Yaskawa Motoman Robotics' 5 Axis MPK2
The MPK2 is a five axis robot designed to perform high-speed material handling applications. This nimble and slim robot has a light 2kg payload and compact base. Its wrist is capable of moving 2,000 degrees per second. The MPK2 5-axis robot offers a generous 900mm horizontal reach and exceptional flexibility. 
Safe for food handling jobs, the MPK2 robot features stainless steel axis covers and EOAT flange, plus an IP67 rating. It has National Sanitations Foundation certified grease and internally routed cabling.
Three 5-Axis Motoman Robotics Palletizers:
Five axes of movement provide necessary stability and agility for palletizing applications. Motoman Robotics has come out with three distinct generations of 5-axis palletizers, the SP80, "Expert Palletizing" EPL80, and most recently the "Master Palletizing" MPL80. Motoman Robotics' palletizers are quick, efficient options for packing, palletizing, and pick and place applications.
These 5-axis Motoman palletizers have 80kg payloads, compact footprints, and wide work envelopes. The SP80 and EPL80 reach a full 2046mm horizontally, while the MPL80 expands the reach to 2061mm.
Interested in a 5-axis Motoman robotics solution? Call today: 740-383-8383.
The KUKA KR 500 Heavy Duty Solution
There's robot strong, and then there's KUKA KR 500 strong.
The powerful robotic arm of the KUKA KR 500 is built to lift massive, heavy objects with ease. A member of KUKA's heavy duty robot line, the KR500 has specially designed motors and gear units which allow it to handle payloads up to 500kg. Need a tough robot for a tough setting? The KUKA KR 500 is offered in both foundry and cleanroom versions.
KR500 Versatility:
In addition to exceptional strength, this robotic heavyweight provides exceptional flexibility. Six axes of movement, a 2836mm horizontal reach, and the precise control afforded by the KR C2 combine for quick cycle times and accurate performance. Surprisingly compact, the KUKA KR500 can be installed to the floor or ceiling. Another space-saving feature is the robot's energy supply unit which is slim and fully integrated into the arm.
KR500 Long Arm Variants:
For a broader work envelope, the KUKA KR500 has two long arm variants. The KR 500 L420 has a 3,076mm maximum reach and 420kg payload capacity, while the KR 500 L340 provides a 3,326mm maximum reach and 340kg payload capacity. Both the KR500 L420 and KR500 L340 are available in foundry safe versions as well.
RobotWorx, a KUKA Robotics Systems Partner, sells the full KUKA robot line. Interested? Call 740-383-8383.
ABB IRB 2600 Robot Series Makes History
ABB's new robot family has great technological and historical significance.
Robot Milestone: Advanced, Versatile Design
The IRB 2600 robot series is destined to make a splash with its capabilities and flexibility. It has three members, two short arm robots and one long arm robot. The basic model, the IRB 1200-12 offers a 1.65m reach and 12kg payload capacity. The IRB 2600-20 provides a 1.65m reach as well as a 20kg payload. The long arm IRB 2600 contributes a 1.85m reach and 12kg payload.
IRB 2600 robots are multipurpose robots designed for a variety of tasks ranging from arc welding and material handling to machine tending. They are controlled by the advanced IRC5.
- Flexibility: The new family of robots can be installed anywhere - ceiling, wall, shelf. This versatility makes it possible for companies to save floor space and build creative workcell solutions. When shelf-mounted, the IRB 2600 robots provide exceptional downward reach well below their bases.
- Speed: Specially engineered for speed, the IRB 2600 robots cut cycles by 25% when compared to their
predecessors the IRB 2400 robots.
- Build: ABB's new robots are more compact and lightweight. While IRB 2400 robots weigh in at 380kg, the IRB 2600 weigh just 280kg.
- Protection: IRB 2600 robots have IP67 ingress protection. Need something even tougher? ABB IRB2600 robots are available in Foundry Plus 2, Foundry Prime 2, and Cleanroom versions.
Historic Milestone: ABB's Fourth Generation Robots
The ABB IRB 2600 series represents the fourth generation of 6-20kg payload range robots created by the robotics manufacturing leader. It is the latest installment to a story that dates back to the 1970's.
| 1st Generation: 1974 ASEA (a company that would later merge with Brown, Boveri & Cie to become ABB) creates the IRB 6, an electronic and microcomputer controlled robot with a 6kg payload capacity. |
2nd Generation: 1986 The next addition to this payload category, the IRB 2000, is released. |
3rd Generation: 1996 ABB's IRB 2400 robot series introduced many improvements to previous models. |
4th Generation: 2009 The latest and greatest, the IRB 2600 robot series, comes into being. |
Interested in an ABB IRB 2600 series robot? Call RobotWorx for information about this or older, reconditioned ABB robots: 740-383-8383.