Sizing Up Robotic Arm Controllers

Jun 23, 2013

Robotic companies offer their individual controllers, many with two main sizes: a full-size and compact system. The robotic arm controllers are large computers that feed programmed code from the teach pendant to the robot, allowing the robot to interact with the environment.

Robotic arm controllers are the nerve centers of each robot. The controller is a large computer that feeds programmed code from the teach pendant to the robot, allowing it to interact with other systems or to run an application.

There are two different sizes of robotic controllers, depending on the company – the full-sized controller and the compact controller. Many companies like Fanuc, Motoman, and KUKA carry both full-sized and compact controllers for different robots. However, it seems that the trend is moving more toward the smaller, compact robotic arm controllers that save space and energy.

Fanuc, a leader in the industrial robot field, offers several different controller types for their robots — the RJ2, RJ3, RJ3iB, RJ3iC, R30iA, and the R30iB.

The newer models are the R30iA and the R30iB. While the R30iA is a full-sized controller, the R30iB is a compact model. Both models have their advantages, but the R30iB (the newest model), is equipped to handle iRVision 2‑D and 3‑D vision programs, as well as being equipped with the iPendant Touch, which is more user friendly than previous models.

Yaskawa Motoman Robotics also has robot arm controllers in various shapes and sizes – the ERC, MRC, XRC, NX100, DX100, DXM100 and the newest model, the FS100, which is a compact unit.

The FS100 robotic arm controller is space efficient and powerful – truly an innovation for Motoman. At only 20kg, this small controller still packs a punch. It is 2 – 4 times faster than the DX100 controller and is designed to handle smaller packaging and part handling robots with a less than 20kg payload capacity.

Another compact option for Motoman customers is the DXM100 controller. This robotic arm controller also has faster performance than other full-sized models. The controller can also control up to eight robots or 72 axes.

When it comes to KUKA Robotics, the two controllers to talk about are the same, and yet different. They are the KR C4 and KR C4 compact robotic arm controllers. While they differ in size, they deliver the same high performance and reliability to the consumer. This generation of KUKA robotic arm controllers are more powerful, flexible and intelligent than other models. They come with equipped with a smartPAD pendant that is user-friendly and has a touch screen.

As you can see, there are many different robot controllers available from different companies to control several different robot models. How would you ever be able put it all together, right? That is where Robots.com comes in.

Robots.com provides solutions from Fanuc, ABB, Motoman, Universal Robots, and KUKA robotics. The company can match you with the right robot and controller for your application. Our highly-skilled team will work with you to build a system that will leave you 100 percent satisfied.

For more information about robotic arm controllers, contact Robots.com today online or at 877−762−6881.