New Robots

The right product for every application - Mitsubishi Electric has added two new products to its line of robots in the handling payload range up to 5 kg.

Handling tasks in the range up to 5 kg are a very broad field encompassing a huge number of applications on many different types of machines. These tasks are often performed by specialised handling systems, usually a combination of linear drives and rotating elements. 

The problem is, these systems are frequently inflexible, they take up a lot of room and their installation and configuration are complex and time-consuming. Robots have many advantages over these solutions - continuous system utilisation, high flexibility and improved quality and output volume are just a few of the many telling arguments in their favour. The market for small robots has grown particularly rapidly in recent years. This sector can be divided into two broad groups, buckling-arm robots and SCARA robots. The RH-5AH is a SCARA robot, the launch product of a new line from Mitsubishi Electric.

RH-5AH: The slim, trim all-rounder

The RH-5AH is very versatile. With a reach of 550 mm and a maximum handling payload of 5 kg it satisfies a very broad range of requirements in many different fields of application. Mitsubishi's new all-rounder is also a top performer in the speed department: it moves at an impressive 5,360 mm/s, combined with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm. This makes the RH-5AH a good choice for applications like palletising components, deburring plastic mouldings or applying adhesives and sealants. Slim design was a top priority for this robot. The RH-5AH's arm width of just 130 mm predestines it for applications in cramped quarters. The Mitsubishi engineers have also put a great deal of effort into the development of the drive unit, packing even more technology into an even smaller package - in keeping with the New Dimensions philosophy. All the components, SMD circuit boards etc. are integrated in a housing smaller than a shoebox. With a footprint of just 121 x 290 mm (roughly the size of a DIN A4 sheet of paper) and a height of just 166 mm this is the world's smallest SCARA robot drive unit. 

Scara Robot RH-5AH

Photo Mitsubishi Electric

Communications power

The robot's controller is equipped with a powerful 64-bit RISC microprocessor with full multitasking capabilities. This means that in addition to controlling the robot the processor can also handle other tasks - including simultaneous control of up to 8 additional axes and I/O signal processing in separate tasks. The controller can even handle process parameters like workpiece position data from digital imaging systems virtually in real time. The optional Ethernet interface enables high-speed transfer of program and position data; and the data can also be transferred over long distances via an Internet link. In addition to the many robot control functions the powerful MELFA BASIC IV programming language also supports a comprehensive library of trigonometric functions, making it possible for the controller to perform complex calculations independently, without the support of a connected PC. 

RV-1A: The compact new 6-DOF robot

This robot is the latest addition to Mitsubishi Electric's line of buckling-arm robots. The RV-1A, which is being launched at the 2001 Hanover Fair, is a 6-degrees-of-freedom version of the RV-2AJ, the 5-DOF robot that was introduced last year. 

	Buckling-arm robot RV-1A	..
	Photo Mitsubishi Electric

Small, price and compliant

With its extremely compact, space-saving design the RV?1A fits almost everywhere, making it the ideal choice for applications where space is at a premium. With six degrees of freedom it can handle a huge range of handling and component placement tasks with payloads up to 1.5 kg. It has a reach of 418 mm with the gripper inclined downwards and can position components with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm at speeds up to 2,200 mm/s. Internally routed compressed air lines allow the installation of pneumatic grippers for tasks like removing finished components or feeding blanks into machines. The RV?1A can also be operated with an electrical gripper if no compressed air is available.

One of the top features of the system is the "compliance control" function that can be activated or deactivated in the robot's control program. This function is used in tasks where the robot needs to respond with a degree of sensitivity to forces encountered when picking up or placing items. When the function is activated, instead of pressing against the force encountered the robot gives way, or "complies", with adjustable sensitivity, thus reducing unnecessary stresses on the handled components. In suitable applications this provides genuinely flexible robot response.

Source Mitsubishi Electric

Article Reference : 002085