FANUC demonstrated its latest collaborative robot solutions for processing machines at EMO 2019

FANUC has already installed more than 590,000 industrial robots worldwide. The versatile machines perform important tasks throughout production. At EMO, FANUC provided an overview of current applications and show numerous practical applications such as part handling, loading, unloading and deburring. The central aspect here is the simple and user-friendly integration of robots in processing machines and production plants of all kinds.

It has never been easier to automate a processing machine with a robot and therefore making production highly productive and efficient. This applies in particular to automation with the QSSR package developed by FANUC, which stands for “Quick and Simple Start-up of Robotisation”. This package facilitates the connection of a robot to a machine tool as well as setup and subsequent operation. FANUC has created a standard interface for this and demonstrated the solution in several applications, for example for ROBODRILL and ROBOCUT.

Collaborative in the front row

With a total of seven exemplary applications, the CR series of collaborative robots from FANUC were represented at the booth. All models of the series from the smallest CR-4iA to the CR-35iA are in use. The use of CR robots in conjunction with mobile platforms were also on display. Here FANUC works with a standardised interface in order to be able to combine FANUC robots with any platform.

CR robots also serve as demonstration models for the “Hand Guidance Function”, with which robots are programmed by moving the TCP manually and the operator entering the required path or target points at the touch of a button. Mounting the “Easy Attachment Unit” on the wrist of the robot is simple. The hand guidance function is suitable for all FANUC robots and is sufficient for simple tasks. For more complex tasks, the programmer uses the handheld iPendant or the iRProgrammer, a programming interface for Smart Devices.

For MTBs and system integrators, a new software function offers an interesting simplification: Users can program the robot movement of an automated machine via the CNC interface and do not need to familiarize themselves with the systematics of a teach pendant. At EMO, a version was presented that also corresponds to Siemens PLC.

FANUC has also simplified the simulation of programmed sequences in the machine and robots with an assistance function in ROBOGUIDE. This new function enables a synchronised representation of ROBOGUIDE for the robot movement and CNC GUIDE for the program simulation of the machine.

The EMO premieres

The M-10iD/12 and M-20iD/25 robots were on display for the first time at EMO. The M-10iD is used on a demo cell for loading and unloading, the M-20iD in a deburring cell. The productivity enhancing properties of the robot also include its exceptionally high axis speeds and repeat accuracy, which set standards in this robot class. The rigid design of the robot results in very good positioning and repeatability accuracy. The M-20iD/25 also has these features. Combined with a force-moment sensor, FANUC’s own sensor, M-20iD/25 shows its strengths in a cell in which robot parts for FANUC robots are deburred.

The processing cells as well as the automatic loading and unloading are usefully supplemented by robot-automated washing cells. The robot can either handle the workpiece to be cleaned or, in suitable cases, the washing nozzle. FANUC showed a small washing cell at EMO. The LR Mate 200iD/7WP used is ideally suited for handling tasks in narrow workspaces and for integration into machines. The standard protection class is IP67, optionally the LR Mate is also available in IP69K.

FANUC presented a new model with the ER-4iA in an “Education Cell”. FANUC is particularly active in the field of training – for example as a partner of the World Skills organisation at this year’s World Robot Programming Championships.

For more information, please visit http://www.fanuc.eu.