Robot Does Highly Complex Operations Performed by Humans
Responding to the demands of the industry, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (Vernon Hills, IL) has introduced the F-series industrial robots, the latest of its high performance robots, designed for extremely dexterous, complex operations.
The robot exchanges a finished part with a raw part.
F-Series robots incorporate advanced features that make it easier to perform applications that had previously been difficult or impossible. One such feature, the force sensor, in combination with coordinated motion and automatic collision avoidance, allows the creation of densely packed robot cells that can perform highly dexterous operations. These tasks are typically performed by an operator in a cellular manufacturing work cell.
Other key features include internal routing of cables and hoses, automatic collision avoidance, coordinated motion, and force torque sensors. The new F-series includes SCARA robots with 3, 6, 12 and 20 Kg payload capacities and articulated robots offering 2, 4 and 7 Kg payload capacities.
Depending upon the model selected, improvements over previous models include increased operating speed, increased Z-axis speed, stronger wrist axis, and wider operating range. Offered in both vertical and horizontal configurations, F-Series robots are particularly well suited for material handling, machine tending, assembly, picking, packing, kitting, dispensing, inspection, and other complex applications.
Mitsubishi Electric’s F-Series robots are also designed for more efficient manufacturing. For example, they require shorter startup times compared to fixed automation, and use less energy and generate less scrap than manual operation.
“The new F-Series is a total automation suite, with well thought out control architecture, simple interfaces to business systems and a comprehensive approach to problem solving,” said Aravind Durai, robotics product manager for Mitsubishi Electric Automation.
