FANUC CR-35iA collaborative robot

The FANUC CR-35iA collaborative robot uses iRVision, an integrated camera system, to automatically stop itself from functioning as soon as it touches a human working alongside it.

It eliminates the need for protective guards and safety fences used by other industrial robots and machinery with similar lifting capacities. It is claimed that this will improve production efficiencies and allow higher levels of automation.

The machine weighs 990 kg and can lift payloads of up to 35 kg. It is designed for duties such as transferring heavy work pieces or assembling parts. The robot has a reach of 1.8 m and can move at speeds of up to 250–750 mm/s if the area is monitored by a separate safety sensor. The servo-driven machine has a claimed repeatability of ±0.08 mm.

Its green covering also acts as a safety feature, as its soft outer shell forms part of the buffer zone to protect human co-workers against injury risks in the event of a collision.

The machine is suitable for use in ‘red work areas’ and certified to safety standard ISO 10218-1, Category 3.