February 2020

FANUCHAS unveiled a lightweight collaborative robot (cobot) aimed at first- time users of robots, especially in smaller companies. The CRX-10iA robot can handle payloads of up to 10kg, and will be available with a reach of either 1.2 or 1.4m. The cobot can be programmed either using a teaching pendant or via a tablet computer that is running an app designed for users with little programming experience. The arm can be equipped with a vision system that will allow autonomous loading and unloading of items in containers or on shelves. It can be used with grippers from third-party suppliers. Fanuc launched the cobot at an exhibition in Japan where it demonstrated the arm loadingmetal blocks into a machine tool with the help of a 3D vision sensor. At the same show, Fanuc announced a fast-acting vision sensor with a field-of- view of up to 1,600mm 2 , allowing it to detect large parts reliably. The 3DV/1600 sensor was shown in action in a bag- palletising application. The sensor can be linked to a Fanuc robot controller for programming and operation, without needing a separate PC. OMRONHAS launched a series of reflective photoelectric sensors that, it claims, have the smallest bodies and the longest sensing ranges (1.5m) in their class. The E3AS sensors are not affected by sensing distances, colours, materials or the surfaces of objects, making them easier to select, commission, adjust and maintain. The sensors can be used, for example, on high-mix conveyor lines that carry products of various colours and shapes, and on assembly lines where space is tight. The sensing distance with the new sensors is five times longer than Omron’s previous E3Z-LL products. The range of 50–1,500mm eliminates the need to choose different sensors depending on the application. An antifouling coating on the sensor surface – claimed to be the first of its type in the industry – prevents water droplets, oil, and dust from sticking to the sensor, and the lens from fogging. Omron says the coating will reduce false detection and extend cleaning frequencies. The sensors use time-of-flight (TOF) detection which is said to be stable regardless of the characteristics of objects being sensed. Unlike other photoelectric sensors, separate evaluation and positioning are not required for each object being sensed, thus saving time. Patented laser welding technologies have been used to enhance the sealing and adhesion between the parts of the case, reducing failures in water (IP69K) and oil (IP67G). The sensors are available with stainless-steel or plastic cases. https://industrial.omron.co.uk TECHNOLOGY n Photoelectric sensors have ‘the smallest bodies and the longest ranges’ Lightweight cobot targets first-time users