FANUC Robotics America introduced the M-3iA intelligent, parallel-link robot designed to maximize speed and flexibility for assembly, small part 
nload="javascript:if(>500)=500" align=right border=0>handling and picking applications.
The M-3iA robot is a larger version of the company’s M-1iA robot introduced last year. Available in a four- or six-axis model, the M-3iA offers the same unique parallel-link structure, is lightweight and portable, and accommodates payloads up to 6kg. In addition, it has the largest work envelope of any robot in its class (1350mm x 500mm).
The M-3iA six-axis model has a three-axis, patent-pending wrist for complex assembly tasks. The extreme flexibility offered by the three-axis wrist enables the robot to pick up and insert parts at simple or compound angles, and twist parts into place, similar to the flexibility offered by a manual operator.
A four-axis M-3iA has a single-axis wrist for simple assembly and high-speed picking operations, offering speeds up to 4000 degrees per second. In addition, a hollow wrist allows hoses and cables to be routed internally, which minimizes wear and tear on the tooling cables.
The M-3iA, like all FANUC robots, operates with the company’s latest R-30iA controller with integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision, Force Sensing, Robot link, and Collision Guard.
The M-3iA robot, which is available for immediate purchase, offers a wide range of benefits, including:
Patent-pending three-axis, parallel-link wrist maximizes flexibility.
Portable and compact size allows operation in small spaces.
Six-axis design (three-axis wrist) enables part feeding from the sides of a work zone, increasing the useable workspace.
Four-axis design (single-axis wrist) moves parts at extremely high speeds; a hollow wrist allows tooling cables to be routed internally, minimizing wear and tear.
Food option with food-grade grease features a special coating to handle acid and alkaline disinfectants, and low-pressure rinsing.
Ability to work with primary (unpackaged) or secondary (packaged) food products.
IP67 rating for the entire robot means the robot is waterproof and can withstand harsh environments, including dust and oil mist.
Collision Guard detects robot collisions with external objects, minimizing damage to the part and robot.
Robot link controls and coordinates up to ten robots through a network exchange of robot positional data.
FANUC Force Sensor is available for intricate assembly applications.
Integrated (built-in) Vision
The FANUC iRVision system is a ready-to-use robotic vision package, available on all FANUC robots, requiring only a camera and cable – no additional processing hardware. It has a 2D robot guidance tool to accomplish part location, error proofing, and other operations that normally require special sensors or custom fixtures. For robotic vision processes that exceed the capability of 2D vision systems, FANUC Robotics offers an integrated 3D vision system.
