US-based Motoman Robotics presents its new collaborative robot (cobot) for the first time. The HC20XP cobot’s extended reach makes it ideal for end-of-line palletising applications. The cobot can reach entire 80-inch pallets thanks to its extended reach and without the aid of a lift or hoist. At the same time it can move heavier boxes and parts thanks to its 20 kg capacity.
Instead of having multiple people removing boxes from a conveyor, “you can have one robot take all the boxes from the conveyor and stack them on the pallet for you,” says Michael Castor, product manager for material handling products at Yaskawa Motoman. “End-of-line palletising is one of the best places to implement robotic automation,” he adds.
Castor added that while a robot risk assessment may still be required, the HC20XP is easy to adopt and comes with accurate hand-guided training. In addition, cobots do not usually require safety fencing. Therefore, it is versatile and takes up less space. There is no need to deploy multiple robots because there is no large cell, as it can be transferred to different conveyors. One robot could manage several conveyors just by moving around.
It is the first IP67-rated collaborative robot on the market, according to Yaskawa, and is suitable for prolonged use in wet or splash-prone areas. This variant can be used in sanitary conditions where cleaning or washing is required, as it is made of durable cast aluminium. The standard inclusion of NSF H1 food grade grease allows it to be used in situations where unintended food contact may occur.
In addition, the HC20XP complies with ISO TS 15066 and meets recognised safety standards (ISO 13849-1 and ISO 10218-1). It has four cooperative operating modes, including Power and Force Limiting (PFL), which continuously monitors force using dual-channel torque sensors at all joints to react to touch quickly and safely. The HC20XP is designed with maximum safety in mind and has a grip-free construction. Through-arm utilities conceal cables, reducing the possibility of them snagging or interfering with other devices.
Depending on risk analysis and process requirements, the HC20XP can quickly switch between collaborative speed in PFL mode and maximum speed in industrial mode to improve cycle times. It can operate (depending on risk assessment) without additional safety precautions, reducing costs and freeing up space. Several Yaskawa partners offer specialised tools and accessories for specific functions. A Category 6 through cable allows tools to communicate in a variety of ways.
Yaskawa’s ultra-compact YRC1000micro controller, which can be placed in a conventional 19-inch equipment rack or installed vertically or horizontally, controls the HC20XP robot. For factories with high-density layouts where seamless controller integration and controller stacking may be required, its compact size and lightweight enclosure are suitable.
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