Cobots, short for collaborative robots, are robots that can operate safely and effectively alongside people in an environment without physical barriers or distance. Thanks to their ability to adapt to the environment, detect contacts and anticipate collisions, these robots are perfect for applications that require precision, flexibility and ergonomics.
One of the leading companies in the industrial robotics sector, FANUC, offers a wide selection of collaborative robots that adapt to the different requirements and characteristics of each manufacturing process. FANUC collaborative robots operate in four different ways, as specified in the ISO 10218 standard for robots and robotic devices:
- Safety-supervised stop: this type of operation is based on the robot stopping moving when it sees a person within its operating area. To do this, sensors are used that monitor the environment and alert the robot controller when necessary. Applications where there is little or no human-robot interaction or where high robot speed and precision are required are suitable for this type of operation. With a lifting capacity of up to 35 kilograms and a reach of 1.8 meters, FANUC’s CR-35iB collaborative robot is an example of those that use this type of operation.
- Speed and separation: The basis of this type of operation is the robot’s ability to modify its trajectory and speed in response to human proximity. To do this, vision systems are used that allow the robot to detect the location and movement of the person and respond appropriately. Applications where human-robot interaction is minimal or where the robot must be very flexible and adaptable are suitable for this type of operations. FANUC‘s CR-15iA collaborative robot, which has a reach of 1.4 meters and a maximum lifting capacity of 15 kilograms, is an example of those that use this type of operation.
- Limiting force and power: The basis of this type of operation is to keep the force and power of the robot under control to avoid damage in case it comes into contact with a human being. This is achieved through the use of rounded edges, soft materials that absorb impacts, and collision sensors that detect contact and stop the robot. Applications that require high robot safety and reliability or include frequent human-robot interaction could benefit from this type of operation. The CR-7iA, a FANUC collaborative robot with a reach of 0.9 meters and a maximum lifting capacity of 7 kg, is an example of a robot that works in this way.
- By using a manual guidance device , humans can directly control the movement of the robot in these types of operations. For this, an automatic mode is used, in which the robot does not follow a predetermined program and reacts only to the man’s commands. Applications that require extensive cooperation and support from the robot, or those that involve continuous contact between the robot and the person, are suitable for this type of operation. FANUC‘s CRX-25iA collaborative robot, which has a reach of 1.8 meters and a maximum lifting capacity of 25 kilograms, is an example of those that use this type of operation.
FANUC collaborative robots provide a creative and effective way to increase production, standards and safety in industrial operations. FANUC collaborative robots can be easily integrated and offer the best possible robot-human collaboration thanks to their multiple operating modes, which allow them to adapt to the requirements and characteristics of each application.
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