Industrial Automation: A Leap Forward with FANUC’s SCARA SR-12iA/CIndustrial automation has experienced exponential growth driven by the need for efficiency, traceability, and consistency in production processes. In sectors where cleanliness and hygiene are critical—such as food, pharmaceutical, or semiconductor industries—conventional robots often fail to meet the required standards. In this context, FANUC has introduced a specialized solution: the SCARA SR-12iA/C robot, specifically designed to withstand intensive cleaning procedures without compromising performance.
This advancement not only meets the requirements of controlled environments but also expands the possibilities of automation in areas previously restricted for conventional industrial robotics.
Context and Technological EvolutionThe SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) family has established itself as an efficient option for assembly, handling, and part transfer tasks. FANUC, a global leader in automation, has developed a SCARA line with capabilities ranging from 3 to 20 kg payloads.
The new SR-12iA/C model represents a significant evolution. Based on the SR-12iA architecture, this robot includes a fully sealed cover compliant with IP67 protection standards, allowing for high-pressure washes and the use of aggressive disinfectants. It is compatible with ISO Class 5 environments and meets the hygienic design requirements of standards such as EHEDG and FDA.
Applications in Various Industrial Sectors
The capabilities of the SR-12iA/C make it ideal for critical tasks in:
- Food Industry: Handling fresh products, primary and secondary packaging, and post-cooking tasks on lines where cross-contamination is a risk.
- Clean Rooms: Applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or electronics industries where maintaining particle-free environments is essential.
- Medical Manufacturing: Handling sterile medical devices or surgical materials.
- Automation in Aggressive Environments: Where frequent cleaning with chemicals or steam is required.
Benefits
- Hygienic Design: Its corrosion-resistant housing facilitates deep and frequent cleaning.
- Higher Payload (12 kg): Allows handling of trays, boxes, or heavier components, extending its applications compared to traditional SCARA robots.
- Precision and Speed: Competitive cycle times, ideal for fast production lines.
- Compatibility with FANUC Ecosystem: Easy integration with other robots, CNC, and vision systems from the brand.
Challenges
- High Initial Cost: The investment may be higher than conventional SCARA robots due to its specialized design.
- Environment Adaptation Required: To fully leverage its hygienic capabilities, the environment must also meet sanitary standards.
- The SR-12iA/C combines a high payload capacity with an IP67 environment, which is uncommon among SCARA robots in this range, positioning it as a unique piece of equipment for certain applications.
Trends and Future Prospects
Hygienic robots are rapidly expanding, and FANUC is not the only manufacturer investing in this line. However, its ability to integrate artificial intelligence, advanced machine vision, and IoT connectivity (Industry 4.0) gives it a competitive edge.
In the coming years, we expect the development of:
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) with hygienic capabilities.
- Self-cleaning systems integrated into robots.
- Advanced materials with antimicrobial coatings.
The SR-12iA/C is already compatible with FANUC‘s data analysis platforms, such as FIELD System, allowing predictive maintenance monitoring even in challenging environments.
The FANUC SCARA SR-12iA/C represents a robust, precise solution specifically designed for environments where rigorous cleaning is mandatory. Its high level of resistance, combined with a superior payload capacity, makes it a unique option for sectors previously limited to manual operations or less efficient solutions.
With increasing pressure to comply with sanitary regulations and improve traceability in production, solutions like this are not only gaining prominence but are becoming indispensable in the new era of intelligent and hygienic automation.
For more information on how URT can help your company implement robotic solutions, visit URT here and discover how we can transform your manufacturing process.