FANUC Robotics America, Inc.’s intelligent M-410iB/160 palletizing robot equipped with the new iRVision 2D vision sensor will demonstrate high-speed bag palletizing and box de-palletizing during Pack Expo, at McCormick Center, Chicago, Oct. 29-Nov. 2, booth #N4643.

At the show, the M-410iB industrial palletizing robot will pick and place bags of pet food on an infeed conveyor at three seconds per cycle. The robot will also simulate slip-sheet handling, and bag placement onto a pallet. Next, the robot will demonstrate vision-guided de-palletizing of boxes.

“The M-410iB robot is an ideal solution for mixed product handling applications,” said Virgil Wilson, product manager, FANUC Robotics America, Inc. “The use of a robot for handling product creates a safer work environment, increases throughput and reduces injuries. Manufacturers using a robotic palletizing system benefit from maximum flexibility, quick changeovers, labor savings, decreased down time and increased throughput.”

The M-410iB Intelligent Robot

The M-410iB is FANUC Robotics’ latest generation robot designed for precise, high-speed and heavy-payload case and bag palletizing and de-palletizing, layer handling, press tending, machine load/unload, and part transfer. The M-410iB is a four-axis, modular construction, electric servo-driven robot with an integrated mechanical and control unit that maximizes the robot’s performance and makes it ideal for limited floor space.

Offering faster cycle times and higher payloads than any other robot in its classification, the M-410iB can handle cases or bags weighing 100 kg at rates of 20 cycles per minute for boxes, and 28 for bags. In addition, with a maximum reach of 3,143 mm, the M-410iB’s large work envelope enables it to service multiple lines at one time.

M-410iB Intelligent Palletizing Robot

“The M410iB is a powerful solution that offers the capability to handle heavy loads at extremely fast rates,” said Wilson. “Its precision coupled with flexibility and payload capabilities make it an excellent value.”

Products in the M-410i B series include the M-410iB/160 (160 kg payload), M-410iB/300 (300 kg payload), and the M-410iB/450 (450 kg payload). Available options include row and layer end-of-arm tooling for higher throughput applications, and fork grippers for handling bags, trays, pails or open-end cases.

“Over 2,500 units of the M-410i series are now working in a variety of palletizing and part handling applications,” said Wilson. “The ability to palletize heavier loads opens up new opportunities in a variety of markets such as beverage, brick and building materials, steel/wire handling and barrel/drum handling.”

The M-410i B comes equipped with FANUC Robotics' new R-J3iC controller, which offers high-performance hardware and the latest advances in network, integrated vision, and motion control functions, providing a level of intelligence never offered before. The R-J3iC is compatible with FANUC Robotics’ standard robot software packages such as PalletTool™ and PalletPRO™ which provide palletizing setup, simulation and operation. It also supports CollisionGuard™ software, which helps eliminate damage to the robot, gripper, cases/bags, and peripherals. Other software supported by the R-J3iC controller includes Webbased tools for remote connectivity, diagnostics and production monitoring.

iRVision

FANUC Robotics’ new iRVisionTM, is an easy to use, integrated robot vision option for the new FANUC R-J3iC Controller. The iRVision System is the company’s first built-in vision package that is available on all R-J3iC Controllers, providing customers a single source for robot guidance or process feedback.

The FANUC iRVision system is a ready-to-use robotic vision package, 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.