Fanuc Robotics’ Intelligent M-1iA “Genkotsu”

Fanuc Robotics’ intelligent M-1iA “Genkotsu” robot can perform a variety of high-speed applications.

“Our customers require higher speeds and accuracy to meet their production goals,” says Jessica Beltran, product manager, Fanuc Robotics America.  “The M-1iA’s flexibility and speed far exceed the capabilities of other vertically-articulated or SCARA-type robots.  

Connector Assembly
•    An M-1iA/0.5A 6-axis robot uses iRVision to detect randomly-placed connector pins on a conveyor.  A second camera verifies the pin’s orientation, and the robot places it into an insulated connector assembly. 

Water Meter Assembly
•    The first of five M-1iA/0.5A 6-axis robots uses iRVision to locate the position of a pallet containing two water meter sub-assemblies, and accurately inserts four pins into the base.  The second and third robots use iRVision to locate a series of gears, and gear meshing to insert the gears to the sub-assembly.  A fourth robot uses iRVision to locate and insert two springs into sockets on the sub-assembly and accurately locates a display into the socket.  A fifth and final M-1iA/0.5A robot uses a robot-held camera with iRVision to inspect each insertion point of the parts to ensure complete assembly.

Key Fob Assembly
•    The first of two M-1iA/0.5S 4-axis robots uses iRVision to detect key fob assembly parts on a conveyor, and assembles the parts through circular tracking. A second M-1iA/0.5S robot accurately follows the assembly fixture using circular tracking and completes the assembly by screwing in a small bolt.

Fanuc High-Speed Applications                      
Pill Color Sorting
•    A linear rail-mounted M-1iA/0.5A 6-axis robot, equipped with iRVision and a color camera, picks and sorts pills of different colors. 

Battery Kitting
•    An M-1iA/0.5S 4-axis robot uses iRVision to pick and place small batteries in a precise arrangement for packaging.

Education Cell
•    A Certified Education Robot Training (CERT) cart with an M-1iA/0.5A robot, equipped with iRVision, locates and picks plastic wheels from a tray and places them in a fixture. The robot changes its tooling to a de-burring tool, de-burrs the wheel, and performs width gaging using precision linear motors.

M-1iA Intelligent “Genkotsu” Robot
The M-1iA is a lightweight and compact 6-axis, parallel-link robot designed for small part handling, high-speed picking, packing, and assembly applications.  The unique parallel-link structure provides higher speeds and accuracy compared to traditional handling robots.  The robot can be installed in a variety of orientations, and has a 3-axis wrist, making it extremely flexible.

The M-1iA also offers a 4-axis model for simple operations such as part picking or kitting.  A single-axis wrist offers speeds up to 3000° per second. The M-1iA, like all Fanuc robots, operates with the company’s latest integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision, Force Sensing and Robot Link.

The M-1iA offers a wide range of benefits, including:

•    Lightweight (14kg for 4-axis model; 17kg for 6-axis model), compact size allows operation in small spaces.
•    Six-axis design enables part feeding from the sides of a work zone, increasing the useable workspace.
•    Multiple installation orientations accommodate a wide range of work areas.
•    Unique parallel-link design maximizes speed.
•    Supports a multiple arm configuration of up to four robots.
•    A camera for iRVision (built-in) can be integrated into the robot.
•    Mate rack-style controller provides intelligent robot functions.
•    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.

Fanuc High-Speed Applications                      
Fanuc Force Sensors are fully integrated into the CPU of every Fanuc controller.  Available in four models ranging from 15kg to 250kg, Fanuc Force Sensors provide the most robust and reliable solutions in the market.  A single source solution developed and supported by Fanuc, the Fanuc Force Sensors offer easy setup and operation for factory operations requiring part matching, meshing, inserting, force loading and deburring. 

Fanuc iRVision is a truly integrated, plug-and-go vision system that runs on the standard CPU of every Fanuc R-30iB controller without any additional hardware.  A single source solution developed and supported by Fanuc, iRVision offers easy setup and operation for factory environments requiring 2D and 3D guidance, error proofing, visual tracking, and quality control – all with Fanuc’s world-renowned reliability.

The new Fanuc R-30iB Controller uses high-performance hardware and the latest advances in network communications, integrated iRVision, and motion control functions.  The R-30iB Controller features Fanuc’s exclusive new and easy-to-use iPendant with 4D graphics.  The iPendant displays process information and the actual process path directly on the iPendant screen, enabling easier setup and troubleshooting.