Heavy-weight problem solved by the new SMART H5 robot

Citation

(2000), "Heavy-weight problem solved by the new SMART H5 robot", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927ead.002

Heavy-weight problem solved by the new SMART H5 robot

Heavy-weight problem solved by the new SMART H5 robot

Keywords Palletising, Robots, Handling

Continual lifting and palletising of heavy inert items, such as large quantities of bagged cement and sand, are problematic in the production process of the building industry world-wide. Traditional methods of manual and automatic application to handle heavy weights at different stacking heights and various orientations often prove inadequate and lack strength, speed and consistency and, more importantly, flexibility.

As part of a rolling research and development programme, COMAU Estil has, through customer demand, decided to develop a robust robotic handling cell with the capability to handle and palletise heavy bags with dexterity and efficiency, yet still have the ability to cater for other applications. With present health and safety legislation it is becoming increasingly important that this handling is automated to ensure that operator safety and working environments are compatible.

Weighing in at 1,700kg, the H5 robot has extended handling capacities, and comprises five axes – four motor driven, and the fifth (with the gripper) remaining always in a vertical position to the ground.

Combining a wrist load capacity of 160kg with a horizontal reach from 2,692-2,983mm from the centre line of the robot to the centre line of the gripper mounting face, and a vertical reach of 2,965-3,101mm, this is unique to the HS.

The dimensions and work envelope have been dramatically increased, enabling the H5 to work in a six-metre area, with fully integrated five-axis motions whilst the sixth axis is always controlled to remain vertical and is not programmable, thus achieving greater load and speed capacities. Loads of up to 60kg can be achieved at the rate of 1,300 cycles/hour, with loads weighing 160kg achieving 950 cycles/hour.

COMAU's Sales Manager, Robert Lewis, says, "Manoeuvring heavy items safely and quickly has long been a headache to the building trade especially. COMAU has developed a robot that handles immense weight with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. Other customers with problems palletising heavy items have shown great interest in the strength and capabilities of the new SMART H5", he added.

For further information please contact Robert Lewis, Comau UK Limited, Unit 3 Hortonwood 32, Telford, Shropshire TF1 4EU. Tel: +44 (0)1952 670396; Fax: +44 (0)1952 670398.