Fanuc Robotics UK has launched the M410-iC/185 universal palletising robot, said to boast best-in-class speed, payload, energy-efficiency and reach.
According to the company – a subsidiary of Fanuc Corporation of Japan – the new M410-iC/185 is the first of a new generation of palletising robots that allow users across a range of industries to palletise heavier loads faster, and stack pallets higher.
Said to combine Fanuc’s “proven 99.99% reliability” with “tangible improvements in performance”, the M410-iC/185 features advancements in servo drive and motor technology that deliver a 16% higher wrist load and 13% greater throughput than its predecessor, the M410-iB/160, which currently serves over 300 customers Europe-wide, according to the company.
A 185kg payload coupled with an average speed of 1700 cycles per hour gives improved productivity and more efficient palletising of heavier loads.
The four-axis robot also has highest in class wrist load inertia, rendering it equally suitable for handling bulky items such as nappies using very large grippers, and compact, heavy items, such as bottle crates.
“This robot is equally at home palletising bags of sugar as it is shifting slabs of concrete,” says Fanuc Robotics technical manager Darren Whittall.
“It can handle anything from bags, sacks, cartons, shrink-wrapped trays and crates to cans, barrels and bricks.”
Fanuc claims that the new robot can stack pallets higher than any other robot in the same class, at up to 2.4m, via its four-axis arm.
At the same time, the robot’s footprint has been reduced to an “ultra compact 610 x 806mm”, and energy consumption reduced to 3kW/hr maximum.
Two versions of the M410-iC/185 are available: a pedestal base with integral controller, or a compact base with remote controller, providing design options where ceiling height and footprint are key considerations.
Fanuc’s palletising integrator specialist Paul Wilkinson, of Pacepacker Services, says: “The M410iC/185 has been well received by agricultural, food, bulk solids and aggregate manufacturers as it comes with 15+ gripper options and is quick and easy to install.”
