New “snake” robots are more dextrous

Citation

(2006), "New “snake” robots are more dextrous", Industrial Robot, Vol. 33 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2006.04933fad.002

New “snake” robots are more dextrous

New “snake” robots are more dextrous

Keywords: Robotics, Welding

The traditional six-axis industrial robot, which has been used for decades to automate welding, handling, machining, painting and many other tasks, has undergone a radical redesign with the launch by Motoman of three new robots, nicknamed “snake”.

An additional degree of freedom has been added, endowing the individual arm (IA) model with seven axes and two dual-arm (DA) versions with 13 axes each (Plate 2).

Plate 2 The new “snake” robot from Motoman is available in single-arm (pictured) and twin-arm versions with seven and 13 axes, respectively

Ideal for automating repetitive and laborious assembly operations in manufacturing lines where much of the work is still done manually, the all- electric robots are uncannily human- like in their size and movement. The result is better access to tight spaces than is possible using six-axis robots and greater flexibility when performing the required tasks.

The two arms on the DA models are capable of co-ordinated motion, allowing the actions of a person to be simulated with remarkable precision.

All snake robots have ±0.1mm positioning repeatability. DA models are available with 10 or 20kg handling capacity, the latter also being the maximum payload for the IA model, which stands 35cm taller at 159cm.

Motors and transmissions are built into each axis, with the supply cable running through the arms, so there are no trailing leads to restrict freedom of movement in awkward areas.

The same controller is used as for the rest of the Motoman industrial robot range. Designated NX100, it is the product of more than 12 years' development and, with its ability to synchronise the movement of 36 axes, is more than capable of controlling snake robots and their peripherals. In the case of the twin-arm models, the controller is small enough to fit inside the robot body itself.

The Japanese manufacturer, Yaskawa, which manufactures Motoman robots, was the first to use its own products to assemble robots and already has some of the new models fitted with vision systems in its factories. Motoman/Yaskawa is the world's largest robot producer, with a monthly output of 1,800 units, and offers the widest range with payloads ranging from 3 to 500kg. It also manufactures servo-powered positioners, simplifying integration and giving the customer a single source of supply and responsibility.

Web site: www.motoman.co.uk