A One-Stop Shop — The Robotics of FANUC

FANUC Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of factory automation solutions, robotics, and CNC systems. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Oshino, Yamanashi, Japan, the company's primary focus is on developing advanced technologies and products to increase the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes across various industries.

FANUC's product portfolio includes:

» Industrial Robots: FANUC designs, manufactures, and supplies a wide range of robotic systems for various applications, including assembly, material handling, welding, painting, and more. Their robots are known for their precision, speed, and reliability.

» CNC Systems: FANUC is a leading provider of CNC systems that control the operation of machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, and grinding machines. These systems are designed for high precision, accuracy, and reliability, making them an integral part of advanced manufacturing processes.

» RoboMachines: The company also develops and markets RoboDrills, RoboShots, and RoboCuts –high-speed and high-precision machining centers, injection molding machines, and wire-cut electric discharge machines, respectively.

» RoboCobots: FANUC's collaborative robots, or "cobots," are designed to work alongside humans in various manufacturing and assembly tasks, emphasizing safety and ease of use.

» IoT and AI Solutions: To support the Industry 4.0 revolution, FANUC offers various IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) solutions, such as the FIELD system (FANUC Intelligent Edge Link & Drive), which enables advanced monitoring, analysis, and optimization of manufacturing processes.

FANUC has a global presence, with subsidiaries and sales offices in numerous countries, including the United States, Germany, China, and India. The company is committed to innovation, investing heavily in research and development to maintain its position as a market leader in industrial automation and robotics.

FANUC's SCARA robots are a series of industrial robotic arms designed specifically for high-speed, precision applications in assembly, material handling, packaging, and other similar tasks. SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, which refers to the robot's design that enables precise horizontal movements while maintaining rigidity in the vertical axis. This design allows SCARA robots to perform quick and accurate pick-and-place, assembly, and other operations efficiently.

FANUC's SCARA robot lineup includes models with varying payload capacities, reaches, and other features to accommodate a wide range of applications and industries. Some key features of FANUC SCARA robots include:

» High speed and precision: FANUC SCARA robots are designed to perform tasks at incredibly fast speeds while maintaining high levels of accuracy and repeatability. This makes them ideal for high-throughput assembly lines and other time-sensitive operations.

» Compact design: With their small footprint and slim profiles, FANUC SCARA robots can be easily integrated into existing production lines, making them an attractive option for manufacturers looking to optimize space and improve efficiency.

» Integrated controller and vision system: FANUC SCARA robots come with an integrated controller, simplifying installation and reducing overall system complexity. They can also be equipped with FANUC's iRVision system, a built-in machine vision capability that enables the robot to recognize and handle parts without the need for additional sensors or external vision systems.

» User-friendly programming: FANUC SCARA robots can be programmed using FANUC's intuitive software, which simplifies the process of creating and managing robot programs, even for users with limited robotics experience.

» Versatile applications: FANUC SCARA robots can be used for various tasks, such as assembly, material handling, packaging, testing, dispensing, and more. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of industries, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and more.

FANUC offers a diverse range of robotic and collaborative robot (cobot) arms designed to enhance productivity, precision, and efficiency in various industries and applications.

» Industrial Robot Arms: FANUC's industrial robot lineup includes models with varying payload capacities, reaches, and configurations, such as articulated, delta, and SCARA robots. These robots are suitable for a wide range of tasks, including assembly, material handling, welding, painting, and more. They are known for their speed, precision, reliability, and versatility, making them ideal for manufacturing and automation processes.

» Co-bot Arms: FANUC's collaborative robots, also known as "cobots," are designed to work safely alongside humans in various tasks, including assembly, material handling, and machine tending. These robots typically have lower payload capacities and limited reach compared to traditional industrial robots. Cobots are equipped with safety features, such as force and torque sensors, to prevent accidents and minimize risks in human-robot interactions. They are user-friendly, easy to program, and can be deployed quickly with minimal disruption to existing workflows.

FANUC's robot and cobot arms cater to diverse applications and industries, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and more. The company is continuously investing in research and development to enhance its product portfolio and maintain its position as a market leader in industrial automation and robotics.

Cox Manufacturing, a precision parts manufacturer based in the United States, implemented FANUC robots to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in their manufacturing processes. The integration of FANUC robots allowed the company to address challenges such as labor shortages, increasing production demands, and maintaining high levels of quality and precision.

Key aspects of FANUC robots implementation at Cox Manufacturing include:

» Automating repetitive tasks: FANUC robots were deployed to perform repetitive tasks, such as material handling and machine tending, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex, value-added tasks that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

» Increased productivity and efficiency: By integrating FANUC robots into their production lines, Cox Manufacturing was able to increase throughput and maintain consistent production levels, reducing downtime and ensuring timely delivery of products to customers.

» Improved precision and quality: FANUC robots offer high levels of accuracy and repeatability, which helped Cox Manufacturing maintain the stringent quality standards required in precision parts manufacturing.

» Addressing labor shortages: FANUC robots helped Cox Manufacturing overcome the challenge of finding skilled labor by automating tasks that would otherwise require manual labor, allowing the company to maintain production levels despite a tight labor market.

» Enhanced competitiveness: The implementation of FANUC robots allowed Cox Manufacturing to remain competitive in the global market by reducing production costs, improving product quality, and increasing overall efficiency.

Cox Manufacturing successfully integrated FANUC robots into their manufacturing processes, resulting in increased productivity, improved precision and quality, and enhanced competitiveness. The use of automation and robotics enabled the company to address labor shortages and maintain a strong position in the precision parts manufacturing industry.

FANUC's robotic laser systems are advanced automation solutions designed for various laser processing applications, such as cutting, welding, and marking. These systems combine FANUC's reliable industrial robot arms with state-of-the-art laser technology to deliver high precision, speed, and flexibility in manufacturing processes.

Key aspects of FANUC's robotic laser systems include:

» Versatility: FANUC's robotic laser systems are suitable for a wide range of applications, including laser cutting of metals and non-metals, laser welding of automotive components and electronics, and laser marking for traceability and identification purposes. They can be integrated into various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing.

» Precision and accuracy: FANUC's robotic laser systems offer high levels of precision and accuracy, ensuring consistent quality and reduced material waste. They are capable of performing intricate cuts and welds on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.

» Speed and efficiency: The integration of FANUC robots with laser systems allows for high-speed laser processing, resulting in increased productivity and reduced cycle times. The systems can handle multiple tasks simultaneously and can be quickly reprogrammed for different jobs, contributing to overall efficiency.

» Integration and flexibility: FANUC's robotic laser systems can be easily integrated into existing production lines and are compatible with various laser sources, including CO2, fiber, and diode lasers. This flexibility enables manufacturers to choose the most suitable laser technology for their specific needs.

» User-friendly programming: FANUC's robotic laser systems can be programmed using the company's intuitive software, making it easy for users to create and manage robot programs even with limited robotics experience.

FANUC's robotic laser systems offer versatile, precise, and efficient laser processing solutions for various industries and applications. By combining FANUC's reliable industrial robot arms with advanced laser technology, these systems help manufacturers increase productivity, improve product quality, and enhance competitiveness in the global market.

For more information on FANUC and all of their robotic offerings, visit their website at www.fanucamerica.com.