Hillary Machinery supplies collaborative robots, or cobots, for flexible industrial automation applications including machine tending, material handling, inspection, part transfer and other repetitive manufacturing tasks. Our cobot lineup features FANUC CRX collaborative robots designed for flexible deployment, operator-friendly programming and integration into a wide range of manufacturing processes.
Collaborative robots, commonly called cobots, are robotic systems designed for flexible automation in manufacturing environments. Compared with traditional industrial robots, cobots are often selected for applications where ease of deployment, operator interaction, compact installation and frequent application changes are important.
Hillary Machinery offers collaborative robots for manufacturers looking to automate repetitive work while maintaining flexibility for changing production requirements.
A cobot is a robot designed with collaborative operating capabilities that can support applications where people and robotic systems work in closer proximity than is typical with conventional industrial robotics.
Cobots are commonly used in manufacturing because they can be applied to a wide range of repetitive handling, tending and process-support tasks without requiring the same type of fixed automation architecture used in many traditional robotic cells.
Hillary Machinery offers FANUC CRX collaborative robots for manufacturing automation applications requiring flexibility, reliable robot technology and straightforward programming.
FANUC CRX cobots are available in multiple payload and reach configurations so the robot can be selected around the actual workpiece, end-of-arm tooling, machine layout and automation process.
Collaborative robots can be applied to a variety of manufacturing processes, depending on robot payload, reach, tooling and the complete application.
One of the most common manufacturing applications for collaborative robots is automated CNC machine loading and unloading. A cobot can pick a raw part from a tray, rack, drawer or other part-presentation system, load it into the CNC machine and remove the finished component when the machining cycle is complete.
Manufacturers looking for a complete packaged machine-tending solution should also review Hillary Machinery's dedicated cobot tending systems.
Explore Cobot Machine Tending Systems
A collaborative robot by itself is only one component of an automated production system. A complete machine-tending application may also require grippers, part presentation, automatic machine doors, workholding interfaces, safety equipment and communication with the CNC machine.
Purchasing a standalone cobot can make sense for manufacturers with internal automation capability or applications requiring a flexible robot platform. Manufacturers wanting a complete CNC tending solution may benefit from a pre-engineered or integrated machine-tending system.
Cobots and conventional industrial robots both have important roles in manufacturing automation. The best choice depends on the actual production requirement.
Explore Industrial Robotic Machine Tending Systems
Selecting a cobot requires evaluating the complete application rather than choosing a robot solely by payload rating.
Hillary Machinery can help evaluate factors including:
Payload and reach are two of the most important specifications when selecting a collaborative robot. Payload must account for both the workpiece and the end-of-arm tooling, while robot reach must be sufficient to access all required positions within the automation process.
Choosing a robot with the appropriate working envelope is especially important in applications involving CNC machines, multiple pickup locations or several process steps.
Collaborative robots are frequently selected for manufacturing environments where automation applications change over time. Operator-friendly programming and reusable automation setups can help manufacturers adapt the robot to different parts and processes.
The amount of programming and integration required depends on the robot, end-of-arm tooling and the complexity of the completed automation system.
A collaborative robot does not automatically make an automation application safe to operate without additional protective measures. The complete system, including the robot, tooling, workpiece, process and surrounding equipment, must be evaluated.
Appropriate safeguards and operating limits should be determined through application-specific risk assessment.
Cobot is short for collaborative robot. The term generally refers to robotic systems designed with capabilities that support closer interaction with people than traditional industrial robot installations.
Cobots can be used for machine tending, part handling, pick-and-place, inspection, packaging, palletizing, assembly and many other repetitive manufacturing tasks.
FANUC CRX is FANUC's collaborative robot product family designed for flexible industrial automation applications. Different CRX configurations provide varying payload and reach capabilities.
Yes. A standalone collaborative robot can be appropriate when the manufacturer has the internal capability to design, program and integrate the robot into the desired process.
Yes. Collaborative robots are commonly used for CNC loading and unloading. A complete machine-tending application also requires appropriate tooling, part presentation, CNC interfacing, workholding and safety evaluation.
It depends on the completed application. The robot alone does not determine whether guarding or other protective measures are required. The full application must be evaluated through a risk assessment.
Hillary Machinery can help evaluate robot payload, reach, tooling, cycle time, floor space and process requirements to determine the appropriate collaborative robot for your manufacturing application.
View Available Collaborative Robots or contact Hillary Machinery to discuss your automation application.
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