Collaborative Robots: Going Mainstream?
A major supplier of linear robots for injection molding is now offering its first collaborative model.
Testimony to the growing interest in so-called “collaborative” robots (or “cobots”) for plastics processing is the first model from Yushin America, thanks to a new exclusive distribution agreement with Productive Robotics, Carpenteria, Calif. Yushin, a major supplier of linear robots and sprue pickers for injection molding, is now supplying the OB-7 seven-axis cobot that Productive Robotics launched last year. It is suited to loading, unloading, part removal, packaging, palletizing, QC measuring, testing and inspection. The seventh axis gives the OB-7 the dexterity to reach around objects in a 360° rotation.
On display in the Yushin booth and elsewhere at the show, the OB-7 has an 11-lb payload capacity and 1-m reach with 0.1-mm accuracy. It is available on a rolling stand. Like others of its ilk, it requires no programming, as it “learns” by the lead-through teaching method. Yushin says the OB-7 is fully compliant with ISO 10218-1 and is equipped with safety sensors that make the collaborative robot safe to work side by side with people.
Related Content
-
AI-Based Injection Molding Assistant Launched
LS Mtron’s new AI Molding Assistant and Smart Weight Control technologies can help molders reduce costs while achieving higher quality and productivity.
-
How Production Monitoring Can Make You a Better Processor
Real-time information on all your production equipment not only boosts productivity and profitability, but it encourages proactive vs. reactive thinking and sharing of best practices. See how this approach benefited a blow molder with 19 plants.
-
An Automation 'First' for Non-Servo-Eject Trim Presses
Compact, flexible and configurable robotic system is said to be the first to enable thermoformers to fully automate product handling after a non-servo trim press.
