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What is a 6-Axis Articulated Robot Arm? What are the Characteristics of the Latest 6-Axis Robot Arms?
One of the most popular robot types in the industrial sector: the 6-Axis Articulated Robot. 6-Axis robots move in the X, Y, and Z planes, as well as use roll, pitch, and yaw motions to position themselves. This functionality is ideal for simulating the complex movements of a human arm. Additional advantages of 6-axis robots include mobility (ease of movement and/or installation) and a wide horizontal and vertical range. In primary and secondary packaging operations, 6-axis robots are most commonly used for case packing and palletizing, boxing, depalletizing, and stacking, and even truck loading.
Kawasaki Robotics RS013N 6-Axis Robot. The new product from Kawasaki Robotics is the latest model in its R-series of 6-axis robots, the RS013N. The company states: "By offering a 13 kg payload capacity, a broad working range, a small footprint, and an IP67-rated design, the new RS013N sets the industry benchmark for small-to-medium payload robots."
The robot's design includes a new arm structure and drive units, as well as a lighter main unit for high speed (speed data is not available through the equipment specifications sheet). According to Kawasaki, the RS013N's 1,460 mm reach is the largest in its class. In addition to the expanded work area, the robot offers wiring and mounting options that help improve its overall flexibility. The robot's internal Ethernet wiring allows for easy connection to vision systems or other peripherals, and its floor, ceiling, and wall mounting options provide installation flexibility for almost any layout.
Staubli offers three new robots for the medium payload range: the TX2-140, TX2-160, and TX2-160L. The TX2-140 has a reach of 1,510 mm, and the TX2-160 has a reach of 1,710 mm. Both have a 40 kg payload capacity. The TX2-160L is a long-arm version of the TX2-160, with a reach of 2,010 mm and a payload capacity of 25 kg. The new models expand the company's existing TX2 generation, bringing the total to nine models.
The three new robots have a repeatability of ±0.05 mm, putting the robots on par with the most accurate robots on the world market. The machines are streamlined for cleanroom compatibility, featuring a compact design with a large working range and high efficiency. "There are no clumsy external cables or hoses to spoil the profile; all media and supply lines run inside the sealed housing, which meets the IP65 protection standard (available with IP67 overpressure device as an option)," the company states. In addition to cleanroom applications, the robots can be used in standard applications and sensitive production environments. By replacing its predecessor model RX160 with the TX2-140/160, all of its 6-axis robots can now run on the same intelligent CS9 control technology, making it easier to implement multi-robot solutions in digital networking production environments.