１．Purpose of launch
Against the background of a labor shortage that is worsening due to a decline in the working-age population, there is a strong need in various industries to improve productivity and reduce manufacturing costs through automation using industrial robots. Under these circumstances, it is expected to realize a flexible production line that saves space by utilizing human collaborative robots that enables workers stand alongside without safety fences *1. Since July this year, Yaskawa has announced to sell human collaborative robots with a payload capacity of 10kg, which have improved resistance to dirt, dust, and liquids. Under such harsh environments, there has been a growing demand for human collaborative robots that can transport heavier works.
In response to this demand, Yaskawa launches the MOTOMAN-HC20DT with anti-dust and drip-proof functions, which is capable of handling up to 20kg. In a tough environment, this robot can be installed to the production line for large workpieces at automotives and machinery-related parts, as well as to the simultaneous transport for multiple workpieces. It meets diversifying needs of our customers. It also improved a usability because of direct attach tools such as a robot hand by mounting a connector for hands at the tip of the arm. Taking over the features of the human collaborative robots MOTOMAN-HC series up to now, this robot can be installed in a limited space because it does not require a safety fence, and can be also easily operated even by customers who are not familiar with robot operations due to safety functions and simple handlings.
*1 The safety function enables the construction of a system without a safety fence, nevertheless a risk assessment must be performed in all cases.
２．Key features
1) With a capacity of 20 kg, it can handle large workpieces and multiple workpieces simultaneously.
There are a wide range of workpieces in the automotive and parts manufacturing processes, and many processes that handle large workpieces exceed over 10kg. Also, various cases where multiple simultaneous transport of small workpieces occurs to improve work efficiency. By increasing the payload capacity to 20kg, human collaborative robots can be introduced into these processes and expands the range of applications for human collaborative robots.
2) IEC-standard IP67 *2 realized on all axes with anti-dust and drip-proof protection class *3
All axes are equipped with IP67 anti-dust and drip-proof structure. In addition, acrylic urethane coating is used for the surface coating, and stainless steel is used for the tip flange, making it possible to use it for applications requiring washing with water in consideration of hygiene.
*2 IP67: Dust does not enter and can be protected against temporary submergence.
*3 The anti-dust and drip-proof protection grade (International protection code) is specified by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
3) Improved ease of use
By placing the connector at the tip of the arm, it is possible to attach the hand tool directly, which also contributes to shortening the setup time. It has also developed a new type of built-in Ethernet cable that is convenient for mounting a camera on the tip of a robot. It can be operated with robot controller YRC1000micro as well as HC10DT anti-dust and drip-proof functions.
4) Safe operation and safe design
Taking over the functions of our MOTOMAN-HC series of collaborative robots, MOTOMAN-HC20DT does not require a safety fences to set up*1. It is equipped with a mode for collaborating with humans that stops operation automatically when external force is detected that exceeds the limitation on values which are set in advance. Its arm is designed in a shape that prevents people’s hands from being stuck or pinched, which will improve the flexibilities for production equipment. This design will expand the potential for automation through the use of robots at sites that had previously foregone or in processes where it had been difficult for robots to be set up.
5) Easy operation even if you are not familiar with robot operation
In addition to conventional teaching methods which use a programming pendant, the robot is equipped with a direct teaching feature where the arm of the robot may be held by hand, operated as desired, and instructed to perform selected actions. As instructions are possible through intuitive manipulation, the robot will be easy to introduce to customers who are not accustomed to robotic operations and for processes that require frequent instructions.
３．Main applications
Transportation and assembly of automotive and machinery-related parts
Input of work into machine tools (machine tending)
Transportation of food*4
Transportation of chemicals or cosmetics and so on.
*4 It needs to be applied after sufficient risk assessment between SIer and users.