FANUC Designs M-1000iA Robot Arm to Handle Heavy Items

Robot arms and mobile platforms are becoming both stronger and more precise for a widening range of industrial applications. FANUC America Corp. this week introduced the M-1000iA robot, which it said can handle heavy products.

“The new M-1000iA is FANUC’s largest serial-link robot to date,” said Eric Potter, general manager of FANUC America’s General Industries and Automotive Segment. “Customers that process very heavy parts need more versatility in the workspace, and this robot is a great solution for a variety of applications such as drilling and handling large automotive components, processing and handling battery packs for electric vehicles, fabrication and handling of construction materials, and much more.”

Rochester Hills, Mich.-based FANUC America is a subsidiary of Japan-based FANUC Corp. The company provides CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINE factory automation. FANUC claimed that its innovative technologies and proven expertise can help manufacturers in the Americas maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability.

M-1000iA ready to aid production, says FANUC

The FANUC M-1000iA robot arm. Source: Business Wire

The M-1000iA’s serial-link construction gives the robot a wider range of motion in every direction, said FANUC. It can extend its arm upright or rotate it backwards, which is not possible for typical heavy-payload robots with a parallel-link mechanism, the company added.

The robot has a 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb.) payload, a 3,253 mm (10.6 ft.) horizontal reach, and a 4,297 mm (14 ft.) vertical reach. The M-1000iA is ready to go to work for manufacturers looking to increase output and maximize production line efficiency, said FANUC.

Powered by the FANUC R-30iB Plus Controller, the M-1000iA offers the same intelligence and reliability as FANUC's other robots, said the company. It includes integrated iRVision, force sensing, and Zero Down Time (ZDT).

Heavy-payload industrial robot features

FANUC listed the following features and potential benefits for its new robot:

• 1,000 kg maximum payload with full articulation
• Biggest serial-link FANUC robot without J3 link interference
• Wide J3 axis motion range in vertical and horizontal directions
• Smooth serial-link design allows back-flip operation on the J3 axis for maximum flexibility
• Strong wrist with high payload, moment, and inertia
• Dual motors on J2/J3 axis to support heavy payload at large offsets from wrist and at full extension
• Clean design with internal cables minimizes interference with peripheral devices
• Several common parts with M-2000iA robot provides proven performance while minimizing spare parts inventory for existing customers
• IP67 wrist and J3 arm rating for harsh environments

FANUC said it will begin shipping production units of the new M-1000iA in the first quarter of 2022.