FANUC says it has launched the world’s first ever explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot (cobot) for industrial painting applications. Suitable for wet spraying, dry powder coating and multiple other processes that include adhesive dispensing, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT is designed to improve the precision of paint jobs, reduce waste, increase productivity and boost safety by protecting workers from paint fumes.

Approved for use in ATEX-certified Cat II Group 2G and 2D, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT enables human employees to work in the same painting area as the cobot without safety fences, thanks to a sensitive contact-stopping function. Ease of use is another of its key features.

“Few paint shop workers have extensive knowledge of robotics, which is where cobots can help,” states Claude Seiler, manager products and application – European technical support robotics at FANUC. “Our CRX-10iA/L PAINT, with its easy-teach features and drag-and-drop functionality, means no expertise in robot programming is necessary.”

According to FANUC, paint shop professionals can complete programs in minutes via an icon-based app on a tablet teach pendant

“Operators can manually move the cobot arm to the first position required, make a save point and continue through the paint path,” explains Seiler. “The cobot will ‘learn’ its entire range of positioning – it’s that easy. What’s more, users can save and apply paint paths to other parts.”

The IP67-rated FANUC CRX-10iA/L PAINT six-axis cobot offers a maximum payload of 10 kg and what is said to be the longest reach in its class of 1418 mm. Process flexibility arrives courtesy of its floor, upside-down or angle mounting option, while its novel under-flip motion means users can manipulate the paint gun in confined spaces. The cobot is fully compatible with almost all automatic end-of-arm guns.

More information www.fanuc.eu