Food Robot - FANUC M-3iA Picking Cookies

A FANUC M-3iA 6-axis robot uses iRVision Visual Tracking to locate randomly-oriented cookies on an infeed conveyor. The cookies are then picked and placed into a slotted magazine at 90 degree angles. The M-3iA robot's unique design makes it possible to automate the assembly of a variety of applications that could not be done with traditional SCARA type robots. The extreme flexibility offered by the three-axis wrist enables the robot to pick up and insert parts at simple or compound angles, and twist parts into place.

Key Technology Demonstrated

M-3iA Robot

• Available in a 4-axis or 6-axis designs
• iRVision and FANUC force control are supported on both models
• Unique parallel-link design maximizes speed and acceleration
• Higher speed and acceleration reduces number of robots needed for an application, condensing overall footprint of a manufacturing system
• Six-axis design (three-axis wrist) enables part feeding from the sides of a work zone, increasing the useable workspace
• Four-axis design (single-axis wrist) moves parts at extremely high speeds
• Food option with food-grade grease features a special coating to handle acid and alkaline disinfectants, and low-pressure rinsing
• Ability to work with primary (unpackaged) or secondary (packaged) food products