Meet the machines: collaborative robots come to the party

Collaborative robots (co-bots) are a visible trend at this year’s MACH exhibition. Vendors believe that these new products, designed specifically to work alongside people on production lines and in factories, are opening up new markets for robotics and applications that even machinery manufacturers had not previously thought of.

At Fanuc’s stand (Hall 19, stand 610), the Co-bot is easily visible; it’s bright green and occupies pride of place in the centre of the stand. The colour isn’t a coincidence, explained spokesperson Penny Lewis. “Most of our robots are bright yellow, but the green colour signals easily that this machine is safe to be around.” It also isn’t just cosmetic. The green skin is a soft material to ensure that even if accidental collisions do occur, there is an additional layer of cushioning to prevent injury.

Not that collisions are likely. The robot sits on a flared base which is equipped with contact sensors, and even the slightest bump will trigger a complete stop. “The robot has the same functionality and range of motion as our Al-R-mate robot,” Lewis said. It can be equipped with different grippers and effectors making it suitable for applications such as welding, pick and place and packaging. “We are seeing a lot of interest from the aerospace and food sectors,” Lewis said. “It's suitable for use with wet foods, making it very versatile. In aerospace, specifiers are using it to handle small and intricate parts that are sometimes taxing for human operators.