❱❱ Growth expectations are high for the use of cobots to work alongside human operators in the same workspace in manufacturing, test and distribution activities across all industry sectors, below left; and perhaps one of the biggest applications for cobots is machine tending, serving the requirements of machinery used by human operators, below
in technology
heavier parts than other UR cobot models. Despite being UR’s most powerful robot, the UR20 is the lightest cobot in its class, weighing only 64kg. “We are also launching a redefined cobot that has been completely re-engineered from the ground up, focused on freeing up more manpower within a wide range of human-scale automation tasks,” says Joe Campbell, senior manager of applications development and strategic marketing at Universal Robots.
CAPACITY EXPANSION The cobot market is so promising that American robotics and automation specialist, FANUC has recently started construction of its 800,000+ square feet West Campus facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, bringing operating space in Oakland County to nearly two million square feet. At the factory’s ground-breaking ceremony held last month, a FANUC CRX Cobot built to work alongside people was on hand to assist company executives and a group of VIPs. According to Mike Cicco, president and CEO of
FANUC America, the investment in new facilities represents the company’s commitment to the future
❱❱ A Precision Robotics manufacturing cell can bin-pick shiny objects and perform machine placement with just the use of standard cameras, above left; Universal Robotics is working with its customers to develop applications and cobotic work spaces that can improve productivity and flexibility for even high volume welding tasks, left
of US manufacturing using the latest technology available. “Since opening our 460,000 square foot North Campus three years ago, our business has increased significantly, and further expansion enables us to help more customers – large and small - achieve their production goals.” The company is also planning to enlarge its training facilities to cope with the additional demand that its cobot output will create. Therefore, FANUC is moving its customer training academy to the same location as the new factory once the commissioning work is complete, making it the largest corporate automation training operation in the USA. The redesigned facility will include more classrooms to provide better learner-to-instructor interactions, as well as increased lab space for hands-on training.
Cicco added that a recent Deloitte study found that there will be at least two million unfilled manufacturing jobs within the next eight years, which is why automation is growing at such a rapid pace. “Our new training academy underscores FANUC’s commitment to helping companies upskill their employees and keep production running smoothly. This in turn will enable workers to enhance their career growth opportunities as they learn how to operate robotic and automation equipment,” he says. FANUC’s products are applied in a wide range of industries including automotive and EV, aerospace, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, logistics and warehousing. The new West Campus is scheduled to open in the spring of 2024. T&TH
December 2022 /// Testing & Test Houses /// 21
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