FANUC Robotics America Introduces New R-2000iB Intelligent Robot Series and R-J3iC Controller

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.--April 7, 2006--FANUC Robotics America, Inc. today introduced the new R-2000iB, a multi-purpose intelligent robot designed for a wide range of applications including welding, assembly, part transfer, material removal, and machine loading. The new R-2000iB is compatible with its predecessor, the industry-leading R-2000iA six-axis robot.

Supported by the new R-J3iC Controller, the R-2000iB features enhanced intelligent functions and motion performance. The R-2000iB offers multiple model variations, including a 165kg base model, a high payload version, and a rack-mount model. A slim arm and wrist assembly helps minimize interference with system equipment and allows the robot to operate in small workspaces.

New R-J3iC Controller

Based on the latest FANUC Series 30i CNC Controller, the new R-J3iC Robot Controller uses high-performance hardware and the latest control technology, providing a level of intelligence never offered before.

A new vibration control function virtually eliminates robot vibration during motion. With this function, the R-2000iB can accelerate and decelerate very quickly, reducing cycle time by approximately five percent compared to current robot models. For spot welding applications, the R-J3iC automatically optimizes servo-gun and robot motion, reducing the R-2000iB's cycle time by about 15 percent, which provides significant improvements in throughput and productivity.

Enhanced Intelligent Functions

The R-2000iB offers a variety of intelligent function enhancements including Robot Link, which controls and coordinates up to ten robots through a network exchange of robot positional data. In addition, with the new Radar Monitoring function for multiple robots (available later this year), the R-2000iB exchanges current positional data and robot motion information to prevent interference in multi-robot applications.

"Typically, in multi-robot applications, a customer is required to set up a very complex interlock system between the robots," said Claude Dinsmoor, general manager, controller software product development, FANUC Robotics America, Inc. "The multi-arm and multi-robot enhancements of the R-J3iC can eliminate many complex interlocking systems, simplifying the operation of multiple robots."

Integrated Vision Function

The R-J3iC's integrated vision function adds intelligence to a robot system without the need for additional processing hardware, providing a simple and compact solution with the same high reliability as that of the robot controller.

Integrated vision also makes it easy to use FANUC's Vision Shift, which adjusts an offline program to an actual robot program by using vision, and TCP setup to accurately set tool center points.

"These vision functions can significantly reduce the time required for robot system integration," said Ed Roney, FANUC Robotics' manager of vision product development.

Compatibility with R-2000iA

The R-2000iB robot is compatible with its predecessor, the R-2000iA. The new robot has the same workspace, installation, mounting interface, operation, and robot programming as the R-2000iA. This extensive compatibility makes it extremely easy to replace the R-2000iA with the R-2000iB.

"The R-2000iB is an evolved, multi-purpose, intelligent robot that meets the ever-changing automation needs of manufacturers," said Dinsmoor. "In material handling applications and others, the R-2000iB and its complete array of intelligent functions will help increase the use of robots on the factory floor."

FANUC Robotics America, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures industrial robots and robotic systems for a wide range of applications including arc and spot welding, material handling (machine tending, picking, packing, palletizing), material removal, assembly, paint finishing and dispensing. The company also provides application-specific software, controls, vision products, and complete aftermarket support. After 23 years of success, FANUC Robotics maintains its position as the leading robotics company in the Americas. A subsidiary of FANUC LTD in Japan, the company has facilities in Chicago; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio; Toronto; Montreal; Aguascalientes, Mexico; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over 155,000 FANUC robots are installed worldwide. Contact FANUC Robotics at www.fanucrobotics.com or by calling 800-47-ROBOT.