FANUC Robotics Introduces LR Mate 100i MODEL B Robot

    ROSEMONT, Ill., June 1 FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.
introduces the new LR Mate 100i MODEL B with the new R-J3iMate Controller at
the International Robots & Vision Expo 2001 in booth #300 at the Donald E.
Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont (Chicago), Ill., from June 5 to 7.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010530/LRMATE100iB2 )

    The new LR Mate 100i MODEL B is featured in standard robot loader system
-- the CNC Mate, which will be tending a FANUC Robodrill.  The standard system
provides machine tool OEMs, distributors and direct end-users a compact and
low-cost solution for machine tending.

    The new LR Mate 100i MODEL B, the next generation in the LR Mate family,
demonstrates speed improvements for faster load/unload.  The new unit sports a
slimmer arm by 16%, which has further enhanced the miniature size.  The robot
can enter/exit the machine tool with smaller entrance size.  Though the arm
size is smaller, the robot has enhanced loading capabilities.  The wrist
moment capability has increased 33%, and maximum load inertia has increased
78%.  The LR Mate 100i MODEL B, with five axes of motion, has a payload
capacity of 5kg.

    The LR Mate 100i MODEL B can be used in applications such as machine
load/unload, material handling, parts cleaning, dispensing, assembly, material
removal and testing and sampling.  The small size of the robot and its
extensive capabilities make it the perfect solution for light industrial
applications or use in laboratory environments.

    "With the combination of the powerful new R-J3iMate Controller and the
enhanced features of the LR Mate 100i MODEL B, customers get unmatched
performance in table top robots," said Tony Hillers, senior engineer.

    R-J3iMate Controller

    The LR Mate 100i MODEL B utilizes the newly developed intelligent robot
controller, the R-J3iMate.  By leveraging the system architectural
advancements of the larger R-J3iB Controller, the R-J3iMate has achieved
significant improvements in its servo performance and connectivity
capabilities.  As a result, its new acceleration/deceleration servo algorithm
results in reduced vibration and the world's-fastest motion performance in its
class for the standard evaluation cycle (25-300-25mm round trip motion).  The
R-J3iMate Controller's enclosed cabinet enables high reliability in a factory
environment.

    FANUC Robotics' CNC Mate standard loader system is a pre-engineered, low-
cost standard system platform that was developed as a complete package ready
for interface to a machine tool.  The CNC Mate system is a self-contained unit
that includes a robot, flexible parts feeder, gripper base, system controls,
generic program modules, one-piece frame with safety guarding and system
documentation.

    The CNC Mate works with a variety of small- to medium-sized mills, lathes
and CNC machines such as the FANUC Robodrill.  Its portable size allows users
to move the system from machine to machine to accommodate production changes.
It is a standard automation solution that is easily deployed for small
machines running small to large production runs.  The system adapts to varying
applications.

    Sequoia Automatic, a manufacturer of automotive connectors and other
related machinery, uses two CNC Mates in its manufacturing operation.  "The
robot will pay for itself in the first year since it will help our company
replace manual labor on three shifts.  Now our labor is more productive since
one operator can run multiple robots instead of just one machine tool," said
Dennis Burke, general manager, Sequoia Automatic.  "We also feel the robotic
automation will help grow our business without having to add more employees,
making current jobs in our company more secure.  We see many benefits of
robotic automation.  We were especially interested in the accessibility of the
CNC Mate, which allows us to move the robot out of the way for temporary
machine access.  The consistent loading by the robot eliminates errors and
reduces downtime.  It also eliminates unexpected maintenance repairs due to
crashed machines."

    Manufacturers can justify the system based on labor savings, increased
machine tool utilization, accurate part handling, quality improvements,
minimum setup time, lower work-in-process, reduced employee injuries and
flexibility to handle product modifications.