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New SCARA Robots Offer Ease of Integration, Programming

Among new offerings are an expanded line from Fanuc that has a compact controller with vision and conveyor tracking software and a single development environment from Epson for its IntelliFlex robots.

The Fanuc SR-12iA SCARA robot has a 12-kg payload capacity.
The Fanuc SR-12iA SCARA robot has a 12-kg payload capacity.

One popular style of robot for pick-and-place applications is the four-axis SCARA, or Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA), robot. These robots are solidly mounted in a fixed position, with the arm set in the z-axis, and are popular for use in pick-and-place due to their high speed and accuracy. Other applications for SCARA robots include sortation, dispensing, inspection, assembly, and insertion tasks.

In May, Fanuc expanded its line of SCARA robots to offer more reach and payload options to those companies wanting to automate assembly, packaging, pick-and-place, and inspection processes. New models include the SR-3iA, the SR-6iA, the SR-12iA, and the SR-20iA, which offer 3-, 6-, 12-, and 20-kg payload capacities, respectively. As for reach, the models range from 400 to 1,000 mm. 


Read article   Read how six robots are helping a Czech dairy case pack and palletize tubs.


As Fanuc explains, the SR-3iA and SR-6iA SCARAs have a compact footprint and space-saving design for maximum efficiency. Two three-axis variants of these models—the SR-3iA/H and SR-6iA/H—provide strong performance and an affordable alternative to small linear slide products. The higher-payload SR-12iA and SR-20iA are said to offer flexibility with a large vertical stroke and an environmental option for harsh conditions. 

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