FANUC Introduces New Food Grade Delta Robot

October 22, 2019

FANUC America has introduced the next generation DR-3iB food grade delta robot. The DR-3iB sets a new standard for robotic food handling in terms of payload, speed, reach and sanitation. It made its debut to the packaging industry at Pack Expo 2019, Sept. 23-25. 

FANUC DR-3iB Delta Robot Series

The new DR-3iB delta robot is FANUC’s latest solution for picking and packing primary and secondary food products. Rated IP69K, the robot meets the strictest food handling regulations. Its design features corrosion-resistant materials, an unpainted finish, and a fully enclosed body allowing it to tolerate high pressure/temperature and sanitizer wash down environments.

A powerful four-axis design and higher wrist inertia allows the DR-3iB/8L to handle 8kg payloads at very high speeds. Improved repeatability maximizes accuracy, and a hollow wrist design keeps all gripper wires and piping tucked inside.

A large work envelope featuring a 1600mm reach (500mm height) allows it to handle applications that require more range such as reaching into tall boxes or handling product on wide conveyors. 

The DR-3iB operates with FANUC’s latest R-30iB Plus controller with integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision^®, Force Sensing, Robot Link, Collision Guard and Zero Down Time (ZDT).

Pack Expo Demonstration

FANUC’s new DR-3iB/8L delta robot uses 2D iRVision and iRPickTool line tracking software to pick randomly oriented product from a continuous infeed conveyor. Equipped with a multi-pick gripper, the robot picks three packages and places them into a box on an outfeed fixed station to simulate case packing. The products recirculate and the cycle repeats. The cell features high-speed picking/packing with product re-orientation. 

DR-3iB Delta Robot Features and Benefits for the Food Industry:

• Standard IP69K rating for the entire robot means it is waterproof and can withstand harsh environments, including high temperature and high-pressure cleaning.
• An unpainted surface prevents paint chips from falling and contaminating food.
• No springs, stickers or pocketed fasteners eliminate the potential for bacterial growth.
• Self-draining and angled surfaces prevent product or liquid collection.
• Viewing window for grease detection and easy maintenance.
• DR-3iB/8L has an 8kg payload, four-axis design optimized for high speed picking and packing.
• DR-3iB/8L features a 1600mm reach (500mm height) allowing it to easily handle applications that require more range.
• A hollow wrist enables internal cable and hose routing, minimizing wear and tear and improving sanitation.
• Food option features food grade grease and a special coating to handle acid and alkaline disinfectants.
• Ability to work with primary (unpackaged) or secondary (packaged) food products.
• Supports FANUC’s latest intelligent features including iRVision and force sensing.
• Collision Guard detects robot collisions with external objects, minimizing damage to the part and robot.
• Robot Link controls and coordinates up to ten robots through a network exchange of robot positional data.

The new DR-3iB/8L will be available Q1 2020.