First 6-axis robot from Toshiba "completes the set"

"The TV800 completes the set for Toshiba Machine and for us," explained Nigel Smith, managing director of UK agent TM Robotics. "We now offer the widest range of SCARA robots on the market, a Cartesian solution that can be configured in literally hundreds of ways and a six axis robot that can be compared with the very best in its class. Coupled with the ability of our IP65 SCARA robot to compete, on an equal footing, with flexipickers in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, our range now feels whole." The launch represents a significant development in the automation market, because Toshiba Machine claims it is now one of the only major players in the industry to offer a complete range of robot technologies - SCARA, Cartesian and six axis. Ideal for the manufacturing sector, the robot will find uses in a host of pick and place applications. The TV800 has a total arm length of 800 mm, a reach of 892 mm and a composite maximum speed of 8.06 m/sec. The robot has a maximum cycle time of 0.4 to 0.5 sec, repeatability of ±0.02 mm and a maximum payload of 5 kg. It is controlled using Toshiba Machine's new TS3100 controller, which is programmed in SCOL , a language similar to BASIC as are all Toshiba Machine industrial robots, and has the option of a teach pendant for easy access outside the robot cell. The new 6-axis robot uses an absolute position detection system, with a robust AC motor at its heart. Axes one to six offer working envelopes of ±170º, -100 - +150º, -127 - +167º, ±190º, ±120º and ±360º, respectively. They also feature maximum speeds of 237º/S, 240º/S, 288º/S, 350.5º/S, 484º/S, and 576º/S respectively. The allowable moment of inertia on axis four and five is 0.3kg • m2 and on axis six its 0.5kg • m2.