The cobots being exhibited – M1509 and M0617 – will be performing different pick and place, and assembly operations, at the event, with the focus being on demonstrating versatility, safety, speed and accuracy.
Doosan Robotics’ M1509 is said to boast the industry’s largest payload capacity at 15 kg, and a reach radius of 0.9 m. The M0617 has a 6 kg payload and what is claimed to be the industry’s longest reach radius at 1.7 m. Both cobots feature six high-torque sensors on their 6-axis articulated arms that detect the slightest impact. This technology makes the cobots inherently safe, negating the need for them to be caged. The cobots are also supplied with a control unit that features a lightweight but robust teaching pendant and a 10.1” capacitive touchscreen.
Recent research indicates that the global collaborative robot market will grow exponentially over the next few years and be worth $4.28 billion by 2023. A significant proportion of this growth will be fuelled by demand from the automotive sector, where cobots are being used increasingly for assembly, as well as production line pick and place operations, the application of adhesives, testing and inspection, machine tending, packaging and palletising, and other routine and mundane tasks.
Says Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s technical director: “Cobot technology is developing at a rapid pace. Improvements in human machine interfaces [HMIs] on the latest cobots make them easier to use, while the use of sophisticated sensor technology means they are inherently safe. The high and fast return on investment, combined with the relatively low cost of cobot technology, is helping drive demand.”
