The newly developed cobots, encompassing a humanoid and SCARA version, are the first machines of their kind from the Japanese manufacturer.
Toshiba Machine’s humanoid cobot was demonstrated at IREX in a live parts assembly demonstration. Boasting a 6 kg maximum payload for each arm, or 10 kg when used in combination, the humanoid cobot has been developed to meet demand for human-machine collaboration in parts assembly and inspection processes.
The SCARA model, which is also collaborative, expands on Toshiba Machine’s existing track record in manufacturing traditional SCARA robots. At IREX, the SCARA display demonstrated how a cobot can be used in delicate electronics handling and packaging applications, a task usually limited to highly accurate industrial machines. Also featuring two arms, the SCARA robot is suited to fast-paced handling applications.
As cobots, both models are deployable alongside human workers, allowing manufacturers to benefit from a combination of automated and manual processes. The cobots will be available with newly developed robotic vision systems.
IREX 2019 also hosted the Japanese launch of Toshiba Machine’s THE600 SCARA robot. The THE600 builds on the specifications of the existing THE400 SCARA robot, boasting twice the speed and 60% higher payload capacity than competing SCARA models in the same price range, reports the company. Visitors to IREX were able to witness a demonstration of the THE600 being driven by the newly devised TS5000 controller, which will also be available to purchase in 2020.
The robot introductions mark the beginning of a new era for Toshiba Machine and its industrial robot division. From 1 April 2020, the company will return to its original name of Shibaura Machine. The name change represents a formal separation from Toshiba Corporation, but will have no impact on the new product releases that have been developed at the company’s Japanese base.
