FANUC CR Series Enhances Humanrobot Collaboration in Industry

When industrial production lines no longer require physical barriers separating humans from machines, and when heavy lifting tasks can be performed in seamless cooperation with human operators, manufacturing enters a new paradigm. For decades, industrial robots were confined behind safety fences due to their massive size and high-momentum movements, limiting space utilization and hindering true human-robot collaboration. FANUC's newly launched CR-7iA and CR-35iA collaborative robots break these limitations through advanced sensing technology and ergonomic design, elevating both safety and productivity to unprecedented levels.

The CR-7iA series was designed specifically for complex, precision tasks in space-constrained environments. This highly flexible robot excels in applications ranging from small parts sorting and precision assembly to product inspection, machine tending, and material handling.

• Spatial Adaptability: Available in three compact variants with reach ranges from 550mm to 911mm, the CR-7iA thrives in confined workspaces. Its multiple mounting options (floor, wall, or ceiling) provide exceptional layout flexibility.
• Payload and Precision: Despite its compact size, the robot handles 4-7kg payloads with precision. Integrated with FANUC's iRVision system and force sensing technology, it performs delicate grasping and assembly operations with consistent quality.
• Safety Compliance: TUV-certified (ISO 10218-1:2011, Category 3, PL=d) with contact detection capabilities, its distinctive green exterior visually signals its ability to operate safely without physical barriers.
• Energy Efficiency: The R-30iB Mate controller enables operation at 120V, reducing both deployment costs and energy consumption.

The CR-35iA represents a watershed moment in collaborative robotics as the industry's first mass-produced 35kg payload collaborative robot, eliminating the traditional choice between manual labor or caged industrial robots for heavy parts handling.

• Payload Performance: Combining six-axis flexibility with industrial-grade rigidity, the CR-35iA handles demanding automotive and heavy equipment assembly tasks while sharing workspace with human operators.
• Safety System: Its green soft foam exterior absorbs collision energy while high-sensitivity stop mechanisms trigger upon human contact, ensuring maximum safety.
• Industrial Reliability: Maintaining FANUC's industrial robot standards, it delivers exceptional durability, repeatability, and uptime for continuous production environments.

FANUC's CR series transforms safety from a productivity constraint into an efficiency driver. By combining high payload capacity with advanced tactile feedback systems, these robots eliminate the traditional trade-off between human safety and manufacturing output. This collaborative approach not only improves ergonomics and reduces occupational health risks but also provides the technological foundation for flexible production systems. As collaborative robotics continue to evolve, human-robot cooperation will transition from optional automation to a core competitive advantage in manufacturing.