Yaskawa Motoman, a leading provider of innovative robotic solutions, stole the spotlight at this year's Automate show with an impressive array of new offerings designed to help manufacturers seamlessly adopt automation. From collaborative robots to sophisticated workcells, Yaskawa demonstrated its commitment to developing smart, easy-to-use technologies that can adapt to ever-changing manufacturing demands.

"Sophisticated demands and shifting markets are transforming the industrial landscape, necessitating the need for smart technology and easy-to-use robots that can help companies of all sizes easily adapt to changing manufacturing requirements," said a Yaskawa spokesperson.

Collaborative Welding Solutions 

Among the highlights was Yaskawa's AR1440 system for high-speed arc welding, developed in partnership with ARC Specialties. This six-axis robot features an expanded wrist motion range, a 12 kg payload capacity, and supports the innovative DINSE REVO liquid-cooled rotary torch for continuous rotation deep in the bore. Combined with Yaskawa's Universal Weldcom Interface (UWI) pendant application and ARC Specialties' programming expertise, this solution promises to minimize programming requirements while maximizing production for cladding operations.

For smaller fabrication runs, Yaskawa showcased the ArcWorld LC system, a compact workstation configured for wide parts with either a fixed tooling table or a servo-driven headstock. The ArcWorld HC, a portable collaborative welding cell featuring the HC10DTP cobot, also drew attention for its safe, hand-guided programming without a teach pendant.

Machine Tending and Bin Picking Breakthroughs 

Yaskawa's partnership with Vista Automation and Plus One Robotics yielded the cutting-edge ROBOTEND system for machine tending and parcel induction. Combining Yaskawa's high-speed GP12 robot with Vista's Smart Frame technology and Plus One's PickOne Perception Kit, this solution offers human-like vision for intelligent 3D scene capturing and pick rates over 1,600 per hour for a wide variety of objects.

The company also highlighted the GP8L robot, designed for optimized throughput in tight spaces with a 1,636 mm horizontal reach and an 8 kg payload capacity. Paired with a KEYENCE 3D vision system, the GP8L demonstrated exceptional bin picking capabilities, accurately recognizing and handling randomly placed parts.

Accelerating Application Setup with Smart Pendant v3.0 

Underpinning many of these solutions is Yaskawa's newly unveiled Smart Pendant v3.0, which promises to accelerate application setup for tasks like assembly, welding, injection molding, inspection, machine tending, palletizing, and pick-and-place. This updated software, compatible with select Yaskawa robots, introduces features like the Pallet Builder extension for "no-code" programming of palletizing workcells and the Pallet Solver offline tool.

Heavy-Duty Collaborative Robotics 

For heavy-duty collaborative applications, Yaskawa showcased the HC30PL cobot with an impressive 30 kg payload and 1,700 mm reach. This versatile robot can seamlessly shift between power and force-limiting modes for safe human interaction or full-speed industrial operation, making it ideal for palletizing, food handling, and more.

Backed by a stellar 4.7 out of 5.0 customer satisfaction rating, Yaskawa's latest robotic solutions reflect the company's dedication to producing quality products and delivering world-class support.

"This level of performance is a direct result of a dedicated, highly experienced team focused on executing sound strategies, producing quality solutions, and delivering world-class support," stated Steve Barhorst, President and COO of Yaskawa Motoman. "This achievement validates that our corporate commitment to customer support, combined with extra efforts by all employees, results in satisfied customers."

With its impressive lineup at Automate 2023, Yaskawa Motoman has once again affirmed its position as a leader in robotic innovation, providing cutting-edge solutions that empower manufacturers to thrive in an ever-evolving industrial landscape.