Comau LLC last week said that it has added the N-220-2.7 robot arm to its product portfolio. The Stellantis NV unit makes the robot with its fully automated production line in its Turin Innovation Center of Advanced Robotics in Italy.
“This next-generation robot, which strengthens our product portfolio, generates clear customer advantages thanks to its innovative design and state-of-the-art advanced robotics technology,” stated Nicole Clement, chief marketing officer of Comau. “[It thus allows] us to better target new, high-growth industry segments beyond traditional manufacturing, with the aim of enhancing cost-effective automation for businesses of all sizes.”
Comau provides industrial automation for electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicle manufacturing. The Turin-based company also produces collaborative and wearable robotics; autonomous systems for logistics; dedicated machining centers; and digital services and products to transmit, proccess, and analyze machine data.
N-220 designed for ease of use, maintenance
The first of a new generation of six-axis articulated robots, the N-220-2.7 or N-220 addresses the market need for cost-effective and easy-to-integrate robots that deliver high-speed industrial performance, said Comau.
The robot arm has a 220 kg (485 lb.) payload capacity and features a progressive modular setup, reduced components, and advanced motors, said the company. The holistic design is intended to make the robot easier to install, use, and maintain, Comau said.
The N-220 has a wide working area and Performance Level D cartesian safety features, the company said. It also has a hollow forearm and an integrated application dressing. The robot's direct kinematics, absolute calibration and evolved motion algorithms provide “best-in-class repeatability and precision,” said the company.
In addition, the N-220 comes fitted with integrated forklift adapters and optional high-torque washers for automatic anchoring base fixing, easier relocation, and faster installation.
A wide reach and modular motors
A nitrogen-balancing system on the second axis and larger stroke ends on the third axis give the N-220 increased agility and a wide backward working area for bending and handling applications, Comau said.
The N-220 uses only two motor sizes and a single oil type, making it easier to replace a faulty motor. In addition, a 50% reduction of robot componentry improves the mean time between failure (MTBF), said the company.
The easy dressing system includes separate, flexible harnesses for the robot and the application power supply to facilitate an easy and fast upgrade or replacement, said Comau.
Similarly, the direct assembly between the motor and gearbox simplifies mechanical transmissions and minimizes power loss, thus increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption, it said.
Software expands potential robot applications
Comau said its e-Motion software algorithm can improve cycle times, motion quality, and path control.
Recognizing that the integration speed has a direct impact on production potential, the N-220 implements Nodal speech-based coding language for open, easy programming, the company explained.
“Comau has leveraged its long-standing experience in industrial robotics to respond to the increasing need for new-generation automation that is also cost-effective and easy to use,” said Pietro Ottavis, chief technology officer of Comau. “It’s the right product at the right time.”
The company added that the N-220 can automate assembly, spot welding, packaging, and materials handling operations, as well as continuous process applications such as 3D printing and gluing.
Comau claimed that these characteristics “deliver significant ease of use, straightforward integration, and faster post-installation maintenance while ensuring precision, flexibility, repeatability, and minimum backlash.”
Comau looks to new markets
Comau said its latest robot will offer “new levels of quality and supply chain flexibility in addition to cost-effective operation, as required by today’s high-growth market segments.”
Since the 1970s, the company has built robotics applications for the automotive industry. Comau said the flexible N-220 will help it expand into high-growth industry segments including metal, food and beverage, fulfillment, and plastics and chemicals.
“We expect 160 to 220 kg payload articulated robots to represent an estimated 30% of the total installed market, composed of 250,000 to 300,000 units in 2022, with a potential compound annual growth rate [CAGR for] '22 to ’26 of 2%,” said Clement, citing a report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
Comau’s N-220 is now available worldwide.
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