Yaskawa launches robot for small component processing

Yaskawa has launched a new industrial robot for small component processing, called the Motoman GP4.

The company says the new robot is “extremely fast” to enable maximum throughput, and is “highly precise”.

The GP4 robot is equipped with a 4 kg payload for high-volume small component processing. Yaskawa claims that axis speeds up to 1000 degrees/s and fast acceleration/deceleration control for all robot positions optimise overall productivity.

“This model provides extremely agile operations for a wide range of applications including assembly, handling, machine tending and packaging,” said Yaskawa.

The GP4 is also said to offer a wide work area for its size, making it a viable six-axis alternative to SCARA-style robots typically used in the electronics, confectionery and small parcel sortation industries. It features a 1.008 m vertical reach, 55 cm horizontal reach and ±0.01 mm repeatability. A high wrist allowable moment enables accurate and repeatable handling, the company claims, while a compact footprint and slim body design allow for minimum installation space and minimises interference with peripheral devices — which enables the GP4 to be placed in close proximity to workpieces and other robots to create flexible, high-density layouts.

An IP67 rating and easy-to-clean surface facilitate use in sanitary or harsh environments, and an anti-corrosive paint option is available for further chemical resistance.

Yaskawa says that installation is quick and efficient. A single cable is all that is needed to connect the manipulator to the controller, which should result in easy set-up and reduced expenses for maintenance and spare parts inventory. An optional location (bottom) for the manipular cable connection reduces interference with walls.

The smallest robot in the GP-series product line, the GP4 is compatible with Yaskawa’s YRC1000 controller or compact YRC1000micro, and utilises a lightweight standard teach pendant with simple programming.