Robot Line Adds a Palletizing Cobot
Yaskawa says the HC30PL collaborative robot allows safe, fenceless palletizing, and can be deployed in select handling, packaging and logistical applications.
The Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America (Dayton, Ohio) has introduced the six-axis HC30PL human-collaborative robot with a 30-kg payload and and 1700-mm (67-in) reach. Joining Yaskawa’s HC-series line of cobots, the HC30PL satisfies established safety standards and utilizes Power and Force Limiting (PFL) technology to constantly monitor force and quickly react to contact, in addition to advanced pinchless geometry for optimal safety.
Hand-guided programming allows users to direct teach points without a pendant for quick implementation. A plug-and-play tool flange based on EN ISO-9409-1-80-6-MB connects a wide variety of end-of-arm tooling. The through-arm category 6 Ethernet cable, I/O cable and dual 5-mm ID air lines eliminate external utilities. A single cable connects the manipulator to the controller for easy setup and reduced spare parts inventory.
Built with cast aluminum, the HC30PL features an IP67 rating to reliably operate in damp or splash-prone environments. An easy-to-clean surface allows utilization in sanitary settings where wipe or wash is required. NSF H1 certified food-grade grease is included as standard, enabling use in production facilities where there is the possibility of incidental food contact.
Meeting established safety standards, the HC30PL offers four modes of collaborative operation and can shift between collaborative speed in PFL mode or full speed in industrial mode. The HC30PL is manipulated by the YRC1000 controller, which is compatible with either the standard teach or Smart Pendant. Housed in a highly compact cabinet (24 by 20 by 17 in), the YRC1000 does not require a transformer for input voltages ranging from 380 to 480V AC. The HC30PL is also compatible with the YRC1000micro controller.
When using the standard teach pendant, the creation of palletizing patterns for virtually any mix of SKUs can be accomplished offline using Yaskawa’s PalletSolver software. Operators using Smart Pendant V2.2 or newer can quickly handle repetitive patterns for common tasks with the Smart Pattern extension.

Yaskawa’s HC30PL cobot targets palletizing and other handling and logistical applications with a payload of 30 kg.
Photo Credit: Yaskawa America
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