Industrial Robotics Omron Brings Cobots for Heavy Loads up to 66 lb

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The Japanese automation group Omron is expanding its cobot fleet and targeting heavy loads. Three new models and a software update are intended to make production more flexible and alleviate staff shortages.

Omron is significantly expanding its portfolio of collaborative robots and has announced three new models in the TM S series. They are intended to move the performance spectrum of the machines upwards and occupy specific niches in production. At the same time, the manufacturer is rolling out a comprehensive update for its programming environment to make it easier to integrate the hardware into existing processes.

The focus of the expansion is on payload. With the TM30S model, Omron is introducing a robot that can handle loads of up to 66 lb. This is the manufacturer's response to demand in areas such as palletizing and feeding heavy machines. These are tasks that previously often required traditional industrial robots behind safety fences or placed a heavy physical burden on employees. The field is completed by the TM20S, which lifts 44 lb and can also reach more distant gripping positions thanks to its increased reach. At the lower end of the new scale is the TM6S. Although this model only carries 13 lb, it is characterized by its reach, according to the manufacturer. It is particularly suitable for precise handling tasks, supporting welding processes or mounting on mobile robot units.

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Hardware for Harsh Environments

Omron has also revised the physical design of the entire S-series to extend the service life of the devices and increase their operating radius. All robot arms now meet the IP65 standard. This means that the technology is protected against the ingress of dust and that water jets from any angle will not cause any damage. This opens the door for the robots to production environments that are dusty or where systems have to be regularly cleaned with water.

Omron has equipped the more powerful models, such as the new TM30S, with integrated force/torque sensors on the wrist for processes that require fingertip sensitivity or precise force dosing. This sensor technology allows the controller to perceive resistances more precisely, which is crucial for assembly processes or polishing surfaces, for example. To minimize set-up times, the manufacturer has also updated the image-based positioning system. The "Landmark 2.0" version is designed to reduce the time required for recalibration when users move a robot from one station to the next.

TMflow 2.22: Control Via No-Code

With TMflow 2.22, a new version of the programming environment is now available. The approach remains the so-called no-code principle: users should be able to set up the robots without in-depth knowledge of programming languages. The update brings more detailed options for safety configuration as well as extended options for remote monitoring and diagnostics. A revised simulation engine is designed to reproduce motion sequences on the digital twin more precisely before the real robot moves. (mc)

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