Dobot Launches Collaborative Robot Series Built for Extreme Environments

Everybody knows that you can’t mix electronics and water. As robots are mostly electronics, there are many applications where a robot cannot be used because the environment is too wet (or dusty or oily). Collaborative robot manufacturer Dobot has taken on the challenge of being able to use collaborative robots in unfavorable locations with its new CRA-IP68 cobot series.

Dobot’s new CRA-IP68 series of collaborative robots is specifically built for use in harsh environments. Image used courtesy of Dobot

CRA-IP68 Collaborative Robots

Under normal circumstances, industrial robots are used in fairly dry and clean conditions. Some robots are designed to withstand paint booths or sanitary conditions, but Dobot’s new CRA-IP68 collaborative robot series has some other design features up its sleeve.

In sanding and grinding applications, extensive dust is produced, which is typically why you wouldn’t want to use a robot for the application. The CRA-IP68 cobot has specifically designed joints that resist dust from entering the robot.

Cutting machines require constant attention to loading and unloading parts. They also use a special cutting fluid that contains oil, and this oil can sometimes break down the soft exterior shell of a collaborative robot. The CRA-IP68’s exterior is made of fluororubber, which resists corrosion from chemical cutting fluids.

The CRA-IP68 cobot showcasing its waterproof capabilities. Image used courtesy of Dobot

To aid in the ability to withstand harsh conditions, the IP68 has an internal pneumatic system. This system applies positive pressure within the arm to aid in sealing of all the moving joints.

The CRA-IP68 series is offered in three models with varying payload and reach: a 5 kg payload with a 900 mm reach, a 10 kg payload with a 1,300 mm reach, and lastly, a 20 kg payload with a 1,700 mm reach. Each model has an IP68 rating, which makes the arm completely dustproof and able to be submerged in water.

Waterproof Control Cabinet

It wouldn’t make sense to have a robot arm that could exist in harsh conditions and the control cabinet not be able to take the same kind of punishment. The control cabinet for the CRA-IP68 is an IP54-rated cabinet, which means the cabinet can withstand dust and water splashes from any direction, similar to outdoor speakers.

Wet, dusty, or oily conditions are no match for the CRA-IP68. Image used courtesy of Dobot

Collaborative in Harsh Conditions

Cobots are a great tool for users without years of robot programming experience and who want a robot to perform a remedial task. More often than not, these remedial tasks are in wet, dusty, or oily conditions, which will wreak havoc on typically collaborative robots. CNC machine tending is one of these applications. When the doors open to remove the workpiece, the coolant drips from every surface. With the CRA-IP68, there is no need to fear the dripping coolant as the exterior and the joints will resist water and oil.

Any facility that handles food is required to be washed down and cleaned to inhibit bacteria growth. Collaborative robots are great choices in food preparation as they are easy to program and can quickly be repurposed to another task. With the CRA-IP68 being able to withstand water sprays and the control cabinet being IP54-rated, the CRA-IP68 would be right at home in a sanitary environment.