FANUC Introduces the M-950iA, a Heavyweight Serial-Link Robot

FANUC’s latest heavy-lifting robot, the M-950iA, is capable of handling up to 500 kg (1102 lbs). To put this payload into perspective, the M-950iA robot can nearly move two fully dressed, small block 350 Chevrolet engines simultaneously. With its high lifting capacity, this heavyweight robot is fit for use in the automotive, construction materials, and electric vehicle (EV) industries.

FANUC’s new M-950iA is a heavyweight robot that features a 500 kg payload and 2,830 mm reach. Image used courtesy of FANUC

FANUC’s M-950iA/500

The obvious major feature of this robot is its high lifting capacity. Lifting 500 kg at a time is no easy feat, but is one that is becoming necessary with more and more vehicle manufacturers switching to electric over internal combustion engines. While the small block 350 may weigh in at 560 lbs or so, large battery packs found in EVs can be much heavier. To be able to handle them safely and efficiently, a stronger robot than even those lifting the engine blocks of the muscle car era are required. This is where the new M-950iA/500 industrial robot enters the ring.

The M-950iA features a serial-link mechanism that enables it to rotate its arm straight up and “bend” backwards. Image used courtesy of FANUC

Heavy Payload, Long Reach

Simply lifting a heavy load is not enough. The M-950iA can also manipulate it along six axes, including the ability to flip its arm backward along the J3 axis and reach as far away as 2,830 mm (a little over 9 feet). Extra strong wrist joints help provide this wide range of motion. The robot also uses serial-linked components instead of parallel-linked components, making more motion options available. Typically, heavy-lifting robots use a parallel link mechanism, so the serial link helps set the M-950iA apart from other robots in the FANUC line.

The reinforced wrists also make the robot a stiff working platform. Motions are repeatable down to 0.08 mm (0.003 in). The high accuracy also makes it possible to perform other precision tasks that can rattle other robots, such as friction stir welding, drilling, and riveting.

Essentially, the M-950iA robot combines the power of a bodybuilder with the precision and grace of a ballet dancer. While not the largest robot in the FANUC catalog, it fits between some of the heavy-lifting options, giving users more of a balance point between heavy lifting and cost-effectiveness.

The M-950iA can be set up and operated with the FANUC iPendant teaching device and the R-30iB Plus controller. Image used courtesy of FANUC

Ease of Use

Impressive ranges of motion and the ability to lift incredibly heavy loads are desirable but can create new challenges. For example, a large robot that has been programmed incorrectly is a much bigger safety hazard. To ensure safe operation, the learning curve for this robot is drastically flattened through the use of the FANUC iPendant teaching device. This device helps show the robot where it can move and how it can interact with the environment, greatly enhancing safety without requiring highly skilled technical training.

Along with the iPendant, the M-950iA is capable of interfacing with the R-30iB Plus controller. The R30-iB Plus makes it possible for a new programmer to go from no knowledge to moving a robot in less than 30 minutes.

The Bottom Line

There will always be the need to move heavy items during packaging, palletizing, and assembly. The M-950iA can do all that and more, and with its flexible range of motion and stiff joints, it can also perform machining and welding operations.