Yaskawa Motoman Releases Six-Axis MHP45L Handling Robot

A leading expert in the production and supply of robotic automation technologies and solutions, Yaskawa Motoman recently announced the release of a newly approved Factory Mutual bot for Class 1, Division 1 use in hazardous environments.

 

MHP45L handling robot. Image courtesy of Yaskawa Motoman. 

 

The high-speed, six-axis MHP45L handling robot is now available with this globally recognized certification mark, which helps manufacturers and engineers ensure device reliability under extreme conditions and reduce time-to-market.

 

What Does FM Approval Mean?

Many industries, including automotive, refineries, dry cleaning plants, grain elevators, flour mills, plastic processors, fuel storage facilities, and more, can have hazardous locations within which machines and devices operate alongside human workers.

Hazardous locations are considered by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as areas “where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings.” In the US, the Class/Division/Group system was used for area classification until the Zone system came into effect in 1996.

 

Class/Division Groups

In the Class/Division/Group system, hazardous materials are classified into three classes:

 

• Class I, where hazards include vapors, gases, or liquids that can burn or explode.
• Class II contains combustible materials such as flour, dust, sugar, magnesium, or aluminum. 
• Class III, for ignitable flyings or fibers such as cotton. 

 

These classes are then separated into divisions, with Division 1 involving hazards present under normal operating conditions. Division 1 also includes hazards that are frequent in occurrence during repair or maintenance procedures. Being able to operate in Class 1, Division 1 settings, the FM approved MHP45L provides manufacturers and workers with a level of reassurance in terms of device resilience, requiring reduced maintenance and a safer working environment. 

 

The MHP45L Handling Robot 

Yaskawa’s FM approved MHP45L bot features a high payload of 45kg, a DX200-FM controller approved for use in hazardous environments, a 2700mm horizontal reach, 5095mm vertical reach, and ±0.07 mm repeatability.

The bot can process multiple parts of differing sizes.

 

MHP45L handling robot. Image courtesy of Yaskawa Motoman. 

 

The DX200-FM controller is also available with a Category 3 Performance Level d (PLd) Functional Safety Unit (FSU). This supports a safety-rated monitor stop, safety-rated speed control, and safety-rated soft axis and space limiting.

Standard networks including DeviceNet, Ethernet, Ethernet-IP, and CC-Link are supported, providing a connection to production line controllers. 

The MHP45L also offers high moment and inertia ratings. This allows it to take on large, heavy workpieces such as vehicle body parts and other components.

The robot is designed to improve safety, keep teaching time to a minimum, and increase cable life by channeling cables and airlines through the robot base and up to the upper arm.

The MHP45L intends to eliminate the need for dedicated part transfer, which allows for streamlined automated paint line layouts.

Yaskawa’s FM approved bot is designed for automotive applications requiring heavy-duty moves, painting, and the need for safe operation in hazardous environments.