The co-design was Lafert's response to Comau's desire to create a new generation of anthropomorphic robot, the flagship product for the production lines in the automotive sector.
An anthropomorphic robot is an industrial automation machine designed to reproduce most of the characteristics of human movement and moves on 6 axes, each with a dedicated motor. Comau's project consisted in creating a robot in which the type of motors used was in a very small number, thus reducing the number of components to be kept in stock. The modularity of the motorized systems of the NJ220 robot allows Comau to simplify the supply chain, i.e. greater reactivity in the replacement and/or updating of systems.
Anthropomorphic robots are widely used in industrial automation both in material handling activities and in process and production actions. The high performance required makes it necessary to use absolute encoders for position detection and motion monitoring, essential to ensure the efficiency of the robot. The motors to be integrated must be servomotors that ensure high performance in small dimensions, with the appropriate mechanics to support the inertia required to guarantee the fluidity of the movement.
For several months, the Technical Department of Lafert and Comau worked in synergy with the aim of defining the motors’ technical characteristics, researching and testing the mechanical and electrical specifications that would meet the needs of the special application. Comau's modular robot with a payload of 220 kg, mounts only two types of motors developed on two different sizes, so as to be able at the same time to meet all axes’ movement needs and also limit the product codes stocked in the customer's warehouse, speeding up supply or replacement.
The most difficult but at the same time most exciting challenge was working in co-engineering with the partner customer to find the correct size with the right torque range and degree of inertia for the application.
Stefano Franzin
Application Manager
The new Comau robot is equipped with two motor sizes, our B10.33J and B63.09Y motor series. They are servomotors with high torque density, super performing and dynamic. Combined with an absolute encoder specially designed for this type of application, they allow maximum control of movement and speed. The robot is therefore perfect for spot welding and material handling applications as well as for continuous machining such as 3D printing and bonding.
Today Comau can supply its NJ220 robot made with only two motor codes, making the difference in the market for greater speed and agility in supply and replacement. The entire system is also UL certified, a safety specification required in North American countries.
We have optimized the components to obtain maximum performance’s stability and identify the flange that allows the perfect coupling between motor and robot, and to ensure the effectiveness of the movement.
Matteo Rocco
Project Manager
We are supporting Comau in the optimization of the drive and in the programming of the encoder for maximum control of movement and position, and to ensure the necessary dynamism.
