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Comau expands its product portfolio with its N-220 robot. | Source: Comau

Comau is expanding its product portfolio with the N-220-2.7 (N-220), a 220 kg payload robot featuring a modular set up, direct kinematics, absolute calibration and enhanced algorithms. These characteristics deliver ease of use, straightforward integration and faster post-installation maintenance while ensuring precision, flexibility, repeatability and minimum backlash, according to the company.

Manufactured via a fully automated production line directly in Comau’s Turin, Italy Innovation Center of Advanced Robotics, the company’s increased generation robot offers new levels of quality and supply chain flexibility in addition to cost-effective operation, as required by today’s high-growth market segments.

Target Market:
Since the 1970s, Comau has developed robotics applications for the automotive industry. With the introduction of the more capable, flexible and effective N-220, the company hopes to consolidate its position in automotive while enabling expansion in high-growth industry segments including metal, food and beverages, fulfillment and plastic and chemicals.

“Based on the 2021 IFR (International Federation of Robotics) Report, we expect 160-220 kg payload articulated robots to represent an estimated 30% of the total installed market, composed of 250,000-300,000 units in 2022, with a potential Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) ’22-’26 of 2%” Nicole Clement, chief marketing officer at Comau, said. “This new generation robot, which strengthens our product portfolio, generates clear customer advantages thanks to its innovative design and state-of-the-art advanced robotics technology; thus allowing us to better target new, high-growth industry segments beyond traditional manufacturing, with the aim of enhancing cost-effective automation for businesses of all sizes.”

Comau’s N-220 is available immediately on a worldwide basis.

Design specifics:
Comau’s N-220 industrial robot features an innovative architectural approach based on progressive modularity, component reduction, advanced motors and APC drivers. With its wide working area and Performance Level D cartesian safety features, the high payload (220 kg) robot can operate within a vast range of industries including automotive, food and beverage and fulfillment and logistics, among others. It has a hollow forearm and an integrated application dressing. The N-220 robot also benefits from its use of direct kinematics, absolute calibration and evolved motion algorithms. All of which combine to deliver high repeatability and precision. Furthermore, the robot comes fitted with integrated forklift adapters and optional high-torque washers for automatic anchoring base fixing, easier relocation and faster installation.

The first of a new generation of 6-axis articulated robots, N-220 addresses the specific market need for cost-effective and easy to integrate robotics that also deliver high-speed industrial performance. The holistic design and modular architecture of the N-220 also make it easier to install, use and maintain.  Manufactured at the Comau headquarters in Grugliasco (Torino), Italy using a state-of-the-art robotic assembly line, it reliably automates assembly, spot welding, packaging and material handling operations, in addition to continuous process applications such as 3D printing and gluing.

Comau’s e-Motion software algorithm improves cycle time, motion quality and path control. Thanks to the use of a nitrogen balancing system on axis 2, and larger stroke-ends on axis 3, the N-220 enjoy increased agility and a wide backward working area that is ideal for bending and handling applications. And because the N-220 uses only two motor sizes, and a single oil type, replacing a faulty motor becomes quick and easy. An additional benefit of the simplified, modular architecture is easier overall maintenance and improved Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) due to a 50% reduction of robot componentry.

Recognizing that the integration speed has a direct impact on production potential, the N-220 implements Nodal speech-based coding language for open, easy programming. The easy dressing solution is made of two, separate, flexible harnesses (robot and application power supply) which facilitate an easy and fast upgrade, or replacement. Similarly, the direct assembly between the motor and gearbox simplifies mechanical transmissions and minimizes power loss and backlash, thus increasing efficiency and reducing consumption. In short, everything has been designed to maximize performance, durability, safety, maintainability and ease of use.

“Comau has leveraged its long-standing experience in industrial robotics to respond to the increasing need for new-generation automation that is also cost-effective and easy to use,” Pietro Ottavis, chief technology officer at Comau, said. “It’s the right product at the right time.”