Hanwha Robotics releases HCR Advanced Series cobots

Hanwha Robotics has introduced a new series of 6-axis collaborative robotics arms – the HCR Advanced Series. The series includes three models (HCR-3A, HCR-5A, and HCR-12A) that offer new functionality for Hanwha cobots, including easier integration of end of arm tooling, the company said.

The HCR-3A is a small, lightweight cobot designed to be used in narrow spaces. It offers a 3 kg payload and 630 mm reach. Hanwha said the cobot’s infinite rotation on the end joint makes it well suited for screw driving and assembly applications.

The HCR-5A offers a payload of 5 kg and reach of 915 mm. Hanwha said the cobot is compliant with Cleanroom class ISO 2.

The HCR-12A is the strongest cobot in the series, offering a payload capacity of 12 kg and a reach of 1300 mm. Because of its large working radius, Hanwha said the cobot is designed for picking and placing of heavy objects, including loading-unloading and palletizing applications.

Here is a quick comparison of the HCR-3A, HCR-5A, and HCR-12A:

Cobot	DoF	Payload (kg)	Reach (mm)	Repeatability (mm)	Weight (kg)
HCR-3A	6	3	630	±0.05	13
HCR-5A	6	5	915	±0.05	21
HCR-12A	6	12	1300	±0.07	52

“Hanwha Corporation has continued its R&D on cooperative robots to actively respond to the manufacturing automation trend following the 4th Industrial Revolution,” said Kyung-Seok Ok, the CEO of Hanwha Corporation.

Hanwha also introduced additional products designed to increase the productivity of the cobots. They are:

Robot AI 3D Vision (RAIV): an visual solution for cobots that can optimize efficiency by leveraging its 3D camera and deep learning technology.

Robot Visual Safety (RVS) a solution that adjusts the speed of a cobot according to the distance of its operator to ensure safety.

Mobility: a mobile robot base that effectively turns the cobots into mobile manipulators.

Robot Monitoring Service (RMS): Mobility also includes the RMS, which uses Hanwha Techwin’s camera technology to monitor the cobot’s work environment

Hanwha’s cobots are being sold through a global network with around 40 locations. The company first introduced its cobots in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, and is hoping to make headway in the U.S. and Europe.