FANUC M-3iA Robotic Assembly of Solar Panels

A FANUC M-3iA/6A six-axis robot equipped with iRVision 2D, a two-jaw mechanical gripper and a sealing gun assembles a concentrated photovoltaic solar panel. The M-3iA robot scans and locates nine randomly oriented heat sinks and concentrated photovoltaic assemblies (CPAs) using iRVision Snap-in-Motion software.

The M-3iA's flexible three-axis wrist allows it to pick, reorient and insert each heat sink at a 15 degree angle into the solar panel. Next the robot simulates the application of sealer to the heat sink and CPA's are assembled into the solar panel. The M-3iA robot is designed to maximize speed and flexibility for assembly, small part handling and picking applications.

Learn more about FANUC Robotics' full line of Assembly Robots.

Key Technology Demonstrated

M-3iA Robot

• Available in a 4-axis or 6-axis designs
• iRVision and FANUC force control are supported on both models
• Unique parallel-link design maximizes speed and acceleration
• Higher speed and acceleration reduces number of robots needed for an application, condensing overall footprint of a manufacturing system
• Six-axis design (three-axis wrist) enables part feeding from the sides of a work zone, increasing the useable workspace
• Four-axis design (single-axis wrist) moves parts at extremely high speeds
• Food option with food-grade grease features a special coating to handle acid and alkaline disinfectants, and low-pressure rinsing
• Ability to work with primary (unpackaged) or secondary (packaged) food products