Powerful and Precise New Lightweight Arm From Schunk

26 July 2012

SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems now takes another step forward with its new Powerball-Lightweight arm, the LWA 4. As the pioneer of modular robotics, SCHUNK is delighted to present its especially compact and flexible aid for stationary and mobile applications in service robotics and industrial handling. The recently launched LWA 4 highlighted its pedigree by winning a prestigious MM Award at the Automatica 2012 exhibition in the 'articulated robotics' category.

The powerful lightweight module from the innovative family-owned company features a weight/payload ratio of 2:1 and is one of the most high-powered light-weight arms in the world. At a dead weight of 12kg, it can dynamically handle loads of up to 6kg and has a gripping radius of more than 700mm. With the com-pact design of the front end or wrist joint, the arm can be easily maneuvered in close spaces. Its excellent repeat accuracy of 0.06mm provides for high process stability for demanding measuring and testing tasks. Also, the intelligent design prevents dangerous crushing and shearing movements, making it safe to use around people.

Central elements of the lightweight arm are three compact ERB Powerball mod-ules, which combine the movements of two axes. The entire electronic control and regulation circuitry is integrated in the joint drives. Position, speed and torque can be flexibly regulated. An innovative quick-change system with integrated signal feed-through allows for fast and easy commissioning of the Plug & Performance gripping system. Since the supply lines for the gripper and tools are completely within the module, there are no interfering cables on the peripheral devices. With integrated intelligence such as universal communication interfaces and cable technology for data transfer and power supply, the arm can be quickly and easily integrated into existing control concepts. The manipulator is supplemented by an industrial robot controller with an integrated CoDeSys PLC. Teaching and instruction is made easy by means of a hand-held control panel with a touch-screen display.

The 24V DC supply voltage enables mobile use as well as use at alternate loca-tions. Consistent lightweight construction and state-of-the-art torque motors keep the energy demands of the lightweight arm down to an average of 80W. This consequently lowers energy costs, provides for longer work periods when using rechargeable batteries and also allows the use of small-format batteries.