High Payload PL500 Palletizing Robot Offers Application Flexibility

Yaskawa, a leading robotics manufacturer, announced the PL500 robot. Offering a high 500-kg payload, it is ideal for a variety of palletizing applications, unitized loads, and other logistical tasks for end-of-line or distribution automation.

The PL500 reportedly features fast axis speeds and acceleration for maximum production throughput. It offers a large work envelope, a high payload to efficiently load/unload pallets, and can easily handle full layers or a variety of product including boxes, bags, bottles and cases.

The PL500 features a 3,159 mm horizontal reach, 3,024 mm vertical reach and ±0.5 mm repeatability.

Its T-axis features a 60 mm pass-through to facilitate easy connections to the end-of-arm tool, as well as a high moment of inertia to ensure unbalanced loads are handled effectively. Parallel-link construction reportedly provides strength, rigidity and stabilization of high moment and inertia loads, while heavy-duty bearings provide smooth arm rotation.

A single cable is all that is needed to connect the manipulator to the controller, resulting in easy setup and reduced expenses for maintenance and spare parts inventory. Airlines and cables are routed internally from the base to the end-of-arm tool to maximize reliability, and a cable installation tube facilitates fieldbus routing to the upper arm and/or gripper.

The PL500 robot can be floor-mounted, and brakes are included on all axes. The robot is controlled by the high-performance YRC1000 controller that is built to a global standard and does not require a transformer for input voltages ranging from 380AC to 480VAC. With a highly compact cabinet, the YRC1000 uses a lightweight teach pendant with intuitive programming.

Fast and easy creation of palletizing patterns for virtually any mix of SKUs can be accomplished offline using Yaskawa’s PalletSolver® software, enabling faster workcell deployment for even the most complex patterns.

For more information, visit www.motoman.com.