Stäubli believes that the new robots will open up a variety of uses for Scara robots in humid environments in the food industry.
Key elements are made of stainless steel, and the arms are coated to withstand low-pressure water jets (IP65) and immersion (IP67) in washdown processes. An enclosed and pressurised structure prevents microorganisms from penetrating and avoids condensation.
NSF H1 food-grade oil is used to lubricate the robots safely, without comprising their performance. The axes are driven by Stäubli’s JCS gearbox technology, said to result in high-speed motion and high repeatability, for short cycle times. There are no external cables, with all connections going via the robot’s small-footprint base. Maintenance is said to be easy.
Stäubli believes that its hygienic Scara robot will open up new applications in the food processing industry
“The TS2 HE is the result of the long experience of Stäubli in the food processing industry, which led us to identify a true need for pick-and-place applications where four-axis solutions are the best fit,” says Sebastien Schmitt, who manages Stäubli’s robotics division in North America. “The previous Scara designs could not meet the hygienic requirements of the food industry.”
The new machines are modelled on a fully-enclosed design that Stäubli developed for its six-axis range, combined with input from potential food industry customers.
