FANUC to Unveil Advanced Robotics and Automation Innovations at Automate 2025, Boosting Efficiency and Productivity Across Industries
FANUC America, a leading industrial automation corporation, will unveil its latest robotic and automation solutions at Automate 2025 in Detroit from May 12-15. The company, under the leadership of President and CEO Mike Cicco, emphasizes the critical role of automation in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and worker satisfaction. FANUC will showcase a range of cutting-edge technologies designed to address the evolving needs of manufacturers, from startups to large-scale enterprises. Key Innovations on Display Collaborative Robots (Cobots): FANUC will highlight its CRX and CR series cobots, capable of handling payloads up to 50 kg and reaching up to 1,889 mm. These cobots are praised for their precision and versatility, with the CRX-10iA/L Paint Cobot being particularly noteworthy for its specialized use in painting, coating, and dispensing applications. This model is designed to integrate seamlessly into manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent quality and reducing human labor. Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Automotive Kitting: A CRX-10iA/L Cobot mounted on a third-party AMR will demonstrate automotive kitting, using FANUC’s iRVision 3DV sensor to pick and deliver vehicle side-view mirror components to human operators. This setup streamlines the assembly process and enhances operational efficiency. Dual Cobot Paint Application: Two cobots, the CRX-10iA/L Paint Cobot and the CRX-20iA/L Cobot, will work together to load, paint, and unload electric guitar bodies. Utilizing advanced vision systems and iRPickTool software, this system ensures precise and consistent painting, showcasing the cobots' line tracking capabilities. Collaborative Mobile Dispense Cart: FANUC’s mobile dispensing solution combines a CRX-30iA cobot with integral servo dispenser and FANUC’s 3DV/400 vision camera. This system is designed for precise, repeatable adhesive application, offering intuitive programming and a compact, flexible footprint. It is particularly useful in reducing material waste and improving product quality. Collaborative Arc Welding with Integrated 7th Axis Rail: A CRX-10iA/L Cobot will be demonstrated in a two-station arc welding cell, integrated with a 7th axis rail. This setup allows operators to load one station while welding occurs in the other, increasing productivity and extending the work envelope. Flexible Robotic Wet Machining: FANUC’s M800/60-20B industrial robot will perform high-precision milling and drilling in a wet machining environment. Its robust build and extended work envelope make it suitable for a variety of applications, including those with harsh elements like water and debris. This robot can be easily repurposed, offering significant flexibility and cost savings. R-50iA Controller Technologies: This demonstration will feature two LR Mate industrial robots performing bin picking and palletizing tasks. The new R-50iA controller supports native Python programming and includes advanced cybersecurity protocols such as MQTT TLS and an LDAPS server for user access control. It also boasts Software PLC capability for cell control and HMI functionality, along with a lighter, enhanced teach pendant. Educational Demonstrations: FANUC’s student booth will present a variety of classroom-friendly, educational robot demonstrations, emphasizing the company’s commitment to workforce development and training. Live Events and Expert Sessions FANUC America is also hosting several sessions where industry leaders and experts will share insights: The State of the Automation Industry – Leadership Roundtable: Mike Cicco will participate in this roundtable on May 13, discussing the current state and future trends of automation. Cobot and Go: The Latest Trends and Tech Advancements Making Cobots More Accessible: Manager Jerry Perez will present on May 12, focusing on recent advancements that make cobots more user-friendly and affordable. Advanced Vision Guided Robotics: Engineering Manager David Bruce will delve into advanced vision technologies on May 14, highlighting their applications in robotics. Mastering the Complexities of Robotic Depalletizing: Engineer Stacey Harimoto will explain the intricacies of robotic depalletizing on May 14. Equipping the Modern Workforce for Careers in Robotics, Automation and Smart Manufacturing: Executive Director of Education Paul Aiello will lead a panel discussion on May 14, exploring how to prepare workers for careers in modern manufacturing. The Final Frontier of Automation in a High-Volume Automotive Paint Shop: Senior Staff Engineer Thomas VanderPlas will discuss robotic paint repair in moving lines on May 13. Company Profile and Market Impact FANUC America is a subsidiary of FANUC Corporation in Japan, specializing in CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINES. The company’s headquarters in Rochester Hills, Michigan, oversees facilities across North and South America. FANUC’s innovations at Automate 2025 are expected to set new standards in the industry, helping manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Industry insiders hail FANUC’s focus on advanced vision technologies and the integration of 7th axis rails as game-changers, noting the company’s ongoing commitment to making automation accessible and effective for businesses of all sizes. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical, user-friendly designs, FANUC aims to address the growing demand for automation solutions that not only boost productivity but also ease the workload on human operators. As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, FANUC’s presence at Automate 2025 underscores its pivotal role in driving technological advancement and workforce training. For more information, visit FANUC’s website and follow them on social media platforms.