FANUC America unveiled the CRX-3iA, the latest addition to its collaborative robot lineup that provides unprecedented portability for manufacturing automation. The ultra-light robotic robot weighs just 11 kg (24 lbs) and enables operators to carry it between workstations and set it up within minutes.
“The CRX-3iA puts collaborative automation in the hands of operators – literally,” explained Eric Potter, general manager of FANUC America’s Robotics Applications Engineering segment. “Its lightweight design makes it easy to redeploy in minutes, helping manufacturers automate tasks that were previously too small, too scattered, or too expensive to justify. Combined with new capabilities across the CRX portfolio, we’re giving our customers more ways to apply collaborative robots safely and productively across their entire operations.”
The company designed the CRX-3iA specifically for manufacturers who need to automate small, high-mix tasks across multiple sites. Workers can quickly redeploy the robot for welding, part processing, small assembly, screw removal, tool positioning and inspection tasks, especially in tight spaces or temporary work areas where permanent installations are impractical.
Mining applications for FANUC robots
FANUC’s industrial robots play critical roles in mining operations through automated material handling systems that transport ore samples and heavy equipment components. Robots perform precision welding tasks on mining machinery and vehicles in maintenance facilities. FANUC’s advanced systems handle quality inspection of drill bits and cutting tools, while automated palletizing solutions manage the storage and transportation of mining supplies and materials in harsh underground and surface environments.
The FANUC CRX Series delivers payloads from 3 to 40 kg and features intuitive programming, eight-year maintenance-free reliability and a comprehensive ecosystem of end-to-end tools and software options. Engineers designed CRX robots to work safely alongside people while delivering the performance and durability expected of FANUC systems.
Portable design allows quick deployment
The CRX-3iA has a payload capacity of 3kg and a reach of 692mm, making it suitable for quick repositioning between workstations. Engineers developed the robot to support magnetic bases and provide easy wall or ceiling mounting with automatic angle detection that requires no manual input.
For welding applications, operators can manually move the CRX-3iA to work areas for quick repositioning. The robot supports touch sensing that eliminates the need for precise positioning, while automatic weld point detection and automatic path generation speed up the weld setup procedure.
Enhanced capabilities across the CRX lineup
FANUC has simultaneously enhanced capabilities across the entire CRX family of collaborative robots. The company introduced an innovative “Triangle Weave” vertical welding profile that resists weld puddle sagging and replicates skilled welding precision for out-of-position welding applications.
The CRX-30iA now supports palletizing operations with payloads up to 40kg when paired with a new high-flow air kit designed for large suction grippers. This improvement enables cooperative transport of heavier cases while maintaining safety standards.
A new high-inertia mode allows CRX robots to guide extremely heavy loads while lift assists carry the weight. This hybrid approach automates previously manual and engineering-challenging processes while maintaining collaborative safety protocols.
Advanced control capabilities
Manufacturers can now equip CRX robots with dual nut fasteners to double installation productivity. An optional internal wiring harness supports clean routing of cables while maintaining cooperative safety standards.
The CRX lineup will be available on FANUC’s new R-50iA controller, which enables Python scripting, high-frequency ROS 2 streaming traffic support for AI-driven applications, advanced cybersecurity protection, and locator support. Support for auxiliary axis positioners allows for coordination of welding and laser applications.
These improvements expand the capabilities of the CRX family to more demanding applications while maintaining the simplicity and safety characteristics that define collaborative robots. FANUC has made the CRX-3iA available for customer orders.
More information is posted at www.FanucAmerica.com
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