TM Robotics (www.tmrobotics.co.uk) has introduced Toshiba Machine’s THP550 SCARA robot in Europe. Coming from a new range of machines, the THP550 will be the first SCARA robot to compete with flexipicker-style devices offered in the market.

Designed with fast Ethernet connectivity, the THP550 can be used to synchronize robots in a production line. This allows two or more SCARAs to work together, utilizing one single vision system, and provide a net capital expenditure saving than when using a single more expensive device.

Complementing the THP550 is another device with Ethernet connectivity that helps simplify set up — the TS3000 series controllers. With functionality based on “one line = one camera” philosophy, the devices effectively reduce expenses by sharing the vision from one camera across various robots. This enables the system to quickly sort huge quantities of goods and benefit from easy programming through its dedicated commands. The synchronized automation also yields lesser damaged products.

“While SCARA robots have ease of integration, relatively low costs and versatility on their side, they have always been slower than the very fastest robot technologies. We can now compensate for that by offering a set up that provides all the speed advantages of a delta-style with the simplicity, adaptability and flexibility of a SCARA,” said Nigel Smith, Managing Director of TM Robotics.

The THP550 comes with a payload capacity of up to two kg, arm length of 550 mm and 0.29 seconds cycle time. It also offers a composite speed of up to 6.21 m/sec as well as a repeatability of ±0.015 mm on the X and Y axes. This means that it can meet the speed requirement of even the most demanding applications while providing great precision on repetitive pick and place tasks.