(FIPA: Cary, NC) -- Commercially available standard rotary units can be too heavy for some applications. Every gram saved achieves better dynamics, particularly for grippers with several rotary units. FIPA Inc.’s newly developed miniature rotary unit has been reduced from around 900 g to 85 g per rotary unit. Just larger than a matchbox, the unit is about five times smaller than other rotary units on the market. This allows cycle times for workpiece removal equipment to be increased by 70 percent, and the massive weight savings across a total of 25 rotary units allows a smaller robot to be used. The new solution scores points with its lower energy costs, smaller space requirements, and minimized piping due to the integrated vacuum duct. The low number of compressed air hoses makes the system more reliable as well.

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