With the crowds gone and the trestles all but packed away, a light layer of dust is only just settling on the pre-fab stalls that played host to the immensely popular National Manufacturing Week (NMW). We took a moment to speak with one of the shows’ exhibitors, John Hart Automation & Robotics (JHA&R). The team at JHA&R attended the 12th annual NMW show and we wanted to know more about their captivating showcase of a FANUC M710iC50 robot and FANUC integrated vision system. Operations Manager at JHA&R, Simon Hales, was thrilled with this years’ event, acknowledging that the growing crowds are a testament to the quality of the technology showcased over the three days. It’s no wonder the event is billed as the show that strengthens Australian manufacturing through technology, innovation and education. As the Australian agent for FANUC Handling Robots, JHA&R specialise in suppling integrators and end users with intelligent FANUC robotic products. Globally the FANUC brand can also boast a dedicated research and development sector and a production capacity of over 18,000 robots per year! The demonstration we talked about with Simon highlights JHA&R’s commitment to promoting cutting edge technology from one of the world’s leading manufactures of industrial robots. The stand centrepiece featured the FANUC M710iC50 robot. This particular medium payload handling robot had a slim line wrist with a payload capacity of 50kg. It offers full 6-axis capability and has a reach of just over 2 metres.  The M710iC50 robot displayed FANUC’s integrated vision system, iR Vision, complete with integrated LED light source for adjustable lighting conditions. The powerful next generation R-30iA robot controller which drives the M710iC allows for direct integration of FANUC’s versatile 2D and 3D vision systems eliminating the requirement for an external vision PC, making it easier and more affordable to apply vision to a FANUC robot. Simon goes on to describe the two applications on display, “Firstly, we were using the iR Vision to pick up the automotive knuckle to simulate accurate, repeatable de-flashing or grinding. The knuckle was placed on the red disk and spun by the robot to show random pick up locations, as the robot has no control over the stop position. No external lighting was required even though the natural light changed dramatically in the show hall. The built in LED light is controlled through the robot program, to create the correct lighting condition and increase the reliability of the vision system.” “The second application we demonstrated was to pick up different sprockets using iR Vision. The vision identifies the part and aligns the sprocket to fit through the appropriate profile on the conveyor.” All in all a great success in demonstrating the impressive capabilities and boundless possibilities for application of this type of technology. To speak with an expert about iR Vision or any FANUC related product, contact John Hart Automation & Robotics on 03 9542 6262 or visit the website at www.johnhart.com.au