Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc. (Wixom, MI) launches the Astorino robotics platform, with Kawasaki hardware, firmware, control system, application software, and training. It also supplies STL files (stereolithography CAD files for 3D printing) so students can print 3D replacement parts for 99% of the robot.
At the core of Astorino is a 1kg payload, 6-axis robot with a structure and programming environment nearly identical to that of a Kawasaki industrial robot. Weighing only 12kg and powered by a 110V outlet, the robot is adoptable to any classroom environment. It includes a built-in control system; dedicated firmware and software; Modbus TCP and USB/Ethernet communication, and safety functions such as E-Stop and safety brakes. Motor control uses three signals (pulse/direction/enable) and steel gears reduce backlash to <5 arcmin. The robot is flexible and can also be paired with multiple options such as three kinds of grippers, a 24V IO module, a cube feeder with optical sensors and external sensors.
Kawasaki has priced the robot ($5,000 for a base model) to encourage a low student-to-equipment ratio so each student can spend more hands-on time with the robots. The interactive learning approach is valuable in areas such as mechatronics and programming.
The robot can be seen at booth 121415 at the IMTS Smartforce Student Summit, Sept. 9-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
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More information: www.kawasakirobotics.us