New Parallel Robot Is The First To Be Force-Controlled To Handle Delicate Items

Parallel robots are mechanical devices that support moveable bases in applications like flight simulators or pick-and-place operations using computer serial chains. Mainly, they are used in the packaging, food and beverage, and healthcare industries.
 
Until now, most of these droids can handle bulkier and sturdier objects. And with their speed and agility, dealing with delicate objects might not be the best move. That is until Flexiv, a Chinese company, introduced what the company calls the “first-ever” force-controlled parallel robot.
 
Flexiv has just introduced its ‘Moonlight’ droid, which can do the same job as any robotic arm but with balanced precision in holding fragile items. According to a report from Drives & Controls, it can measure forces right down to 0.1 Newton.
 
With this, Moonlight can perform tasks such as inserting screws into circuit boards without risk of damage.
 
The droid can also handle 26 pounds of cargo at low speed and 15 pounds when moving at increased rates.
 
Moonlight also complies with the PId safety requirements, supports EtherCat communications, and is IP65-Protected. This makes it suitable for polishing, grinding, deburring, and sanding.

The robot will be ready for release in the third quarter of 2023. Until then, check out the video below to see how it works.

 
 
[via Interesting Engineering and Drives & Controls, cover image via Flexiv]