AUBO-i16 Industrial Collaborative Robotic Depalletizer Arm

The AUBO-i16 Industrial Collaborative Robotic Depalletizer Arm is a 6-axis collaborative robotic arm designed for versatile industrial applications, integrating advanced robotics with human-robot collaboration. This cobot excels in tasks such as depalletizing, pick-and-place operations, machine tending, assembly, and material handling, offering a powerful yet flexible solution for modern manufacturing environments. Its intelligent design and robust construction enable it to work safely alongside human operators, thereby enhancing productivity and optimizing workflows in a wide array of industrial settings.

Product Type & Category Positioning

The AUBO-i16 falls into the category of industrial collaborative robots, commonly referred to as cobots. Unlike traditional industrial robots that are often caged and operated remotely, cobots like the AUBO-i16 are engineered for direct human-robot interaction. This means they incorporate advanced safety features, such as force and speed limiting, to ensure safe operation in shared workspaces. The AUBO-i16 is specifically positioned as a high-payload cobot within the AUBO i-Series, which offers a range of payloads from 3kg to 16kg. Building on this classification, the AUBO-i16's design emphasizes both power and collaborative capabilities, making it suitable for applications that require a substantial payload capacity while maintaining the safety and flexibility inherent to collaborative robots.

Technical Specifications

Payload: 16 kg

Reach: 967.5 mm

Weight: 38.5 kg

Repeatability: ±0.03 mm

Axes: 6

Max. linear TCP speed: 4 m/s

Ambient Temperature: 0-50 °C

IP Classification: IP54

Mounting orientation: Any ceiling, floor, wall

Power Supply: 200-240V AC, 50/60Hz

Average Power Consumption: 600 W

Peak Power Consumption: 2000 W

Technical Highlights   Open System Platform: The AUBO-i16 features an open system architecture that supports multiple communication methods, including SDK and API. This allows for seamless integration with various peripherals such as terminals, visual systems, and mobile devices, providing a highly adaptable solution for diverse industrial needs.   Versatile Operation Methods: Users can operate the AUBO-i16 through multiple intuitive methods, including drag teaching, coordinate positioning, path planning, and offline programming. The visual interface is designed for simplicity and ease of learning, enabling quick task setup and execution even for operators with limited programming experience.   High Payload Capacity with Compact Design: Despite its substantial 16 kg payload capacity, the AUBO-i16 maintains a relatively compact design. This combination allows it to handle heavy-workloads and end-of-arm tooling effectively while fitting into various production environments.   Rigorous Testing for Durability: AUBO subjects its cobots to an extensive testing process, including over 160 tests covering vibration, high temperatures, part wear, and performance degradation. This meticulous quality assurance ensures high levels of durability, reliability, and consistent performance.

Application Scenarios   Depalletizing and Palletizing: The AUBO-i16's 16 kg payload capacity makes it well-suited for depalletizing heavy items or stacking products onto pallets efficiently, reducing manual labor and improving throughput.   Pick-and-Place Operations: With its high repeatability of ±0.03 mm, this collaborative robotic arm can precisely pick and place components or products, significantly enhancing accuracy and speed in assembly or packaging lines.   Machine Tending: The robot can be deployed to load and unload machines, such as CNC machines or injection molding equipment, ensuring continuous operation and maximizing machine utilization.   Assembly Tasks: Its dexterity and precision allow the AUBO-i16 to perform intricate assembly tasks, contributing to higher product quality and reduced manufacturing errors.   Material Handling: The cobot can be used for various material handling applications, moving goods and components within a facility, thereby optimizing internal logistics and operational efficiency.

Selection Recommendations   Suitable For: Electronic component assembly lines requiring precise movements and consistent repeatability. The AUBO-i16's ±0.03 mm repeatability is well within the tight tolerances needed for such applications. Its 16 kg payload can accommodate common end-effectors and components, and its collaborative nature allows for integration into human-centric workspaces, optimizing efficiency without compromising safety.   Not Suitable For: Applications involving extreme shock loads or heavy impact, such as metal casting deburring where the impact forces might exceed the cobot's designed limits, potentially affecting its lifespan and precision. Additionally, environments with high concentrations of metal dust would require a higher IP rating than the AUBO-i16's IP54, which is designed for protection against dust and splashing water, not fine particulate matter.   Comparative Note: For applications requiring a longer reach, the AUBO-i20 offers an extended reach of 1650 mm compared to the AUBO-i16's 967.5 mm, while maintaining a similar payload class. Conversely, for lighter tasks where a smaller footprint and lower payload are sufficient, models like the AUBO-i10 (10 kg payload, 1350 mm reach) provide a more economical solution.

FAQ

1.  Can the AUBO-i16 handle a complex end-effector weighing 10 kg, including cabling, given its 16 kg payload?

Yes, the AUBO-i16 can handle a 10 kg end-effector with integrated cabling. The rated payload of 16 kg is the maximum capacity, and with a 10 kg end-effector, there is still a 6 kg margin for tooling, cabling, and the workpiece itself, ensuring operation within safe limits.

2.  What is the minimum floor space required for the AUBO-i16, considering its 967.5 mm reach?

The AUBO-i16 requires a minimal footprint, with its base diameter being Ø220 mm. While its reach is 967.5 mm, the operational space is more dependent on the programmed path and any necessary safety zones rather than a fixed floor space requirement. However, its compact base allows for versatile mounting options, including floor, ceiling, or wall installations, maximizing space utilization.

3.  How does the ±0.03 mm repeatability of the AUBO-i16 translate into real-world production tolerances for precision assembly?

A repeatability of ±0.03 mm means the robot can consistently return to the same point within a 0.06 mm total range. This high level of precision is crucial for tasks like micro-assembly or precise component placement, ensuring that production tolerances are maintained within very tight limits, leading to higher product quality and reduced scrap rates.

4.  Does the IP54 protection rating of the AUBO-i16 provide adequate defense against dust and moisture in a typical light manufacturing or assembly environment?

Yes, the IP54 rating indicates that the AUBO-i16 is protected against dust ingress (limited ingress, not completely dust-tight) and splashing water from any direction. This makes it suitable for many general manufacturing and assembly environments, but it may not be sufficient for applications with heavy dust accumulation or direct water jet exposure.

5.  Can the AUBO-i16 be mounted on a ceiling, or is floor mounting the only option for this collaborative robotic arm?

The AUBO-i16 supports flexible installation orientations, including ceiling, floor, and wall mounting. This versatility allows for optimal integration into various factory layouts and applications, accommodating specific workspace constraints or process requirements.

6.What is the typical lead time for the AUBO-i16,and are units generally in stock for prompt delivery?

We maintain a regional inventory of AUBO-i16 units at our warehouse to ensure typical lead times of 5–7 working days after order confirmation for standard configurations.Stock availability varies with current demand,so we recommend contacting our sales team at Beijing Zhongping Technology for a real-time inventory check and a confirmed shipping schedule.For bulk orders or custom payload options,lead times may extend to 2–3 weeks to allow for factory calibration.We provide tracking information immediately upon dispatch and can arrange expedited air freight for urgent projects at an additional cost.Please reach out to us directly for the most accurate delivery commitment based on your specific order requirements.

7.  Considering its 16 kg payload, what is the maximum weight of an end-effector that can be used with the AUBO-i16 if the workpiece itself weighs 5 kg?

If the workpiece weighs 5 kg, the remaining payload capacity for the end-effector and associated cabling is 11 kg (16 kg total payload - 5 kg workpiece). This allows for a substantial end-effector, such as a gripper, vacuum system, or specialized tool, to be used effectively.

8.  How does the AUBO-i16's ±0.03 mm repeatability compare to other collaborative robots in its class, such as those with ±0.05 mm or ±0.1 mm repeatability?

A repeatability of ±0.03 mm is considered very high for a collaborative robot in this payload class, offering superior precision compared to models with ±0.05 mm or ±0.1 mm repeatability. This tighter tolerance is critical for applications demanding high accuracy, reducing positional errors and improving the consistency of repetitive tasks.

9.  What are the primary communication protocols supported by the AUBO-i16 for integration with existing factory systems?

The AUBO-i16 supports a range of communication protocols, including TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, and Modbus TCP, as well as an open SDK and API. This broad compatibility facilitates integration with various industrial control systems, PLCs, and higher-level manufacturing execution systems (MES).

10. What is the approximate weight of the AUBO-i16, and does this weight impact its suitability for mobile or AGV-integrated applications?

The AUBO-i16 weighs approximately 38.5 kg. This weight is manageable for integration onto mobile platforms or AGVs, especially considering its compact design. Many mobile robot manufacturers offer AGV-integrated solutions with cobots, allowing for flexible deployment in dynamic environments.