Articulating Robot for Automatic Pick and Place - Kawasaki BXP16N

The Kawasaki BXP16N stands as a high-performance, large-payload articulating robot designed for heavy-duty industrial automation. Engineered for high-speed automatic pick and place robot tasks, this 6-axis manipulator features a maximum payload of 165 kg and a maximum reach of 2,325 mm per the manufacturer datasheet. Its rigid, slim-arm design facilitates installation in high-density manufacturing cells, such as automotive assembly, material handling, and spot welding lines. Maintenance demands are minimized through a hollow wrist architecture that secures internal cabling against environmental wear.

Product Type & Category Positioning

The Kawasaki BXP16N is classified as a large-payload, general-purpose articulated industrial robot, evolving from the legacy BX/BT series. It serves as a core model in the BXP/BTP series, specifically optimized for high-speed, high-density manufacturing environments where structural rigidity is critical.

Building on this classification, the BXP16N functions primarily as a versatile automation tool. It occupies the middle-to-high capacity tier within Kawasaki's portfolio, bridging the gap between medium-duty handling units and extra-large material lifting robots.

Technical Specifications

Maximum payload: 165 kg.

Maximum reach: 2,325 mm.

Degrees of freedom: 6 axes.

Robot series: BXP/BTP series.

Mounting method: Floor.

Supported controller: F02.

Wrist design: Hollow wrist.

Technical Highlights

The hollow wrist design is a defining feature of the BXP16N, allowing cables and hoses to pass internally through the arm. This configuration eliminates external interference with peripheral equipment during complex motion sequences.

Moreover, the high-rigidity arm structure supports the robot’s role in high-speed, short-pitch movements. This rigidity ensures the system maintains precise positioning even when operating at maximum payload capacity.

Finally, the BXP16N utilizes the F02 controller, which significantly increases motion processing speeds compared to predecessors. This integration facilitates rapid cycle times necessary for high-throughput production lines.

Application Scenarios Automotive Assembly: Enables high-density spot welding and heavy component handling in limited factory footprints, reducing line build time. Material Handling: Facilitates the movement of castings or large machine components with a 165 kg payload capacity, improving production throughput by replacing manual labor. Robotic Spot Welding: Employs the hollow wrist to protect welding cables, ensuring uninterrupted operation and reduced maintenance cycles in harsh manufacturing environments.

Selection Recommendations Suitable: Heavy-duty palletizing and component transfers where high repeatability is required and payload does not exceed 165 kg. Not Suitable: Applications requiring extreme reach beyond 2,325 mm (e.g., large-scale logistics), as the reach is physically constrained. Comparison: When evaluating alternatives, consider the BXP165L if your workspace requires a greater reach of 2,597 mm while maintaining the same 165 kg payload capacity.

FAQ

1. Why choose the BXP16N over the BXP165L for my facility?

The BXP16N provides a shorter, more compact 2,325 mm reach, which is optimal for high-density work cells where every square meter of floor space must be conserved.

2. Does the hollow wrist design simplify end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) integration?

Yes, the hollow wrist allows for clean, internal routing of pneumatic and electrical lines, reducing the risk of cable snagging and simplifying the design of your pick-and-place grippers.

3. Is the BXP16N compatible with vision-guided picking systems?

Yes, this model integrates seamlessly with Kawasaki's vision systems, allowing it to identify and pick randomly oriented parts on a conveyor at high speed.

4. What is the typical maintenance interval for the internal cables?

While the hollow wrist protects cables significantly better than external routing, a bi-annual inspection of the connection points is recommended for heavy-duty, 24/7 production environments.

5. How does the F02 controller affect the robot's cycle time?

The F02 controller features advanced motion control algorithms that optimize acceleration and deceleration profiles, directly contributing to faster cycle times compared to previous controller generations.

6. What is the standard lead time for ordering a BXP16N?

Lead times vary based on current factory stock and configuration, but typically range from 12 to 20 weeks for standard, non-customized units.

7. Does this model require a specialized foundation for installation?

The BXP16N is designed for standard floor mounting; however, ensure your concrete floor thickness and reinforcement meet the load-bearing requirements for a 165 kg payload robot in dynamic motion.

8. Can I use the BXP16N for cleanroom assembly?

This specific model is designed for general industrial use; please contact us to discuss the specialized cleanroom-rated variants available in the BXP series.

9. How do spare parts availability and service support function for this model?

Kawasaki maintains a global network of regional service centers and local authorized distributors, ensuring that critical spare parts are accessible to minimize unplanned downtime.

10. What payment terms are typical for this industrial robot acquisition?

Standard industrial terms generally include a 30% deposit upon order confirmation, with the balance payable upon readiness for shipment, subject to final contract negotiation.