FANUC CR-35iA Use-Cases

In this demonstration, the FANUC CR-35iA Collaborative Robot uses FANUC’s iRVision 3DA/1300 Area Sensor to locate and pick boxes from a pallet, and transfers the boxes to a labeling station. The CR-35iA robot was developed to help manufacturers solve ergonomic challenges by handling applications that are physically demanding for humans, and can help reduce injuries associated with repetitive or heavy lifting. It’s the only collaborative robot in the industry capable of lifting heavy objects up to 35 kg.

The FANUC CR-35iA collaborative robot allows shared workspace between an operator and the interactive robot. The highly-sensitive robot gently stops if it comes in contact with the operator, allowing the robot and human to work side by side. After coming to a stop, the operator can re-position the robot if necessary before re-starting the cycle. A programmable button conveniently located directly on the robot is then pressed to restart the robot’s program from where it left off before coming into contact with the operator.

Next the robot uses FANUC’s iRVision calibration-free or “No-Cal” option to locate the boxes before transferring them back to the pallet. The FANUC iRVision “No-Cal” option simplifies set up of 2D robotic guidance applications by eliminating the need for calibration grids and frames, making vision easy to use and less expensive to integrate.

A soft foam green cover protects workers who are in direct contact with the robot. The robot’s shell is green to distinguish the FANUC collaborative robot from standard yellow FANUC robots. The FANUC CR-35iA is certified to meet necessary safety requirements for sharing workspace with humans. This robot can be used for a variety of applications including machine tending, handling heavy payloads that require lift assist devices or custom equipment, higher payload mechanical assembly, palletizing or packing, and tote or carton handling.

Using a FANUC collaborative robot eliminates the need for expensive and space-consuming safety guarding.

An ESS Technologies-designed end-of-arm tool is able to pick two cases at once, further increasing palletizing speed. The system also includes a zero-back pressure case infeed conveyor. The FANUC CR-35iA Robot stops immediately upon contact, while the robot resumes palletizing with a quick push of its easy reset button.

Combining FANUC’s Collaborative Robot with ESS Technologies-designed end-of-arm-tool for dual case picking - along with a dual pallet cell configuration - make this system from ESS Technologies an extremely ergonomic and efficient solution for collaborative robotic palletizing. To learn more about FANUC America Authorized System Integrator ESS Technologies, visit

FANUC’s new CR-35iA is the first collaborative robot in the industry to feature a heavy 35kg payload while being ISO certified to work safely alongside humans without the need for fencing. Another first from FANUC is the CR-35iA Collaborative Robot’s Hand Guidance feature.

This unique feature allows an operator to safely control and guide the robot arm and tooling, providing collaborative effort between the robot’s strength and the operator’s finesse.

Typically a robot is jogged or moved with a robot pendant; however Collaborative Robot Hand Guidance from FANUC enables the operator to show the robot where to go without the pendant, and can be used to teach the robot points or a path. The FANUC CR-35iA Collaborative Robot was developed to help manufacturers solve ergonomic challenges by handling applications that are physically demanding for humans, such as repetitive heavy lifting.