For the first time, global automated systems provider Harry Major Machine (HMM) displayed a new cable-less robot gantry technology for the manufacturing industry during Automate 2015 in Chicago, IL.The technology is the first of its kind available in North America.

HMM is the provider in North America for the cable-less gantry, which is made by MaxRoTec Co Ltd., a manufacturer if gantry robots and a HMM partner since 2014.

“The benefits that the cable-less gantry system provides to our customers are numerous,” said H. Curtis Major, president of HMM. “The system is not only compatible with a variety of robot technologies, it also has a compact footprint and helps to lower maintenance and infrastructure expenses. The system is a speedy, reliable workhorse that maximizes productivity while reducing downtime.”

With the cable-less gantry, power is supplied to the system via an insulated trolley and collector arm and its communication is powered by an optical Ethernet transmitter using infrared light. The system can work at faster speeds than traditional cabled gantries and has the ability to handle up to five carriages on a single track.

The line configuration and programming are easy to change, since no cable-laying is required, even if the beam length is changed due to line modification. Since no cable track and guarding is needed and multi-carriages can be handled on a single track, less space is required for the system, which allows for a more compact line configuration.

The system is compatible with a variety of robot technologies such as ABB, Fanuc, Kawasaki, Kuka, Nachi and Yaskawa Motoman and can be utilized by manufacturers in various industry sectors in their operations. 

HMM is also highlighting several of its other technologies at Automate 2015, including its solutions in the areas of automated parts handling systems, robot integration, industrial parts washers and assembly machines.