FANUC America Debuts Ultra‑Lightweight CRX‑3iA Collaborative Robot and New Capabilities Across the CRX Lineup
Fanuc America introduced the CRX-3iA, an ultra-lightweight collaborative robot designed to assist manufacturers with various automated tasks. The new robot and enhancements across the existing CRX series facilitate automation in small tasks, heavy lifting, palletizing, welding, and high-mix operations. This development aims to provide more flexibility and efficiency for manufacturers seeking to optimize their processes.
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FANUC America, the leading supplier of CNCs, robotics and automation, has expanded its popular CRX collaborative robot series with the introduction of the CRX‑3iA, an ultra‑lightweight cobot designed for fast redeployment across small, high‑mix tasks. Weighing only 11 kg (24 lbs.), the CRX‑3iA can be carried and set up in minutes, giving manufacturers a portable way to automate jobs such as welding, part handling, small assembly, screwdriving, tool positioning and inspection, especially in tight spaces or temporary work areas where permanent fixtures aren't feasible.
In addition to introducing the newest model in the CRX family, FANUC is rolling out several new capabilities across the full CRX lineup. These enhancements expand the range of applications that collaborative robots can support, from heavier palletizing and high‑throughput fastening to coordinated welding and advanced motion control, giving manufacturers more flexibility to automate both small, high‑mix tasks and larger, mass production‑scale operations.
"The CRX‑3iA puts collaborative automation in the hands of operators, literally," explains Eric Potter, general manager, robot application engineering segment, FANUC America. "Its lightweight design makes it easy to redeploy in minutes, helping manufacturers automate jobs that were once too small, too scattered or too costly to justify. Combined with new capabilities across the CRX lineup, we're giving our customers more ways to apply collaborative robots safely and productively across their entire operation."
CRX‑3iA: Ultra‑Portable Automation for High‑Mix Work
The CRX‑3iA brings a new level of mobility and flexibility to FANUC's collaborative robot family. With a 3 kg payload, 692 mm reach and lightweight design, the CRX‑3iA is engineered for rapid repositioning and tight‑space operation.
CRX‑3iA Key Features
- Ultra‑lightweight design: Can be carried by a single person and quickly moved to workstations, temporary setups or field environments.
- Flexible installation: Supports magnetic bases and offers effortless wall or ceiling mounting with automatic angle detection and no manual input.
- High‑mix task support: Ideal for welding, part handling, small assembly, screwdriving, tool positioning and inspection tasks.
- Portable welding capability: Can be manually moved to the welding area for fast repositioning with support for touch sensing, eliminating the need for precise robot placement. Additionally, auto weld point detection and auto path generation easily accelerate welding setup.
These capabilities make the CRX‑3iA a practical solution for manufacturers seeking to automate small or variable tasks without committing to permanent fixtures or complex integration.
New Capabilities Across the CRX Collaborative Robot Lineup
Several new features and options that expand the performance and versatility of the entire CRX family include:
- New "Triangle Weave" Vertical Up Welding Profile
A breakthrough solution for out‑of‑position welding, FANUC's newly developed triangle weave profile counteracts weld‑puddle sag and replicates the precision of a skilled welder, enabling successful Vertical Up welding where automation traditionally struggled. What was once a major challenge can now be achieved with confidence through an intuitive, easy‑to‑use interface.
- Enhanced Palletizing Performance
About the company
FANUC America Corporation, a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, provides industry-leading CNC systems, robotics and ROBOMACHINEs. FANUC's innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers maximize efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. FANUC America is headquartered at 3900 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, and has facilities throughout North and South America. For more information, please call: 888-FANUC-US (888-326-8287) or visit our website: www.fanucamerica.com. Also, connect with us on YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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