Rethink Robotics announced today distribution partnerships with Freise Automation and HAHN Robotics to deliver Sawyer to German manufacturers.
Sawyer, the company’s second collaborative robot, has a single-arm and is designed to handle machine tending, circuit board testing and other high precision tasks.
Sawyer weighs in at 19kg (42lbs) with a payload of 4kg (8.8lbs), seven axes and a 1260mm (49.6 inch) reach. High resolution force-sensing technology is embedded in each joint for compliant motion control. A Cognex camera is built into the wrist that enables the Robot Positioning System.
Sawyer is IP54-rated and capable of functioning in harsh and semi-structured factory environments. It can perform tasks requiring as little as 01.mm tolerance and has a service life of 35,000 hours.
The exclusive distributor of Sawyer in northern Germany, Freise Automation, is a designer and manufacturer of pneumatic equipment, solenoid valves, vacuum technology, electric drives and related technology.
The other German distributor, HAHN Robotics, is a supplier and design manufacturer in automation for material handling, assembly, inspection, research and development.
HAHN Robotics will manage distribution in southern Germany and neighboring nations including:
- Austria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Romania
- Turkey
"With its Industry 4.0 initiative, Germany is aggressively pursuing economic growth with manufacturing innovation, investing $1.5 trillion to help drive the growth of smart factories," said Scott Eckert, president and CEO of Rethink Robotics.
"Germany is a key market for our continued global expansion and German manufacturers are looking for collaborative robots to help them become more efficient and responsive to customer demand,” Eckert continued. “With the help of our two new distribution partners, Sawyer will soon be on factory floors throughout Germany to help meet these needs and deliver on the promise of Industry 4.0."
Distributing in Germany and its neighbouring nations is a strong strategic move for Rethink. Major European robot manufacturers like FANUC and KUKA Robotics are only beginning to enter into the collaborative submarket.
For more information about Sawyer and Rethink Robotics, visit their website.