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BEYOND THE OVEN: ROBOTICS REVOLUTIONISES INSPECTION AND HANDLING IN BAKERIES

In today’s increasingly competitive industrial landscape, gantry robots—also known as Cartesian robots—are emerging as one of the most versatile and efficient solutions for automation. Unlike articulated or SCARA robots, gantry systems are mounted on elevated structures that move across the workspace. This configuration allows them to handle parts with high precision, cover large surface areas, and free up valuable floor space.
These robots are widely used across various industries for material handling, pick-and-place operations, assembly, dispensing, sealing, and welding tasks within production lines. Their elevated positioning makes them especially suitable for sectors such as automotive, where they manage heavy components, feed welding stations, or transfer parts between lines; aerospace, where they handle large-scale components requiring accuracy and repeatability; consumer goods, where they streamline packaging, palletizing, and order preparation; and smart logistics, where they efficiently sort and move goods in tight spaces.
One of the key advantages of gantry robots lies in their ability to optimize space. Operating from above, they eliminate the need for floor-mounted equipment, which is crucial in facilities with physical constraints. Their adaptability is another strength—they can be equipped with a wide range of end effectors, such as grippers, welders, or suction cups, to suit different applications. In terms of performance, they help reduce cycle times, minimize human error, and boost overall line productivity. Their elevated reach also enables access to areas that ground-mounted robots simply cannot cover.
While articulated robots dominate the market for their flexible movement and SCARA robots excel in high-speed repetitive tasks, gantry systems stand out in large-scale operations that require long, linear travel. Articulated robots often take up floor space and face limitations in reach, whereas gantry robots offer superior spatial efficiency and coverage across expansive work zones.

Companies like URC, based in Bilbao, bring valuable expertise in supplying refurbished industrial robots and complete cells that integrate peripherals such as linear tracks, positioners, and welding systems. Their facilities often showcase robots moving along linear guides—a concept closely aligned with gantry systems. Moreover, their thorough inspection of axes, wrists, and calibration ensures the precision required for applications where linear motion is critical.
This level of know-how in advanced automation and robotic cells demonstrates how gantry systems, when paired with high-quality refurbished robots, can become an accessible and strategic solution for companies aiming to maximize space, reduce cycle times, and enhance productivity without compromising on accuracy.

THE POWER OF AUTOMATION: YASKAWA MH-SERIES NOW WITH HIGHER PAYLOADS

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Industrial robotics is evolving at a remarkable pace, and Yaskawa Motoman continues to lead the way with its MH series of material-handling robots. Known for their versatility and efficiency, these robots have taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of models capable of handling heavier loads—reshaping the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial automation.

At the forefront of this advancement is the MH215, a robot that stands out for its speed, power, and precision. Built to handle large components, it features highly durable drive units on each of its primary axes. Despite its rapid movements, the MH215 maintains exceptional positional repeatability at ±0.2 mm, ensuring stability and accuracy even in the most demanding operations.

Its reach is impressive: a vertical span of 3,894 mm and a horizontal extension of 2,912 mm allow it to manage complex tasks with ease. The MH215 excels in rigorous applications such as machine tending, pick-and-place operations, spot welding, and cutting—making it a comprehensive solution for a wide range of industries.

The MH series has undergone a significant transformation with the integration of high-payload models. While previous iterations included robots with lighter load capacities—such as the MH5 and MH6, and medium-range versions like the MH50 and its extended-reach variants—the inclusion of the MH215 and its 165 kg, 185 kg, and 250 kg versions has ushered in a new era of performance. This expansion not only enables the handling of much heavier parts but also streamlines production line design, lowering costs and improving operational efficiency.

These robotic advancements have been embraced across multiple industries that require precise handling of heavy components. In the automotive sector, companies like Toyota and Ford use models like the MH215 and the MH50 II-35 for spot welding and the assembly of large parts. In metallurgy and manufacturing, General Motors integrates MH50 units for cutting and manipulating metal components. In construction, firms rely on these robots to manage bulky materials such as steel beams and concrete blocks. Even in electronics and technology, giants like Bosch and Siemens employ MH-series robots for the assembly of electronic parts and the handling of industrial batteries.

The benefits are clear. These high-capacity robots offer greater load-handling capabilities, reduce the need for complex machinery by offering streamlined robotic solutions, enhance efficiency in repetitive tasks, and adapt seamlessly to a wide variety of applications—from welding to large-scale assembly.

As the demands of the industrial world grow more dynamic, robotics continues to evolve to meet them. Through the expansion of its MH series, Yaskawa Motoman reinforces its commitment to innovation and productivity—delivering tools that empower companies to grow, adapt, and face new challenges with confidence.

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