With the two new family members Horst600 and Horst1400, Fruitcore Robotics is introducing an industrial robot below and above the already well-known Horst900. All models are easy to operate and, according to the manufacturer, offer a unique price-performance ratio. The two new family members are based on the proven Horst technology, are made in Germany and are supplied as a complete package. They can be programmed intuitively using the HorstFX software and the HorstPanel operating unit. They are connected to other machines via the complete HorstControl safety control system. The design also shows the family resemblance. However, like most of their brothers, they have very different features and strengths.

Small, fast and precise
With Horst600, Fruitcore is expanding its product family with a modular small robot. The smallest Horst is particularly suitable for applications in confined spaces and can also be mounted on the wall or ceiling for even more flexibility in use. With a footprint of 382 x 200 millimetres and a reach of 578 millimetres, it can move payloads of up to three kilograms - with a repeat accuracy of plus/minus 0.05 millimetres.

The industrial robot is available in two different versions: Horst600 is used in industrial environments, for example in metal processing, logistics or the plastics industry. Typical tasks include pick & place applications, palletizing or loading and unloading machines. The Horst600 lab version, which stands for "laboratory", is specially designed for laboratories, pharmaceutical and chemical companies. In addition to a suitable design, this industrial robot is adapted to the interface requirements of the industry and can be equipped with an appropriate gripper. Special features and modules also enable easy handling of test tubes or samples. To meet the requirements of the different fields of application, both versions of Horst600 are available in two performance classes: the "fast" version for applications where the cycle time is crucial, and the "strong" version when the payload is important.

Thanks to innovative manufacturing technology, the moving mass of Horst600 is very low. The powerful small robot weighs just under 20 kilograms. It therefore has different kinematics to the larger series. While the four-bar linkage of its larger siblings provides significant rigidity advantages and allows the use of smaller motors and gearboxes, the advantages of this kinematic concept are not required for smaller sizes and are therefore not used.

The Horst600 small robot is suitable for applications in pharmaceutical companies, laboratories, medical technology and industry. © Fruitcore

The engineers placed more emphasis on a compact design for the small model. It allows optimum maneuverability in the largest possible workspace. As with its big brothers, the modular robot arm is comparatively light and can be quickly serviced or repaired. The encoder technology developed by Fruitcore is also used, which ensures accuracy in conjunction with the drive system. With Horst600, Fruitcore is also equipping the first robot with the optional play-back process. This allows the operator to guide the robot by hand, which further simplifies programming.

High payload and reach
At the upper end of the performance scale, Fruitcore presents its second new robot - Horst1400. It is designed for tasks in logistics and the metal or plastics processing industry that require a large payload and reach or specify short cycle times. The industrial robot is suitable for picking, loading and unloading machines or pallet cages, among other things. The large eyrie can lift loads of up to ten kilograms and has a maximum reach of 1,400 millimetres.

As with its smaller brother, the Horst900, its drive technology is based on several nested four-bar linkages, which allows the drive power of the motors to be used more efficiently. This makes it possible to install smaller electric motors and gearboxes and still achieve the same quality and dynamics as conventional robots. The four-bar link chain drive results in a lower overall weight and significantly lower costs. as