The robots in the new MOTOMAN HD series (HD stands for "Hygienic Design") by Yaskawa are capable of performing a wide range of handling tasks in hygiene-sensitive applications, including laboratory automation, the pharmaceutical sector, and the food and beverage industry.
They meet the strict requirements of sterile environments and cleanrooms: in addition to being suitable for use in hygienic areas up to the highest level of cleanliness of class A GMP in accordance with EHEDG, EN 1672-2 and ISO 14159 standards, they are also certified for use in cleanrooms according to ISO 14644-1, in class 5 in the case of the HD7 and in class 4 in the case of the HD8, according to the measurement and evaluation procedure defined in ISO 14644-14.
A hygienic design for laboratories and cleanrooms
A hygienic design is a prerequisite. This is where the expertise of the Fraunhofer IPA Institute came in. The Motoman HD7 recently won one of the world's most prestigious design competitions, the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024. The Red Dot Award is internationally recognized as one of the most coveted quality labels in the field of design.
The new handling robot features specific characteristics to ensure easy cleaning, including special O-rings and a rounded design with no retention areas and completely free of external screws, holes, or recesses. Furthermore, the surfaces and materials used are mechanically and chemically resistant to the cleaning products and processes commonly found in the bioscience, chemical, and food industries.
The highest IP69K protection rating and its exceptionally smooth surface (surface roughness < 0.8 Ra) minimize the adhesion of dirt particles and microorganisms. Cleaning is further simplified by the fact that cables and harnesses (e.g., for compressed air) run inside the robot arm, as they can be routed through the robot's base. Other advantages include low particulate emissions (ISO class 5 for the HD7 and ISO class 4 for the HD8) and the use of food-grade grease (FGG).
High-performance robots for the European market
The high-performance, 6-axis MOTOMAN HD8 "Hygienic Design" robot, specially developed for hygienic and aseptic environments and IP69 certified, meets the stringent standards of applications in the food processing industry, as well as in laboratories, medical facilities, and pharmaceuticals. Its features include a sealed enclosure, antimicrobial surface, food-grade grease, and internal wiring. It is therefore easy to clean and resistant to the most commonly used disinfection products and processes in industry.
In terms of programming, the HD8 can be controlled with Yaskawa's standard controller and software, like the entire range, or also via the intuitive "Smart Pendant" touch tablet-type box.
The HD8 robot therefore guarantees industrial-level quality and the highest reliability for many years of operation, even in humid environments.
