FANUC Showcases Smart Injection Moulding, Robotics & Digital Manufacturing at FAKUMA 2026

FANUC is deploying advanced electric injection moulding equipment integrated with artificial intelligence and standardized digital connectivity for the plastics processing sector. These automated robotic systems specifically target manufacturing application areas in medical packaging and precision technical components to ensure strict process repeatability.

Advanced CNC Control in Electric Injection Moulding
At the 30th Fakuma trade fair, scheduled for October 12 to 16, 2026, in Friedrichshafen, Germany, FANUC is operating two fully electric ROBOSHOT injection moulding cells. The systems utilize computer numerical control to govern servo drives, enabling continuous regulation of acceleration, motion, and holding pressure. The ROBOSHOT S180C model is configured for technical moulding applications. It incorporates cavity pressure monitoring across all mould cavities and uses simulation-supported hot runner balancing mechanisms to manage material flow. This instrumentation allows engineers to maintain process stability and minimize material waste by correcting pressure deviations during the injection cycle. For medical manufacturing, the ROBOSHOT S350C functions as a consolidated production cell that manufactures medical packaging. The machine is mechanically synchronized with automated part handling robotics, which unload and package components directly at the machine interface, maximizing factory floor space utilization while preserving strict dimensional tolerances.

Generative AI Integration for Collaborative Robotics
Industrial automation deployment is evolving through the application of artificial intelligence within robotic control architectures. FANUC is demonstrating its CRX collaborative robot series, which utilizes generative AI algorithms to process voice commands for initial programming sequences. This software interface translates spoken logic into functional robotic waypoints, removing the immediate requirement for manual coding during the setup phase. Machine vision systems are systematically integrated with the robotic arms, permitting the cobots to calculate part orientation and adjust handling trajectories dynamically during sorting, inspection, or assembly tasks.

Industrial Internet of Things and Connectivity Protocols
Digital manufacturing infrastructures require standardized communication layers to operate efficiently. The FANUC digital ecosystem functions through LINKi2 software and manufacturing execution system connectivity. The underlying architecture relies on EUROMAP 82.1 and 82.2 standardized interfaces to facilitate uninterrupted data exchange between the injection moulding machines, peripheral temperature control units, and handling systems. Additional factory integration utilizes WebAPI applications and Moldex3D simulation data, allowing production engineers to correlate predictive digital twin models with physical machine performance metrics.

Industry Deployment and Operational Scope
Paul Ribus, Head of Sales Coordination at FANUC Europe, stated that integrating electric injection moulding with artificial intelligence and standard digital connectivity directly addresses fundamental industrial requirements for data-driven manufacturing. He indicated that connecting hardware metrics with automated robotic handling allows operators to establish resilient and scalable production cycles. The hardware systems and digital interfaces are located in Hall 7, Booth A7-7304 at the Messe Friedrichshafen exhibition center.

Additional Context:
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement

The FANUC ROBOSHOT series competes directly in the all-electric injection moulding machine sector alongside systems such as the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag IntElect, Engel e-motion, and Arburg Allrounder A. The ROBOSHOT machines utilize a double toggle clamping mechanism and proprietary CNC servo drives, achieving a reduction in energy consumption of approximately 50 to 70 percent compared to conventional hydraulic injection systems. In the collaborative robotics market, the FANUC CRX series features payload capacities ranging from 3 kg to 30 kg and reach capabilities spanning up to 1756 mm, competing with the Universal Robots UR series and the KUKA LBR iisy. The CRX models utilize internal torque sensors for force feedback without requiring external hardware, providing a baseline repeatability of plus or minus 0.04 mm, and are engineered to operate for eight years without standard mechanical maintenance intervals.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals editor, assisted by AI.

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