Robotic cell for automated packing and handling

Citation

(2000), "Robotic cell for automated packing and handling", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927eaf.002

Robotic cell for automated packing and handling

Robotic cell for automated packing and handling

Keywords Motoman, Robotics, Handling

Motoman Robotics (UK) has launched its SP-100 robot, specifically designed for palletising applications. It is a four-axis CNC servo-controlled model whose rigid design supports high speed movement of heavy payloads up to 160kg.

Inside the SP-100 arm there are two separate air channels for supplying pneumatic power to the grippers as well as a 23-wire cable for an electrical supply. As an alternative to pneumatic and servo grippers, vacuum and forklift versions are available. All are normally configured for performing multiple operations.

Off-line programming is assisted by user-friendly, Windows-based software developed by Yaskawa, the Japanese robot manufacturer. Basic system and load data are input and a stacking pattern is either selected from a library or created by a drag-and-drop technique. Sequences may be simulated before the program is loaded into the robot controller and a 3D model is created on the colour screen to check for interference, palletising pattern and cycle time.

Accurate repeatability of movements makes these robots ideal for automated handling applications, especially in the bottling and packing industry.

The controller will be the Motoman XRC, which is the first to be able to control 27 separate axes simultaneously – sufficient for orchestrating the actions of three six-axis robots and synchronising them with conveyors and other peripheral equipment.

A typical bottling application is illustrated in Plate 2. It comprises a guarded, interlocked cell in which a Motoman robot takes bottles from a table-top, roller chain conveyor and places them into cases on a separate conveyor. The latter has two accumulation zones and a 30 degree tilt station to facilitate insertion of the bottles into the crates. Options include mechanical instead of pneumatic grippers, bar-code reader, label printer/applicator and a choice of conveyor types including stainless steel versions.

Plate 2 Close-up of a Motoman robot packing bottles in an automated handling cell

For further infomation, please contact: John D'Angelillo, Managing Director, Motoman Robotics (UK) Ltd, 1 Swan Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 8DJ. Tel: +44(0)1295 272755; Fax: +44(0)1295 267127.