Omron and FlexLink design collaborative palletiser
March 2022System Integration & Control Systems Design
Collaborative robots (cobots) are being used in a wide variety of applications, a recent example being a partnership between FlexLink and Omron. FlexLink offers flexible, modular conveyors and industrial automation equipment, including palletising solutions, to hundreds of customers across the world. FlexLink solutions can be found on the production lines of major brands in food manufacturing and personal care. Following a request from a major manufacturer, the two companies joined forces to create a collaborative palletiser using Omron cobots.
Stéphane Chevalard, FlexLink’s engineering supervisor, described the benefits of the solution: “Palletisation using cobots has a wide variety of benefits as it is very flexible. The system can easily be moved from one area of production to another. It can even be swapped between lines because it’s self-supporting and easy to move. It also allows collaboration with operators, who can work in safe proximity to the cobot without fencing or laser scanners due to the active security we’ve added, which has enabled us to gain CE certification.”
Developing the system
Omron and FlexLink were both involved in the initial design of the project, and the solution is continuously evolving as they receive feedback from users. The development of the system took place over several months, to ensure that the result would be flexible and easy to configure. The palletising system can process both US and Euro standard pallets, up to a height of 2 metres, thanks to the accessories that have been added.
The cobot has a capacity of up to 8 boxes or parts per minute (ppm), or 14 ppm with a dual-pick vacuum gripper. The new palletising systems can handle boxes of 10 kg or 12 kg, as two different types of cobots can be used: the Omron TM12 or the TM14.
Gary Hinault, FlexLink’s controls engineer, commented: “This solution meets the need for automated palletisation, which relieves the operators from this repetitive task so that they can focus on tasks with more added value, and that is more interesting.”
The cobots can be delivered in a fairly short time and the installation takes just one or two days. The automated palletising system helps operators to avoid the risk of musculoskeletal disorders or injuries caused by lifting heavy loads. The manufacturer that originally requested the cobot has calculated the return-on-investment period for the new system as being about one and a half to two years.
How certified industrial automation channels become co-creators in the AI era Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
As industrial automation becomes software-driven and AI-enabled, the role of channel partners is shifting from equipment supply to outcome-based consulting, software integration and lifecycle services that require continuous certification and capability development.
Read more...Why integration defines the next competitive edge in pulp and paper
System Integration & Control Systems Design
ABB’s Arvin Ramjee argues that fragmented automation, assembled from different suppliers at different stages of a plant’s lifecycle has become one of the pulp and paper industry’s most overlooked commercial risks, and that true integration, rather than surface-level connectivity, is what delivers measurable business value.
Read more...Integrated automation enhances water treatment at dairy facility Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and reverse osmosis system at a major South African dairy processing facility, achieving a 50% reduction in the client’s water utility costs.
Read more...Intelligent process control is reshaping cement production in Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Advanced process control, predictive analytics and automation are helping African cement producers cut energy use and stabilise output as they contend with rising electricity costs and tighter margins.
Read more...Process Dynamics – Integrated Automation for Dairy Water Treatment Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design Project and industry
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at one of South Africa’s ...
Read more...New SI programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s SI Energise 2.0 programme offers system integrators a competency-based framework to develop deeper expertise in EcoStruxure and AVEVA software, enabling them to deliver full-lifecycle industrial automation solutions.
Read more...AI and smart solutions for underground proximity detection systems
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Booyco Electronics explains why fitting proximity detection systems underground is far more complex than installing sensors, and how integration, data and intelligent analytics are helping mines manage the challenge.
Read more...Why cloud-ready BMS is reshaping building operations Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version