The new robot: fast, flexible, functional and affordable: enhanced vision and software technologies continue to boost production efficiencies for pick

Pick-and-place robotics hold a venerable place in most processing and packaging lines. While the equipment has been around for some time, the technology continues to improve and its use is expanding into new tasks.

Because they can be easily reprogrammed, robots have become a highly flexible tool in today's fast-changing manufacturing environment. And, with new functionalities, robots are also bringing automation to areas that used to require a human touch. Plants that are focused on ergonomics and worker safety are finding new uses for pick-and-place robots, especially for tedious and/or repetitive tasks.

And, as with any evolving technology, costs are leveling out even as robot functionality continues to climb.

Robotic technology suppliers continue to fine tune vision software and vision apparatus to further increase line speeds and production accuracies.

Vision and vision controls are tantamount to production efficiency. "The more intelligent-sensing the robot is capable of, the more complex the handling task can be," comments Roland Czuday, product manager, Delta Robot Systems, Sigpack Systems AG. "Thus, the development of highly sophisticated control and vision systems, combined with precise gripping technology is one prerequisite to fulfill the growing demand of format flexibility, distinguishing pack styles, careful and gentle product handling and high-volume product rates."

Camera-based vision guidance technology is getting more popular, according to Hans de Koning, president, Flexicell Inc. "The controls themselves are also getting more sophisticated," he says. "As PCs get more powerful and since most of the vision systems use PC, they are getting more powerful. Software is evolving. It is now easier than ever to work with and set up."

One of Flexicell's latest developments is a standard "off the shelf" robotic cup case packer. As de Koning describes, the robot will pick the cups directly from the filler and place them into an erected case. It will "collapse" the center lines of the cups in two directions (with a patented gripper) to fit more cups into a smaller case by overlapping the lids of the cups.