Observations from Intelligrated’s robotics expert, Earl Wohlrab, on a
pair of developments that are advancing robotics used in downstream packaging
applications.
by Rick Lingle, Editor in Chief
Earl Wohlrab, manager of robotic integration at
Intelligrated, points to two exciting robotic-based technologies in material handling that
have made great strides the past 12 to 18 months.
The first-and with the
greatest impact in the near term, he says-is for the integration of
programmable-logic controller (PLC)- based controls into the robotics-basedhybridpalletizing market.
“A hybrid palletizer
merges the best of both worlds by integrating the infinite pattern forming
flexibility of an articulated arm robot with the solid and proven layer-handling
capabilities of a conventional palletizer,” explains Wohlrab. “Combining these
features with a universally accepted control platform like the PLC will allow
packaging professionals to push innovation while also allowing the technicians
and engineers on the plant floor the peace of mind that comes with field proven
technology.”
The other development
centers on improvements in vision technology to complement the advances on
machinery side.
“A new breed of vision software products has greatly reduced the cost of
entry into vision guided robotic solutions,” says Wohlrab. “These new software
tools allow for the use of web cams at the entry point. The software tools
themselves have been designed to allow for easier operation. All this combines
to allow for more innovative solutions.”
To
read more on robotics in packaging, see the March 2012 cover feature,Robotics
revolutionize packaging operations, in our online digital edition.
Two technical advances in downstream robotic systems
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