Robotic Tray Packer Designed for Display Trays
The new compact ESS (ess.com) Model V30M Robotic Tray Packer uses three FANUC robots with ESS-designed, custom end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) to erect and glue display trays, load and then cover them with an half-slotted container (HSC) cover that is taped to the tray. A servo collation table creates the required pack pattern as bottles enter at a rate of up to 200 bottles per minute. The first robot, a FANUC M-10iA/12, picks and places a tray blank in the forming device, which folds and glues the bottom of the tray. Pneumatic assemblies then fold and tuck the sides of the tray. A FANUC M-20iA robot with custom balloon-style EOAT picks the collated bottles and places them in the tray. A second FANUC M-10iA/12 robot will pick an HSC cover and place the cover. The tray conveys through a taping system that folds and tapes the top of the HSC cover and also tapes the cover to the bottom of the tray.
Robots Handle Tracking During Retort Process
Allpax (allpax.com), a ProMach brand, has expanded the capabilities of robots for handling pouches, bowls and cartons in retort automation through integration with the company’s AllTrax basket tracking system. AllTrax lowers the risk of unsterilized or incorrectly sterilized product leaving the retort room. The robotic systems were improved with quick changeover and product carrier flexibility, enabling multiple container sizes to run on a single end-of-arm tool. The maintenance-free AllTrax system automatically alerts personnel when product does not follow the required path through the retort. Operators can access the status of every basket logged into the system via human machine interface (HMI). In cases where product status does not match the proper location; the operator is alarmed, the alarm is logged, and plant management is required to assess the situation. Password protection is used to prevent unauthorized overrides. Through AllTrax and other software tools, operations possess a date and time-stamped electronic record of every basket’s/product’s journey through sterilization.
Portable, Automated Sortation System for E-commerce Fulfillment
Tompkins Robotics (tompkinsinc.com), a division of Tompkins International, and RightHand Robotics (righthandrobotics.com), a leader in robotic piece-picking solutions, have collaborated on a portable, automated sortation system called t-Sort. The system uses RightPick, robotic piece-picking systems, providing flexibility and throughput for e-commerce and omni-channel fulfillment. The t-Sort system performs much like a conventional tilt tray or crossbelt sorter. However, the difference is that it uses independent robots, providing any-to-any flow from induct stations to divert points in a modular system that is easy to reconfigure as business scales or to accommodate seasonal peaks. RightPick is a software and hardware solution that picks individual items for e-commerce order fulfillment. With RightPick, businesses can reduce costs and improve reliability of the fulfillment process for pharmaceuticals, electronics, grocery, apparel, and countless other industries. Unlike traditional factory robots, RightPick handles items using a machine learning back-end, coupled with an intelligent gripper.
Robotic Tool for Delicate, High-Speed Handling
JLS Automation (jlsautomation.com) has introduced a robotic pick-and-place system that handles delicate, soft items like chocolate-covered snacks, dessert cakes and muffins. With a lightweight design that needs minimal mechanical action to pick and place items, the Elastomer robotic end-of-arm picking tool efficiently picks and places delicate items at high speeds while maintaining product integrity. Applications include loading delicate food products into flow-wrappers, plastic trays and clamshells. The tool ensures hygienic conditions. FDA-approved elastomer belts that are metal detectable reinforce JLS’ commitment to providing hygienic robotic solutions that are designed for ease-of-use, easy cleaning and quality. The Elastomer robotic picking tool is equipped with quick-change tooling and minimal wear parts, making it easy to use and maintain.
New Web 4.0 System Brings Color to Market
The new BlisterJet CMYK from Hapa (hapa.ch) is bringing splashes of color to the pharmaceutical market. And digitally, too—with the new Web 4.0. The BlisterJet CMYK is a true late-stage customization specialist when it comes to the four-color printing of graphics and text on prefabricated blister packaging. The Web 4.0 is designed for high-resolution printing on web materials. It can be integrated into existing packaging lines and fits seamlessly into the digital workflow. Its modular concept is based on standard components which can be combined as needed. Thanks to the integrated digital printing module, the system can expand up to six spot colors or WCMYK plus lacquer, allowing production adaptations. The Web 4.0 already fulfills future serialization requirements, and is capable of printing individual data on each individual blister pocket.
