PRODUCT REVIEWS
Artificial intelligence in new picking robot
Mecalux ( a global provider of automated warehouse solutions , warehouse management systems , and stacker cranes ) and technology specialist , Siemens , have combined their expertise and experience on industrial automation technologies . The partnership will optimise picking tasks in warehouses and logistics centres with a new solution that uses artificial intelligence . The solution is based on Siemens Xcelerator , the open digital business platform that includes a portfolio of software and IoT-enabled hardware , an ecosystem of partners and a marketplace .
The new automated solution from Mecalux is built on Siemens ’ Simatic Robot Pick AI technology , image processing software for robot solutions based on machine learning .
“ The 3D image processing software allows robots to pick any item in warehouse picking tasks , regardless of its shape and size . A pre-trained deep learning algorithm controls the ability to identify 3D positions for picking . Reliable picking positions are calculated in the shortest possible time , which enables highthroughput systems without collisions in the box . Simatic Robot Pick AI also offers seamless integration into the TIA Portal automation platform . The Simatic Robot Library can also be used to establish standardised communication
between robot and PLC systems ,” explained Siemens .
“ The technology partnership has enabled us to develop a highly flexible , safe and user-friendly robot solution that adapts to the specific needs of our customers ,” added Javier Carrillo , CEO of Mecalux .
Mecalux has launched two collaborative picking solutions based on Simatic Robot Pick AI : a cobot that is programmed to safely share the workstation with operators and another cobot that works autonomously in highperformance picking stations . The Mecalux picking solution is designed for 24 / 7 operation with up to 1,000 picks per hour .
A camera positioned above the cobot ’ s picking box captures a 3D image of the goods to compile the orders . Once the item has been selected , the cobot places it in the picking box , making best use of the available space . Mecalux has developed an algorithm to ensure that the cobot places the goods in exactly the right place . Using Mecalux ’ s warehouse management software , the collaborative picking solution can automatically change its gripping system depending upon the type of goods . After receiving a new box , the vision processing system and the AI algorithm from Siemens identify the items that it contains . Both determine the most suitable way to pick each product . Both cobots perform the picking process autonomously .
“ The picking robot solution from Mecalux shows how AI-controlled picking robots will now be more flexible , allowing different shapes , sizes and types of packaging to be processed quickly . The effects of the labour shortage can now be mitigated and operational efficiency in warehouses increased at the same time ,” concluded Dr . Alexander Bollig , Vice President of Vertical Market Intralogistics , Siemens Digital Industries .
See www . siemens . com / intralogistics / reference-mecalux n
Assembly process for smart production
A new concept assembly process has been developed by AMRC Cymru for aerospace manufacturer , Collins Aerospace , for its actuation systems site in Wolverhampton .
AMRC Cymru , part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre ( AMRC ) in the UK , was tasked with developing a Smart Assembly and Inspection Demonstrator ( SAID ) for Collins Aerospace ’ s factory in Wolverhampton ( UK ).
Having been given a deadline of just ten weeks , AMRC Cymru ( based in Broughton , North Wales ) successfully achieved its objective . It utilised and united computer-aided design ( CAD ) with existing technological systems such as the LightGuide Smart Workbench ( including projector , monitor and camera ) and DIOTA augmented reality software .
“ The result was a high-tech Smart Workstation which can operate in any language , enabling workers of all experience and abilities to assemble a gearbox via a much simpler , paperless method . Collins Aerospace implemented a demonstration station at its Midlands site , housed in its
The Smart Workstation .
technology development area , and hosted a number of sessions with people throughout the organisation ,” confirmed AMRC Cymru .
The Smart Workstation solution is designed to analyse processes to improve efficiency and provide insight into alternative , more efficient paths forward . The programme-controlled build process helps to maintain compliance with the approved manufacturing and assembly method .
“ From a training and flexibility perspective , a person can operate the Smart Workstation with limited experience and be taught the build process step-by-step , which ensures process outputs are consistent . Being very intuitive , the potential of the technology can also help improve operational efficiency and quality while improving the health and safety of operators ,” outlined AMRC Cymru .
“ With direction from the LightGuide , and such an easy-to-follow process which logs time and every step and movement of the manufacturing process , the general consensus among users who tested the demonstrator was that it would have a ‘ significant and beneficial ’ impact ,” it continued .
Gareth Towlson , senior manufacturing research engineer at AMRC Cymru , a member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult network , led the team at the Broughton facility to ensure that the workstation has the capacity to be tailored to a variety of requirements .
“ We ’ ve already had interest from other sectors and high-value manufacturers as the technology can be applied in many different ways . We have the skills and expertise to work with customers in any arena ,” he concluded . n
www . amrc . co . uk / cymru
64 | ismr . net | ISMR February 2024