a different approach to vacuum handling than others in the industry , deploying cups with independent vacuum generators for greater control over the picking and placing operation .
A further benefit of the UniPAKer is that it is a standard machine . This means it is proven technology and customers are not paying for the development costs associated with bespoke robotic systems .
Brillopak has developed a robot control system that has allowed it to optimise the acceleration / deceleration curve by enabling greater adjustability of parameters .
The company considered other packing systems , but it was the inherent flexibility of the award-winning UniPAKer robotic crate packing solution that convinced Adrian Scripps to partner Brillopak on this project .
“ We looked at mechanical systems where the pack is turned to orientate it , but the flexibility of the UniPAKer won us over – it is infinitely programmable and allows you to make very small adjustments to get the pack to the exact target location ,” explains James .
Each of the four UniPAKer crate loading cells at Adrian Scripps houses two delta type robots , each performing a single pick . The benefit of a single pick is that it eliminates the need for accumulation . To maximise packing speed , the crate is dynamically loaded as it is moving ; working alongside each other , the robots take it in turn to partially fill the crate , picking individual packs off the infeed conveyor and positioning them deftly and precisely in the crate at the programmed orientation . The robots perform this task with a degree of dexterity and rotation that would not be feasible with a layer-based automated handling system . can successfully pack apples at speeds of 75 ppm , without damaging the product . We have achieved this via innovative end-effector design , combined with our knowledge of motion control and robotics ,” explains David Jahn , director at Brillopak .
One of the hotspots for damage is the point at which the pack is released from the endeffector , with some rival robots dropping fruit from heights of 250mm . Brillopak has developed a robot control system that has allowed it to optimise the acceleration / deceleration curve by enabling greater adjustability of parameters .
“ When lifting a pack of apples , the robot arm accelerates strongly upwards into a curve , then decelerates down into the crate , so the pack is tightly controlled as it reaches the bottom of the crate .” explains David .
The UniPAKer can run with a variety of end-effectors depending on the product being packed . For apples , a vacuum head ensures gentle handling . Brillopak takes
The project saw Brillopak install four UniPAKer robotic crate packing systems , four Crate DESTAKers , four vertical accumulation units and three robotic palletisers . Thanks to this investment in automation , Adrian Scripps now has a fully automated crate packing operation that is capable of running at up to 75 ppm , giving the company the capacity uplift it needed .
But the true measure of the success of the project is the threefold increase in per person productivity that Adrian Scripps has experienced .
“ Reduction of labour is a consideration , but it is productivity per person that we are really interested in ,” says James . “ Thanks to our investment in automation , this is considerably higher than it was . In 2013 , we were working at 2.5-5 packs per person per minute . Now we are working at 15 packs per person per minute . That is a threefold increase .”
James concluded “ You can honestly trust Brillopak . A British company , on our doorstep at the forefront of their field . They ’ re innovative , proactive and delivered everything we asked . We couldn ’ t have worked with a better partner on this project
The robots perform this task with a degree of dexterity and rotation that would not be feasible with a layer-based automated handling system .
Many robotics suppliers shy away from applications involving delicate fruit such as apples , as they bruise very easily . The speeds required to achieve target paybacks cannot be met without unacceptable levels of product damage , rendering some automation projects unfeasible .
Brillopak overcomes these challenges through innovative end-effector design and unrivalled experience of motion control .
“ Apples are very delicate products , making them very difficult to pack at high speed . We are the only automation supplier who
Each of the four UniPAKer crate loading cells at Adrian Scripps houses two delta type robots , each performing a single pick .
For further information , please visit www . brillopak . co . uk
Issue 49 PECM 85