18 WESTERN PALLET
Alliance Automation Partners with IVISYS for Automated Pallet Inspection
With traction in Europe and retail DC installations in North America, the first pallet recycler IVISYS implementation is scheduled for early next year in Canada.
Alliance Automation has entered into an exclusive partnership with Sweden-based IVISYS to promote ithe latter's state-of-the-art inspection technology in North America, as announced in the December issue of Pallet Enterprise. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the standard for pallet quality in the region, leveraging IVISYS's advanced 2-D pallet inspection machine and AI-assisted analysis software.
IVISYS's system, widely used in Europe, has been instrumental in managing pallet pools, grading pallets, and maintaining quality standards. Now, this technology is set to make its mark in North America, with the first installation planned at a Canadian pallet recycler.
A key component of IVISYS's success is its PALLETAI software, which functions akin to a human inspector, meticulously examining pallets for defects using 26 neural networks and high-resolution 2D cameras.
“Since the sixteen cameras combined generate almost 200 images per pallet, no area is left unseen, and the best resolution is measured in sub- millimeters,” explained Stefan Bohman, president and CEO at Ivisys. “Everything measured is then handed over to the customer who configures in detail how they want their sorting and which criteria are the most important.”
The PALLETAI has an AI component built into it. So, as the system sees new things, it becomes smarter and better at inspecting pallets. AI, similarly, is perfect for detecting mold or dis- coloration through pattern recognition. IVISYS software can track loads from customers, save data on all defects and create reports that can be used for discussions and pricing. With the data packages, it is also possible to get a detailed view of all pallets flowing through the facility on a component-level basis.
The IVISYS system's functionality is not limited to identifying physical damage; it also detects mold or discoloration through pattern recognition. This multifaceted inspection approach includes analyzing pallet size, color, and overall condition, ensuring compliance with established standards.
(Cont'd on Page 20)
An IVISYS pallet inspection line typically includes an inbound conveyor. A stationary robot unstacks pallets and inducts them into the inspection cell. At the same time, it can also be used to set aside con-conforming pallets. After inspection, another robot stacks pallets onto the appropriate outbound conveyor. Because the solution is scalable, the number of lanes, robots, and inspection units can be increased as needed.****For white-wood recyclers, rental companies, and warehouse users, this system offers a leap in managing pallet assets. Wenninger noted that the IVISYS system could significantly reduce pallet-related issues in Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), which often lead to costly downtimes.