Robotics is being used effectively in the packaging industry to replace humans for simple, repetitive or dangerous work. In theory, robots can work non-stop, with high efficiency and no injuries. For a long time, "robot" seems to be the name of the future. It first appeared in the script of Rossum's Universal Robots written by Czech author Karl Capek in 1920. But the ending of the story was a number of robot uprisings that eventually replaced their masters and wiped out humanity. However, the future still predicts an optimistic distance. The tamed robot takes care of our daily life. Although the current automation is not yet popular, there is no doubt that factories are using robots in large quantities and a new revolution is proceeding quietly. The American Robotics Association (RIA) reported that North American robot companies received nearly $700 million in new orders last year.
Application of robots in production packaging
In many ways, the packaging industry is the pioneer of applied robotics technology. There are many new improvements in robotics technology, but it is not a simple matter. Installing robots in factory buildings requires arduous planning, implementation and adjustment.
The Pepperidge Farm factory installed several robot systems in 1988. One system has 16 arms for clip products, and the other system has 18 arms for packaging. Until now, the two systems have been operating for 50,000 hours in total, except for maintenance.
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David Watson, Vice President of Engineering at Pepperidge Farm, said that there are two difficult application technologies that exceed the capabilities of robot vision and control. These application technologies require months of development and difficult learning. As a pioneer in automation technology, it provides technology and experience sharing to develop new robotics technology that is easier to program, install, and is faster and more reliable. Today, Pepperidge Farm has installed 90 robots and is responsible for packaging and production.
Among the suppliers, Pepperidge Farm is a customer of Flexicell Inc. Flexicell Inc. supplies robotic equipment and packaging and loading technology to the food, beverage, health care and consumer durables industries. They blended Adept Technology of San Jose, California with North American Fanuc Robotics and other technology products from Rochester, Michigan.
According to Watson, Flexicell solved the problem of efficient packing of Pepperidge Farm. Multi-axis robot packaging equipment, according to different packaging materials, up to 40-50 cycles per minute. With a calibrated conveyor belt, the device can reach up to 200 bags per minute.
Pepperidge Farm also installed robotic packaging kits with visual devices that can identify and inspect products. Using the light source and lens, the system can find out where the product is on the conveyor belt and determine if the product is consistent. During the production process, unqualified rejects and good products can be identified and selected at any location.
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