The following article discusses the advancements of the second generation of collaborative robots (cobots). In the past, cobots had some limitations, because they could only take lightweight products. Moreover, programming them could be a challenge for some users.
The second generation of cobots: increased features and flexibility
As integrators, we have been working to design solutions that meet the needs of our customers. The second generation of cobots is coming with more features, such as increased reach, greater payload and improved safety.
One of the key advantages of cobots is their flexibility. They can be programmed easily, not only in the beginning of the project but also when we are in the production line, which makes them ideal for businesses that require quick adaptation to changing needs.
When designing cobot projects, it’s important to consider its flexibility, as Santy Witarsa, CEO at Xolertic, emphasized ”when we design the project, we need to understand the flexibility of the cobot so we can design different scenarios for our customers”. In this sense, we work closely with our customers to understand their specific needs and design cobot applications that meet those needs.
Despite the many benefits of cobots, we understand that some businesses may be hesitant to adopt this technology. Many are unfamiliar with the programming and operation of these machines. However, we have seen that cobots can be used for a wide variety of applications, not only palletizing, but also case backing, proofing, organizing flows, feeding machines for cartons, among others.
Ensuring safety in industrial robotics
As industrial robots become increasingly prevalent in manufacturing processes, ensuring their safety has become a top priority. This is where OMRON, technology partner of the Barcelona Packaging Hub, created a department called OMRON Safety Services in Europe.
Cristian Gago, Strategic Markets Team Leader at OMRON says, “We are not only offering a box, we are offering a box plus service”. The analysis of the cobot, its grippers and the environment of the application must be done at the beginning of the project to ensure its success. This is a crucial step that must be taken by both the system integrator and OMRON, to define everything from the gripper to the distance between machines and how the operator can safely interact with the cobot.
We invite you to view our webinar on the latest innovations in collaborative robotics.
Revolutionizing palletizing with smart solutions
Many businesses are facing the challenge of palletizing different SKUs and creating mixed pallets for their shipments. To address this issue, nowadays there are softwares which allow us to mixt palletized and we can develop different kinds of solutions.
In this sense, we understand the complexity of palletizing different SKUs, but we are working with integrators to offer smart solutions to our customers. The integrated solutions include safety, servos, mechatronics, and control, ensuring that the process is efficient and secure.
Different applications of cobots
We have been exploring the various applications of cobots in the industry. Traditionally, cobots have been used for palletizing, but with advancements in technology, they can now handle more complex tasks such as case packing. However, one of the major concerns that our customers have is the lack of flexibility in the design of cobots. Once a prototype is created, it is difficult to modify it, making it a costly investment.
To address this issue, we have been working with our technology partners to develop solutions that offer greater flexibility. One such solution is OMRONs MoMa Mobile Manipulator, which is a mix of cobotic mobile robots and with an additional arm.This solution has been particularly useful for tasks like picking up samples from different lines, which can be time-consuming for quality personnel.
Another issue that our customers have raised is the need for traceability and the ability to make mixed pallets. We have been able to address this concern by integrating the cobot with a vision system that allows for greater precision and accuracy in selecting products. The cobot is managed by our PLC and communicates with our SQL database to manage different pallets with different products, providing greater traceability.
But there is another challenge for companies to face, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Manufacturers need to produce sustainable, safe and high-quality products. A leak of one gear can become a source of contaminaƟon, and be transmitted to other production areas.
For this reason, OMRON, our technology partner, has recently launched the Cobot Food Grease Grease, with specially formulated lubricants designed to meet the stringent requirements of the food industry. Not only is the food-grade grease tasteless and odorless, but it’s resistant to plastics and other common packaging materials. In addition, OMRON’s lineup of FGG collaborative robots includes a variety of models to guarantee the right reach and payload for different applications.
In conclusion, the rise of small batch production has necessitated more flexible solutions, and cobotics offers an excellent option. With integrated vision systems, labeling capabilities, and efficient movement, cobots provide a safer and more productive way to handle repetitive tasks. The key to success is in the integration of safety measures, and carton feeders have become one of the most requested applications after smart palletizing, particularly for feeding machines. By partnering with system integrators, we can offer a variety of proposals to support the unique needs of our customers.
