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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1999

Brian Rooks

Describes the latest robot, the IRB 340 FlexPicker, from ABB Flexible Automation that is designed for high speed picking and placing operations found in the food and beverage…

Abstract

Describes the latest robot, the IRB 340 FlexPicker, from ABB Flexible Automation that is designed for high speed picking and placing operations found in the food and beverage industry. The new gantry mounted robot is based on a triple arm configuration licensed from a Swiss company. The robot is available with a vision system developed by Cognex utilising the patented PatMax image analysis system that is able to tolerate a high degree of image degradation and is ideal for industrial applications where ambient conditions may vary. A variety of possible layouts for picking, collating and mixing products are described.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

59

Abstract

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2002

429

Abstract

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 October 2001

90

Abstract

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Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 26 June 2007

Christine Connolly

To report some successful applications of vision‐controlled robots in picking and packing of foodstuffs.

1222

Abstract

Purpose

To report some successful applications of vision‐controlled robots in picking and packing of foodstuffs.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and capabilities of ABB's two picking robots are explained, and the specialist software that integrates vision guidance and product inspection. Then two food‐picking applications are described in detail.

Findings

The delta robot design combines low weight with high stiffness, giving very fast picking capability. The Cognex‐based vision system also produces high speed and precision, and is able to guide the robot and perform 100 per cent inspection in real time. Hygienic robot design allows it to handle open food.

Practical implications

ABB's FlexPicker robot has moved from being a niche product to a volume product, bringing high‐speed picking capability to a wider market.

Originality/value

Showcases the capability and flexibility of a powerful vision‐guided high‐speed robot.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2007

Christine Connolly

This paper aims to illustrate how robots can form an efficient, versatile and cost‐effective component in assembly operations.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate how robots can form an efficient, versatile and cost‐effective component in assembly operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The applicability of robots is illustrated by two integrated confectionery‐packing solutions, followed by a description of a portioning machine specially developed for floppy meats. The particular advantages of ABB's FlexPicker robot are described.

Findings

ABB's Global Partner Programme encourages the use of robots in automation, and such robots can achieve a rapid pay‐back, even in the low‐pay food‐packaging industry.

Originality/value

The paper brings to the attention of assembly engineers the possibility of incorporating robots in the assembly line.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2012

Richard Bloss

The purpose of this paper is to review the PACK EXPO show (packaging technology), with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications to packaging on display.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the PACK EXPO show (packaging technology), with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications to packaging on display.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots of all types and integrators of robots at the PACK EXPO Show.

Findings

Robots are addressing the packaging needs for faster robots, as well as robots that are smarter and can operate more autonomously than in the past.

Practical implications

Packaging customers now have robot innovations to address packaging requirements with faster and smarter product handling technologies to increase productivity and decrease packaging costs.

Originality/value

For packaging customers who could not attend PACK EXPO, the paper is an opportunity to see and learn about some of the robot innovations that were on display.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Karl‐Gunnar Johnsson

Describes the development and application of the ABB IRB 140 industrial robot. This robot is characterised by its small size (120cm high) and high load carrying capacity (5kg)…

Abstract

Describes the development and application of the ABB IRB 140 industrial robot. This robot is characterised by its small size (120cm high) and high load carrying capacity (5kg). Applications covered include welding, die spraying, machine tending and clean room.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 April 2020

Carlos Ye Zhu, J. Norberto Pires and Amin Azar

This study aims to report the development of a provisional robotic cell for additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic parts. To this end, the paper discusses cross-disciplinary…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to report the development of a provisional robotic cell for additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic parts. To this end, the paper discusses cross-disciplinary concepts related to the development of the robotic cell and the associated command and control system such as the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) interface, the slicing software and the path planning for the robot manipulator toward printing the selected workpiece. This study also reports the development of a virtual production cell that simulates the AM toolpath generated for the desired workpiece, the adaptation of the simulation environments to enable AM and the development of a user application to setup, command and control the AM processes. If a digital twin setup is efficiently built, with a good correlation between the simulation environment and the real systems, developers may explore this functionality to significantly reduce the development cycle, which can be very long in AM applications where metallurgic properties, part distortion and other properties need to be monitored and controlled.

Design/methodology/approach

To generate the robot manipulator path, several simulation programs were considered, resulting in different solutions to program and control the robot of choice [in this study, Kuka and Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) robots were considered]. By integrating the solutions from Slic3r, Inventor, Kuka.Sim, Kuka.Officelite, RobotStudio and Visual Studio software packages, this study aims to develop a functional simulation system capable of producing a given workpiece. For this purpose, a graphical user interface (GUI) was designed to provide the user with a higher level of control over the entire process toward simplifying the programming and implementation events.

Findings

The presented solutions are compatible with the simulation environments of specific robot manufacturers, namely, ABB and Kuka, meaning that the authors aim to align the developments with most of the currently realized AM processing cells. In the long-term, the authors aim to build an AM system that implements a produce-from-CAD strategy i.e. that can be commanded directly from the CAD package used to design the part the authors are interested in.

Research limitations/implications

This study attempts to shed light on the industrial AM, a field that is being constantly evolved. Arguably, one of the most important aspects of an AM system is path planning for the AM operation, which must be independent of the robotic system used. This study depicts a generic implementation that can be used with several robot control systems. The paper demonstrates the principle with ABB and Kuka robots, exploiting in detail simulation environments that can be used to create digital twins of the real AM systems. This is very important in actual industrial setups, as a good correlation between the digital twins (simulation environment and real system) will enable developers to explore the AM system in not only a more efficient manner, greatly reducing the development cycle but also as a way to fully develop new solutions without stopping the real setup. In this research, a systematic review of robot systems through simulation environments was presented, aiming to emulate the logic that is, used in the production cell development, disregarding the system brand. The adopted digital twin strategy enables the authors to fully simulate, both operationally and functionality, the real AM system. For this purpose, different solutions were explored using robots from two different manufacturers and related simulation environments, illustrating a generic solution that is not bound to a certain brand.

Practical implications

Using specific programming tools, fully functional virtual production cells were conceived that can receive the instructions for the movements of the robot, using a transmission control protocol/internet protocol. Conversion of the CAD information into the robot path instructions for the robot was the main research question in this study. With the different simulation systems, a program that translates the CAD data into an acceptable format brings the robot closer to the automatic path planning based on CAD data. Both ABB and Kuka systems can access the CAD data, converting it to the correct robot instructions that are executed. Eventually, a functional and intuitive GUI application capable of commanding the simulation for the execution of the AM was implemented. The user can set the desired object and run a completely automatic AM process through the designated GUI. Comparing ABB simulation with the Kuka system, an important distinction can be found, namely, in the exportation of the programs. As the Kuka program runs with add-ons, the solution will not be exported while maintaining its functionality, whereas the ABB program can be integrated with a real controller because it is completely integrated with modules of the virtual controller.

Originality/value

To conclude, with the solutions exploited, this study reports a step forward into the development of a fully functional generic AM cell. The final objective is to implement an AM system that is, independent of any robot manufacturer brand and uses a produce-from-CAD strategy (c.f. digital manufacturing). In other words, the authors presented a system that is fully automatic, can be explored from a CAD package and, consequently, can be used by any CAD designer, without specific knowledge of robotics, materials and AM systems.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2009

Christine Connolly

The purpose of this paper is to examine the capabilities, technological features and applications of a particular industrial robot simulation package.

1354

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the capabilities, technological features and applications of a particular industrial robot simulation package.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with an introduction to the general characteristics and distinguishing technological features of RobotStudio. Next, there is a detailed study of how the tool is used by a company developing bespoke automation solutions, particularly in the food industry. Finally, the educational value of the software is addressed.

Findings

RobotStudio is used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of robot programming and reduce downtime. It also has a role in remote maintenance and troubleshooting, risk management and education.

Originality/value

A study of the approach and achievements of an automation integrator makes the technological features of the software easier to understand, in their proper context.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 36 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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