Motoman's modular, pre-engineered PackWorld(TM)

Motoman's modular, pre-engineered PackWorld^TM

Keywords Packaging, Robots

Motoman continues its modular concept for robotic solutions with PackWorld. Standard components include a Motoman high-speed, six-axis robot, XRC controller and menu-driven application software, an integrated gripper package, powered conveyor(s), and an operator interface (Plate 11).

 Plate 11 PackWorld - standard, modular packaging solution

Benefits of a standard solution include:

• low engineering costs;

• productivity increased through highly reliable operation;

• reduced lost production time and workers' compensation claims resulting from back injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Motoman's high-speed robots are ideal for packaging applications. Depending on payload and reach requirements, the UP6, SK16X, SV3, or SV035 robots can be integrated in a PackWorld solution. Each flexible robot has six degrees of freedom for easy placement of products in non-partitioned cases, unlike dedicated hard automation. Each robot can also place products in partitioned cases. These robots can be equipped with various grippers (i.e. mechanical or vacuum) depending on the application. Reconfigurable grippers can accommodate a complete range of consumer products, including bottles, small boxes, bags, or irregular shapes, and can make multiple picks at a time.

Pre-engineered modules are integrated with the robot to achieve the desired functionality and packaging throughput.

PackWorld reliability, especially important for automation, is a major factor for its high performance. Motoman robots boast over a 50,000 hour MTBF (mean time between failure) average for both the robot manipulator and controller. PackWorld is fully safeguarded from power loss with special power failure recovery processing and absolute encoders that require no homing operation after power loss. Users can now avoid costly start-up delays after power failures,emergency stops, or planned shut-downs.

The XRC controller features a 32-bit RISC distributed architecture and powerful digital servo drives for high-speed performance and high path accuracy. Dedicated pendant keys on the programming pendant actuate mechanical or vacuum grippers to help simplify the programming process. The XRC controller, with touch screen operator interface, provides special software and control features to handle simple to advanced packaging applications.

For more information on PackWorld or other Motoman products, call +00 937/847 3300, write to Motoman, Inc., 805 Liberty Lane, West Carrollton, Ohio, USA 45449, or visit www.motoman.com