Seeking advice to automate counting of objects on pallets

Hoverer · Apr 11, 2017

Hello Everyone !!
Thanks for taking your time out to read the post.

Aim: To automate the counting process.

1. I have attached the example of a loaded pallet.
Presently, a counter comes and manually counts the number of rows and coulumns and updates the record using a Handheld device.

2. One option is to use Barcode readers and update.

3. The second option which I want to explore is --> Counting the number of cases on the pallet by measuring weight.
Are there any technology available in market to do this job (As far i searched, it is available for small parts inventory count).

4. Any other ideas to automate this counting process will be handy to complete my report for university.

Thanks

widelto · Apr 11, 2017

How about to use 3D camera to calculate and measure 3 dimensions, and by knowing the produt spec you can count units. Or by using a laser measurement device to do the same.

Dravik · Apr 11, 2017

You can do weight, but you'll need each case to weigh more(3-4x) than the error of any scale you might use.

You could investigate RFID tagging each case and using readers perhaps.

Hoverer · Apr 11, 2017

Hi widelto, Thanks for the reply,

The raw data from 3D cameras would be quite different for different products, is it possible to write a program and to compare all the various images and select the best one ?

Different products --> I mean approx around 3000 different products.
But each pallet contains only one type of product.

geniusintraining · Apr 11, 2017

I would try using the barcode and count them when they are loaded on the pallet and maybe use a camera when loading the pallet, once they are shrink wrapped have a barcode generated with count and description then stick that to the pallet

osmanmom · Apr 11, 2017

123

dmargineau · Apr 11, 2017

Your best bet will be an automatic scale; it could be installed in-line as a separate section or under the loaded pallet handling conveyor; some scales could weigh moving product. Presuming the pallet weight constant and knowing the weight of one stacked unit it will be easy to generate a count.

Most of the major scales manufacturers (Mettler-Toledo, Hardy, etc.) provide major protocols communication interfaces and I believe Siemens carries S7 platform integrated ones (http://w3.siemens.com/mcms/sensor-s...ges/automatic-scales-for-single-weighing.aspx)

robertmee · Apr 11, 2017

Count them as they're palletized

Hoverer · Apr 11, 2017

@robertmee Packing is done by manufacturer and sent to warehouse, where counting is to be done again.

Hoverer · Apr 11, 2017

@ dmargenau,
perfect !! thanks, sent Siemens an e mail.

robertmee · Apr 11, 2017

Hoverer said:
@ dmargenau,
perfect !! thanks, sent Siemens an e mail.

AB also has integrated Hardy Controller Modules for the Control Logix platform (1756-WS and 1756-2WS). However, I prefer a simple standalone Mettler-Toledo or Hardy scale controllers that interfaces across Ethernet/CIP. Much easier to set up and support vs the integrated modules.

Hoverer · Apr 11, 2017

@robertmee, is it possible to have an interface between these scales and warehouse management system ?
Are there any references available in web, I couldn't find any,
It would be of great help, if you could suggest some !!

Thanks

Dravik · Apr 11, 2017

Hoverer said:
@robertmee, is it possible to have an interface between these scales and warehouse management system ?
Are there any references available in web, I couldn't find any,
It would be of great help, if you could suggest some !!

Thanks

Short answer - Yes.

Most of these scales can output the weight over ethernet,serial,etc.
Just need to figure out what the interface looks like from the WMS and spec the right scale bits.

Hoverer · Apr 11, 2017

Any implemented examples you came across by chance !! for reference

Thanks

jstolaruk · Apr 11, 2017

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Seeking advice to automate counting of objects on pallets

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