Dryhops
Member
We have a rotary keg line that processes about a keg every 45 seconds. Currently the loading and palletizing is a manual process that requires operators to maneuver 165lb kegs. I've been tasked with improving the process to reduce the effort and risk involved.
Most existing solutions use a robotic arm, so I'm exploring this option and have a few questions for those with experience working with them.
1. How realistic is programming a robotic arm in house? A majority of our integration is done by me, both for savings and also because I spend a lot of time fixing problems from previous programmers.
2. Are used robots rife with problems and should I buy new? As an extension of this, are the features of newer models, e.g. a newer controller, worth the higher investment?
3. At what point is a vision system required to make a robotic process robust? Most of the examples I see do not utilize one, and seem to rely on consistency in the keg pattern on infeed pallets. It's possible they do have vision systems and my untrained eye didn't spot them. I've placed a few video examples below.
4. Lastly and subjectively, what brands would be best for cutting my teeth? Are there any to avoid? When looking at videos of other keg loading solutions, it seems like the FANUC R2000iB arms are mostly used. I am leaning towards this model because of the popularity. They also offer simulation software, so I was hoping to mock up the process to demonstrate to management the merits of such a system.
Here are a few examples that seem feasible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUxHB003DcE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VDtNEdSWWk&t=98s
Manual Loading, auto palletizing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi93K2bbGig
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjzAnDpPC1o
Thank you very much for your time
Most existing solutions use a robotic arm, so I'm exploring this option and have a few questions for those with experience working with them.
1. How realistic is programming a robotic arm in house? A majority of our integration is done by me, both for savings and also because I spend a lot of time fixing problems from previous programmers.
2. Are used robots rife with problems and should I buy new? As an extension of this, are the features of newer models, e.g. a newer controller, worth the higher investment?
3. At what point is a vision system required to make a robotic process robust? Most of the examples I see do not utilize one, and seem to rely on consistency in the keg pattern on infeed pallets. It's possible they do have vision systems and my untrained eye didn't spot them. I've placed a few video examples below.
4. Lastly and subjectively, what brands would be best for cutting my teeth? Are there any to avoid? When looking at videos of other keg loading solutions, it seems like the FANUC R2000iB arms are mostly used. I am leaning towards this model because of the popularity. They also offer simulation software, so I was hoping to mock up the process to demonstrate to management the merits of such a system.
Here are a few examples that seem feasible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUxHB003DcE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VDtNEdSWWk&t=98s
Manual Loading, auto palletizing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi93K2bbGig
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjzAnDpPC1o
Thank you very much for your time