Unique customer demands and market pressures continue to prompt companies to seek innovative ways to effectively manage their processing and packaging operations, noted Yaskawa Motoman. Robots promise to save energy, reduce waste, optimize workflows, and assist a more resilient workforce, said the Miamisburg, Ohio-based company.
Attendees of PACK EXPO from Sept. 11 to 13 will be able to meet with Yaskawa's industry experts at Booth C-4044 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“This year’s show will host nearly 30,000 attendees and highlight the latest in packaging and logistics technology – including Yaskawa’s high-performance robotic solutions,” said Chris Caldwell, product manager at Yaskawa, in a post on the company's website.
“At the show, Yaskawa will feature multiple robot demonstrations showcasing extremely fast, flexible, and easy-to-program robots,” he added. “Whether your focus is consumer goods, cosmetics, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, or specialty items, our versatile suite of proven products and peripherals can help boost production stability.”
Yaskawa highlights at PACK EXPO 2023
New 3D bin picking
Combining high-speed capability with a slim wrist, this demonstration will use the extended-reach, six-axis GP8L robot with robust KEYENCE technology to facilitate quick and precise bin picking, said Yaskawa Motoman. The GP8L offers a 1,636 mm (64.4 in.) horizontal reach, 2,894 mm (113.9 in.) vertical reach and an 8 kg (17.6 lb.) payload capacity.
Likewise, the KEYENCE 3D vision system uses pattern projections and structured lighting to accurately and efficiently recognize then pick randomly placed parts, according to the company. Such systems are suitable for part detection and inspection, where 2D data can sometimes fall short due to misalignment, glare, or lack of contrast.
Yaskawa said the modular and lightweight SMC gripper can be tailored to a user's specific application, facilitating precise handling of objects.
Robotic induction
Addressing high demand for order fulfillment, Yaskawa said this demonstration will feature the fast and reliable GP12 robot with large volume capability. The six-axis GP12 offers a 1,440 mm (56.6 in.) horizontal reach, 2,511 mm (98.8 in.) vertical reach and a 12 kg (26.4 lb.) payload capacity.
Facilitating the automated picking and placing of objects is Plus One Robotics' PickOne Perception Kit, which uses 2D, 3D, and AI algorithms to identify each pickable item in view before assigning it a placement location. Yaskawa will also show flexible conveyors from Dynamic Conveyor Corp. (DynaCon) and Dorner, as well as safety guarding from Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions (AMGS).
Collaborative palletizing
The six-axis HC30PL collaborative robot with plug-and-play capability can provide optimal performance for demanding production workspaces, said Yaskawa. It can also facilitate safe and efficient fenceless palletizing for select handling, packaging, and logistical environments, it added.
The cobot is suitable for medium-volume lines and offers hand-guided programming for fast deployment on demand. It also features a 1,700 mm (66.9 in.) maximum reach, a 30 kg (66.1 lb.) payload capacity, an easy-to-clean surface, and NSF H1-certified, food-grade grease as standard.
In addition to meeting established safety standards, the HC30PL provides four modes of operation and can easily shift between collaborative speed in power and force limiting (PFL) mode or full speed in industrial mode, based on risk assessment and process requirements.
The cobot can accommodate fluctuating demands, said Yaskawa. A Schmalz dual FQE gripper can facilitate fluid handling of boxes.
Interactive mixed processing
Enabling fast assembly, the four-axis SG650 SCARA robot and the six-axis GP7 robot will produce a unique souvenir for all Yaskawa booth visitors. Designed for assembly, sortation, and other processes that require pick-and-place capability, each robot can be integrated with robust vision functionality, such as MotoSight 2D.
The SG650 offers a 650 mm (25.5 in.) radial reach, 210 mm (8.2 in.) long U-axis stroke and a 6 kg (13.2 lb.) payload capacity. It is also controlled by the compact YRC1000micro controller, which has a small footprint—425 W x 125 H x 280 D mm (16.7 x 4.9 x 11 in.).
It can be installed in either a vertical or horizontal position, as well as within a 19-in. rack. The GP7 offers a 972 mm (38.2 in.) horizontal reach, 1,693 mm (66.6 in.) vertical reach, and a 7 kg (15.4 lb.) payload capacity. Schmalz pneumatic grippers enabling precise handling of objects, said Yaskawa.
Industrial pallet pattern generation
Using Yaskawa’s PalletSolver software, this display will include two high-speed GP7 robots simulating an end-of-line production process. Featuring a scalable architecture that can handle complex palletizing systems, PalletSolver enables users to generate pallet patterns offline from a PC-based environment for a virtually unlimited number of SKUs, said the company.
A robot controller-based application will optimize execution of pattern files and robot operation. Single and multi-line palletizing can be handled easily, said Yaskawa. The display will also include banner safety light curtains, and SMC air cylinders and pneumatics are also featured.
Hands-on programming experience
Featuring three of Yaskawa's HC10DTP collaborative robots, this interactive display will allow visitors to safely hand guide a cobot for an easy robot programming experience. The touchscreen Smart Pendant – using Version 3.0 of the company's software with a built-in Classic Interface function – will also be featured.
Novice robot programmers can use the Smart Pendant, which relies on patented Smart Frame technology to determine the operator’s orientation relative to the robot. This makes the robot user the frame of reference and eliminates the use of conventional coordinate (X, Y, Z) frames for easy command of robot movement, said Yaskawa.
The demonstration will also feature Schunk, Festo, and Zimmer grippers.
Yaskawa drive and motion highlights
Experts at Yaskawa Motoman's sibling division, Yaskawa America Inc. – Drives and Motion Division, will also present several products at PACK EXPO:
iCube Control
Yaskawa America said the iCube Control machine controller provides the flexibility of modular hardware design, flexible software infrastructure, and the company's reputation for safety and support.
Yaskawa will also show its iCube Engineer software, which it said gives developers the freedom to program function modules in the language of their choice.
New food-grade and hygienic stainless motors
Yaskawa now offers a range of white epoxy-painted food-grade and hygienic stainless servo motors for use with its Sigma Series servo amplifiers. On display will be an FDA-approved high-performance motor (600W to 4.5kW, 200V, or 400V) designed specifically for the food and baking industries.
Capable of withstanding repeated high-pressure washdown, this motor also has a smooth housing to minimize entrapment areas.
Also on display will be a hygienic stainless steel motor (600W to 840W, 200V, or 400V) that is designed for demanding washdown environments. This motor adheres to the EHEDG hygienic standard and is ideal for applications in food and beverage processing, asserted Yaskawa.
The company said that PACK EXPO visitors can learn how its smart systems can enhance their materials handling and logistics operations. They can also learn how Yaskawa's fluid supply chain and diverse support services can maximize uptime for better return on investment (ROI).
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