The collaborative robot (cobot) comes with a user friendly HMI that does not need programming by the operator. The software stores the various box orientations, box sizes, number of layers and rows, it only requires the operator to select the set up they need. A new app allows for easy programming to create a new layout.
Safety, footprint and mobility are some of the benefits of the IPallet palletiser that sets this system apart.
The IPallet does not require fenced guarding around the unit, a standard system can take up as little as 2500 x 1500mm of space.
It is critical that safety be at the forefront of the design and build, especially when you can create a system without the need for guarding/cages.
Firstly the cobot arm has force sensors that are located on all the joints. The sensors act to restrict the impact force when coming into contact with something or someone. A cushioned ‘halo’ around the gripper unit both protects the gripper head and whatever it may knock into.
Preference of control systems are determined on the suitability to the project, and/or if the customer has a preferred supplier.
It is important to understand that a force limited collaborative robot on it’s own is not sufficient to meet the requirements of EN ISO 10218, the harmonised safety standard used to achieve CE conformity for robotic applications.
Even though the robot itself has a CE mark of conformity, this is merely an indication that the equipment is CE certified as a component part rather than a complete system.
An OEM such as ourselves have a responsibility to make sure the complete machine is designed and built to not only perform the required function, but that it does so safely within the scope of the machinery directive as a CE compliant machine. As such, additional safety features are generally required as a means to ensure the machine is fully compliant.
