Feature Robotics & Motion Control
In conjunction with the drive by the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) on behalf of UK government, CKF Systems has developed a low cost robotic packing system to help increase the take-up of automation within British industry
pecifically aimed at SMEs where there has been a reluctance to embrace such technologies, the new system provides them with a user friendly and flexible operation to reduce production costs through improved effi- ciencies and quality control.
The system is designed around a standard robot cell with integrated product and case handling interfaces. This will enable many more UK busi- nesses to compete more effectively at home and internationally. The Gloucestershire company aims to counter the competitive advantage, through low labour rates, of businesses in Asia and Eastern Europe, by sup- porting BARA’s efforts to assist in the implementation of automated solu- tions for manufacturers of all sizes.
Staying competitive
Chris Buxton, CEO of the British Automation & Robot Association (a PPMA Group Company), stated, “It is to the credit of CKF that they have risen to the challenge. If the UK is to
Making automation accessible S
remain competitive on the global stage it is essential that companies adopt the latest technology available. However, they often find that the capital cost of establishing an auto- mated facility can be prohibitive. CKF has clearly identified a solution to this conundrum that can help UK manufacturers take that all important step into the world of robotics.” Although the situation is starting to change, recent reports show that the UK still lags behind much of the world in robotic investment, with one report highlighting Germany employing a ratio of 127 robots per 10,000 employees compared to the UK figure of 25 robots. “There is a limit to what can be achieved by the application of effi- ciency measures if operations continue to be based on manual input,” explained Ian Schofield, sales manager, CKF Systems. “Yet many SMEs, typi- cally with between ten and 100 employ- ees, consider automation a step too far. Over the past 12 months, CKF has been examining ways to address their con-
Left and above: CKF is a specialist supplier of
integrated solutions to the manufacturing industry, particularly in the area of food processing and packaging
cerns relating to the skill sets required and the perceived costs. Our ready- made, low cost robotic packing system doesn’t require highly skilled operators, it is easily maintained and utilises a rel- atively small area of any shop floor. It handles medium to high speed repeti- tive tasks more efficiently over sus- tained periods than manual labour, with greater consistency and reduced wastage. A company can then make better use of resources, redeploying staff more productively whilst also reducing the likelihood of RSI and other health and safety concerns.”
CKF Systems
www.ckf.co.uk T: 01452 424 565
A vision becomes reality
trial sectors have service robotics on their agenda and interest from associated companies consider- ing service robotics has increased significantly. Highlighting the issues facing the service robotics
chunk has recently hosted its Schunk Expert Days in Lauffen, Germany. With service robotics becoming more prominent throughout industry, Dr Roko Tschakarow, business director, Mobile Gripping Systems at SCHUNK, speaks about the future and the challenges of service robotics. The focus point of the 2013 event was ‘Vision Becomes Reality’, discussing how far service robot- ics has evolved in recent years and the challenges it faces moving forward. Almost all the large indus-
S Automation MAY 2013
arena, Dr Tschakarow believes there are three central issues that will determine the evolution over coming years. Firstly, the safety aspect for humans and mate- rial; secondly, the legal framework; and thirdly, the development of efficient system manufacturers and integrators for service robotics solutions as an inter- face between manufacturer and user. With regard to the progression of technology, the use of efficient and cost effective sensors will make it possible in the future to control the performance and force of service robots according to the situation in real time. A second important issue is the usability. The operation of service robots has to become easier and more intuitive than has been the case to date. Concerning the legal frameworks, Tschakarow com- mented, “There is the question of liability in the case of applications with unmanned systems for example. Data protection also plays an important role. Additionally, service robots have to record, process and store a wide range of data in order to navigate safely.” The system manufacturers and integrators will be
the primary drivers of this technology and Tschakarow believes that similar to conventional industrial robot- ics, someone has to combine modules and solutions, but also software and periphery with each other to ensure user requirements are optimally met. System manufacturers and integrators may also take over these interface functions into service robotics. There may be established providers or new companies that have expertise in applications of service robotics. Schunk will expand and further develop its module
program for mobile gripping systems. The most recent example for this is the anthropomorphic 5-finger hand, where Schunk has successfully integrated the elec- tronics in the wrist. In future, tactile sensors will also give the necessary sensitivity. This fact is important, if gripping and handling tasks have to be carried out in unstructured and unpredictable environments. For the efficient lightweight arms, Schunk has the goal to simplify operation and control. It is the compa- ny’s long term goal that users in private and business environments will be able to easily use the modules and assembly groups, even if they don’t have experi- ence in programming mechatronic systems. Schunk Intec
www.gb.schunk.com T: 01908 611 127
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