COVER STORY ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
AUTOMATED STORAGE SYSTEMS: THINK MODULAR Traditional static warehouse solutions can struggle to cope with the changing needs of the industry. Scalability, adaptability and flexibility are at the very core of Dublin-based Eiratech Robotics, innovators of a mobile goods-to- person robotics automation platform. In the Eiratech warehouse environment, autonomously guided vehicles (Eirabots), operated via a wireless network, bring racks containing the required product to the picking station where the product is picked and packed. Minimal infrastructure is required; the system can be easily installed, extended and moved. At the centre of the system (quite literally!) is
Hepco’s heavy duty ring guide. The HD ring is used on the turntable of the robot to rotate the robot in different directions. Specified to handle millions of rotations in its lifetime and the ability to work with axial loads up to 700kg, the ring also has to manage radial and moment loads in order to accelerate and decelerate a top-heavy rack. A slewing ring could not be used as an open centre was needed to enable a camera to read a barcode placed on the underside of the payloads. Having worked together before, HepcoMotion was the first choice for Eiratech. A custom HepcoMotion HD ring was used, with a bespoke outer gear. Maximising efficiency and improving accuracy, Eiratech offers an enticing automated solution for warehouses.
RELIABLY RELIABLE With the focus on speed and consistency to achieve quick orders, reliability of components is crucial. The introduction of so-called dark factories, run entirely by robots with no need for artificial light or human presence further compounds the need for reliable systems. Unplanned downtime can be a manufacturer’s worst nightmare, potentially causing a backlog of products that can cost the company thousands. If a customer places an order with a next day delivery expectation, being just a day late is extremely damaging to the company. HepcoMotion’s proven V guide technology is
consistently used for this very reason: reliability. Used across a broad range of industries and
Eiratech uses a
bespoke heavy duty ring guide to rotate
the robot in different directions to bring
the required rack to the picking station
applications from harsh, dirty environments, to clean room environments and everything in between, HepcoMotion’s durable products provide a long system life. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Hepco has a strong heritage built on a wealth of experience. Reliability has been proven time and time again with over half a century of applications. A further benefit is that spare parts are available for old systems - even those bought 50 years ago - providing much-needed longevity to investments.
KEEP DOWNTIME DOWN Consumers now expect their online purchases to be delivered faster than ever before, which means those responsible for shipping and delivery need to operate around the clock. As such, many warehousing operations operate a 24/7 schedule. Minimising downtime is therefore key. Systems that can deliver continuous operation, without the need to be regularly stopped for routine maintenance such as re-lubrication, are highly valued by designers and production engineers the world over. Hepco’s V guide system has far longer re-lubrication intervals than ball rails for example, which means less frequent maintenance and less downtime required to keep them running. More so, even in
the event of no lubrication, the V guide system will not fail catastrophically if it ends up running dry. Whilst this will reduce the system life, it is a useful feature that provides essential peace of mind in case a re-lubrication interval is delayed or overlooked for any reason. With regards to bearing maintenance, speed is
again key. When Hepco products show signs of wear, the process is simple and does not impinge too much on production time. The eccentric adjustment facility of the V bearings can be used to quickly and simply remove any play that has occurred. Moreover, when the V bearings reach the end of their calculated life, they can be replaced individually, and not as an entire set, saving both time and money. Changes in consumer habits and the rise of
online shopping has undoubtedly fuelled growth in the warehousing sector, placing new demands on the sector with an ever greater focus on efficiency and productivity. Automation is a crucial component in the future of this industry, providing an agile and effective response to logistical challenges. With over 42 major product lines with
thousands of individual components, Hepco’s range of products can meet practically any warehousing requirement. Designed to offer high reliability to facilitate maximum productivity, HepcoMotion’s range of products are well-placed to serve this demanding, high duty industry.
HepcoMotion offers design engineers a
range of low maintenance linear and rotary systems which are used across a wide variety of industries
Eiratech’s ‘goods to person’ model increases efficiency by targeting 70% of time wasted walking and searching for items, and improves accuracy
/ DESIGNSOLUTIONS
www.hepcomotion.com DESIGN SOLUTIONS | MARCH 2020 7
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