INDUSTRY 4.0/IIOT
place applications, smart conveyor belts and integrated machine robot control together with edge AI analysis functions, i.e. data analysis at machine level (AI). In customer- specific environments, on the other hand, collaborative robots provide flexibility, since they can be adapted to new requirements faster and better than permanently mounted industrial robots. Mobile robots can also take over the
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) can transport products directly and quickly to the exact place where they are needed in fulfilment applications
automated solutions can be used in high- speed lines. They consist, for example, of industrial robotics, high-speed pick-and-
transport of goods and raw materials. Considering the fact that around 95 million working days per year are lost through injuries to employees moving around the factory or warehouse, modern solutions can greatly reduce the risk of accidents in this respect. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) transport products directly and quickly to the exact place where they are needed for further processes and they can also dispose of waste or move finished packages. AMR fleets and Mobile Manipulators (Cobots plus mobile robots) also support quality control, traceability, order management, order fulfilment and warehousing.
Practical example Combilo: automated packaging of peppers OMRON is supporting the Dutch fruit and vegetable wholesaler Combilo with a new
MANAGE, OPERATE AND ANALYSE EQUIPMENT REMOTELY
The Coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the benefits of working remotely utilising new and existing technologies to monitor and manage operations from a distance, whether a few meters away on the factory floor, or on the other side of the world.
While many forward- thinking businesses had already embraced the concepts behind remote working, like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, there is no doubt that
Covid-19 has increased the speed of uptake in many sectors and shown the real benefits of this way of working to the most sceptical of observers.
One feature which is increasingly being specified on HRS systems (such as pasteurisers, sterilisers, fillers and food processing systems) is the fitment of remote monitoring and telemetry systems. These are normally based on an ethernet connection, but where the necessary infrastructure is not available, an integrated data SIM can be used instead.
This allows clients to easily manage, operate and analyse equipment performance within their own business, something which is particularly useful for larger companies operating over multiple sites or even across different countries. Another benefit is that HRS engineering staff can easily access the system remotely for troubleshooting, or to allow the installation of software upgrades for example. Matt Hale, International sales & marketing director at HRS Heat Exchangers, said: “This remote functionality has been available for some time, but it is noticeable since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic how much more popular remote monitoring and operation has become. Our clients can be assured that we are able to meet their requirements in terms of remotely connecting to our heat exchangers and other systems.” HRS Heat Exchangers
www.hrs-heatexchangers.com
packaging line featuring robotic solutions, which has increased productivity by 30 percent. The new packaging line was designed by system integrator EasyPack Technologies and includes parallel robots and an OMRON vision system. One of the products marketed by Combilo is the popular “pepper trio”, a three-pack consisting of a red, a yellow and a green pepper. Packing this trio was previously a slow and labour-intensive process, which is now more efficient thanks to the use of robots and an image processing system. At the same time, the error rate has also been reduced. Zero touch approaches and the
technologies were used to protect employees from potentially dangerous, repetitive and physically demanding tasks. At the same time, they minimised costs and provided the time to train employees so they can focus on value-added tasks. In addition to employee and security-
focused benefits, zero touch approaches bring benefits that make companies more competitive and future-proof, reducing recalls and protecting their brand. One of the biggest challenges today is to provide consumers with safe, sustainably sourced and healthy food. Product quality and safety are subject to increasingly strict rules and regulations. Contamination and errors must be avoided. In order to avoid contamination and soiling,
it therefore makes sense to move, sort or transport goods and raw materials mechanically rather than manually. The same applies to the area of labelling and quality control, which can also be handled by automated systems, including vision and robotic solutions, so that the food comes into contact with employees as little as possible.
Zero touch strategy strengthens sustainability, safety and productivity The current study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovations Research ISI “50 trends influencing Europe's food sector by 2035” concludes that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will significantly influence the food production of the future. According to experts, new technologies could improve the quality and freshness of food and reduce waste considerably. The zero touch approach follows a similar thrust, as it is also about smarter and more sustainable use of important resources. On the one hand, such a strategy supports employees and teams. At the same time, the zero touch model can also help to optimise products, brand image and, ultimately, consumer experience.
Omron
http://industrial.omron.eu/
28 MARCH 2021 | PROCESS & CONTROL
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