UKM-AUT23-PG36+37_Layout 1 28/07/2023 10:10 Page 36
ROBOTICS P
harmaceutical manufacturing is intensively automated to meet practical and financial targets. Throughput must be high and errors low to ensure profitability. Another advantage is that removing human interaction helps avoid contamination to
ensure high quality and consumer safety. The sequence of processes and layout of the production line can be complex and the entire production facility can occupy a large floor space. This can be challenging to design and the resulting installation can be expensive to build using conventional, customised factory automation.
ROBOTS IN DRUG PRODUCTION A common approach is to introduce industrial robots to perform specific processes within the sequence – particularly where items need to be moved or positioned individually. In these situations, the system integrator can take advantage of the robot technology as a ready- to-use solution that is convenient and cost effective. The integrator can program the robot by teaching or by simulation using graphical software. An off-the-shelf gripper, supplied by the robot maker or a third-party specialist, may be suitable for the task at hand; typically lifting or holding. Otherwise, a custom-designed end effector may be needed.
Integrating robots selectively in this way permits a compact production line that can be delivered quickly and saves bringing up an application-specific design using conventional automation technologies. They are frequently used in places where conveyorising and palletising are required. Typical tasks include handling and sorting pills, capsules, vials, and other materials, as well as picking, placing, and aligning items like bottles, cartons, and trays. They are also used for filling and capping containers, placing tablets, capsules, and vials into blister packs, attaching labels to containers, and packing finished products in boxes ready for shipping. Other ideal tasks to be assigned to robots include selecting and assembling components to make up items such as pill boxes and syringes. Robots are also suited to processes that involve mixing and dispensing ingredients for drug formulations. In addition, where items such as containers are brought to the factory floor in bulk packs as received from the supplier, a SCARA robot can pick items such as empty bottles individually from a pile. An intelligent sorter can enhance picking by randomly re- orienting the items between picks. The item can then be correctly oriented and aligned as required and subsequently placed on a conveyor or pallet for filling, labelling, and sealing.
ROBOTS EXPAND OPTIONS Various types of robots can be deployed for the pick and place, sorting, packaging, and assembly processes. SCARA type machines are often chosen as they offer a combination of high
36
Figure 1. Ceiling-mounted SCARA combines a small footprint with lower height than delta robots.
SELECTIVE ROBOT INTEGRATION ADDS VALUE IN PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING
Selective integration of industrial robots is a solution accelerator for automation specialists working in the pharmaceuticals sector, from drug manufacturing to pharmacy automation.
speed and dexterity with long reach and large load carrying capability. Ceiling-mounted robots such as Yamaha’s YK-TW orbit-type SCARA series (Figure 1) enable a smaller footprint by picking and placing items in any location within the area beneath the robot. In addition, these robots have a lower height than alternatives such as delta robots. Camera integration, controlled using dedicated robot-vision instructions through the RCXiVY2+ controller, allows high-speed alignment and inspection of items such as bottle caps and labels. SCARA robots are also available in dust- proof/drip-proof and cleanroom-ready
specifications (Figure 2), specially designed with IP65 protection rating and direct-driven moving parts to eliminate debris resulting from drivebelt wear. Such units are available with arm length from 180mm to 1000mm, and maximum payload from 1kg to 20kg, giving ample range for typical pharmaceutical production-line use. Compact, application-focused two-axis,
three-axis and four-axis pick-and-place robots such as Yamaha’s YP-X series provide another option for designers, bringing special attributes such as minimal width for use within tight space constraints.
Automation companies can deliver extra Autumn 2023 UKManufacturing
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
