FHS-JULAUG24-PG18+19_Layout 1 07/08/2024 10:02 Page 18


AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS U


tilising factory floorspace efficiently is as important to productivity as choosing the best equipment. Like human workers, machines such as pick-and-place robots for tasks


including packing and palletising need room to move. A keep-out area may also be required to ensure the safety of any human staff who may be working in the vicinity of the robot. The total working area can be significantly larger than the robot itself, preventing factory floorspace from being used for other purposes. Where incoming items must be moved from a


pallet onto a conveyor, a vertically articulated robot can provide a fast and repeatable solution. These are relatively easy to select, install, and program. A secure base is required and can be large depending on the moving masses and payload. The robot is usually positioned to the side of the work area, far enough from structures such as conveyors to allow the robot to articulate and reach the target positions for picking and placing objects. The size and construction of this is determined according to the moving masses and payload. The complete automation solution, as installed, can occupy a large area as figure 1 illustrates. After some time, inevitably, factory real-estate


needs to be reorganised to introduce new equipment and processes, and as business requirements change. An extra production line may be needed, or more space for storing inventory. Expanding or extending the factory may be practically impossible; moving to larger premises expensive and disruptive. Reclaiming the floorspace around a large, heavy robot can appear an attractive alternative. Indeed, there are some options to consider.


Figure 1. The vertically articulated robot operates in a relatively small area yet consumes a large amount of factory floorspace.


Some robots, such as parallel link machines,


are designed to be installed directly above their working area and can liberate the space to the side of a conveyor otherwise occupied by a vertically articulated robot. However, these can be tricky to setup. A strong frame is needed to handle the robot’s weight, and the robot may be tall if a long reach is required. The savings gained can be small, as figure 2 illustrates. This example shows a parallel link robot which is installed above a pair of conveyors to pick and align randomly positioned workpieces that are moving at a high flow rate. The robot can operate at high speed, and realises a worthwhile saving in floorspace compared to a vertically articulated machine, as the diagram shows. However, an even more economical use of space would be desirable. On the other hand, a SCARA robot can allow a


Figure 2. Although the parallel link robot can save floorspace, the total area remains large and the installation can be tall if a long reach is required.


smaller footprint, particularly in relation to its load carrying capacity. Choosing a SCARA can deliver other advantages such as easier programming, greater z-axis accuracy, and high


18 JULY/AUGUST 2024 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS


AUTOMATING WITH ROBOTS TO MAXIMISE PRODUCTIVITY PER SQUARE METRE


While automating processes using robots is a reliable way to increase production throughput and productivity, the savings in floorspace can vary depending on the type of robot chosen. Where space is at a premium, a ceiling- mounted orbital robot can offer a suitable solution.


Figure 3. Two conventional SCARA robots can sort and conveyorise at high speed, although some floorspace remains unused.


speed and acceleration. The example shown in figure 3 illustrates how two SCARA robots can be arranged to pick random items from a single conveyor and place them on separate conveyors according to type. The orange shading shows areas that may be saved if a more space- efficient solution can be found.


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