TopTier Hybrid Robotic Palletizer

Description

Hybrid Robotic Palletizer System

High and low infeed hybrid robotic palletizers provide advanced capabilities and performance — with no robot programming

Robotic palletizing has become an increasingly accepted alternative to traditional layer palletizing, but the solution is not without challenges. Typical robot palletizing experiences limits on products that can be handled, performance issues with deviations in product uniformity, special training to handle complexities of robot programming, large footprint, custom integration, and the expense of support. All these shortcomings are eliminated with RoboTier.

TECHNOLOGY

RoboTier utilizes end of arm tooling that supports product from the bottom, allowing higher speed robot motion and advanced product handling security. Bottom support offers a significant improvement over typical robot product handling methods such as vacuum top picking that is less flexible and secure, and clamping systems that necessitate looser loads.

Bottom support is achieved by assembling layers on an apron with products loosely spread to allow removal of the bottom support tool. Loose spreading allows faster robot speeds, as exact product placement is not critical. Once a layer is completed, four-sided clamping centers the layer on the pallet and a tight uniform layer is deposited. Vertical travel capabilities of the apron reduce robot reach requirements allowing use of the smaller, faster, and more economical Fanuc robots. The layer apron also provides a queuing platform for continued layer building while optional concurrent stretch wrapping occurs.

CONTROLS

RoboTier product handling innovations are enhanced by advanced controls architecture for robotic palletizing systems. A Fanuc controller with very simple code that cannot be modified directs robot motion based on PLC instructions. In effect, the robot is an electronic slave to the Allen Bradley CompactLogix PLC master controller and B&R PC 12" color touchscreen HMI. All automatic and manual palletizer functions are controlled using the HMI touchscreen; robot controls training or experience is unnecessary. EasyStack programming software installed on the PC HMI creates patterns quickly and easily without PLC or robot programming. Additional controls information...

SAFETY

Safety has been integrated into every aspect of the RoboTier design to meet all industry standards utilizing a category 3 safety cage frame design with light curtain protection of load exit, redundant hoist fall protection, controlled entrance protocols, and Fanuc safety systems. Additional safety information..

LOAD BUILDING

RoboTier has two load building methods:

Pick and placing discrete or inline product groups to a layer head or directly to the load where the robot performs final product orientation
Pick and place multiple products to a layer head or directly to the pallet where PerfectPattern system pre-orientates products for robot pick and place. Less than full rows, full rows, or complete layers can be handled.