Overview
The robotic system for placing biscuits into plastic trays is based on eight Fanuc robots. The robots operate in conjunction with a vision system, picking biscuits from a continuously moving conveyor using vacuum grippers. Devices for feeding empty trays and a transport system for removing filled trays ensure an uninterrupted process.
My Role
As a Design Engineer:
Designed the tray feeding device.
Developed vacuum gripping systems for cookies and selected vacuum and control equipment.
Designed the conveyor system, including modular belt conveyors and product transfer units between conveyors.
Challenges and Solutions
The continuous tray feeding device performs four types of movements, transferring trays from the stack to the packing area. It is compactly installed in the limited space between the biscuit infeed conveyor and the filled tray outfeed conveyor. Its compact design minimizes the overall equipment footprint, while the fully automated tray feeding ensures uninterrupted operation of the robotic system.
A non-trivial design of the vacuum gripper has been simulated and developed, featuring an offset attachment point for the robot and an angled orientation. This solution maximizes the robots' reach, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.