The 7 axis KR810 Process – Applying Labels Effeciently in Limited Spaces

1. The loaded pallets are moved by a conveyor belt from a pallet-wrapping station to the labelling station. The pallets are placed onto a turntable conveyor where the cobot equipped with a vacuum gripping head for the labels is located on a pillar next to the turntable conveyor. Furthermore a TTP industrial printer (that produces the labels) is next to the pillar.
2. Once the pallet is positioned a signal sent to the cobot.
3. The cobot equipped with the vacuum gripping head rolls to the printer, which simultaneously begins to print labels.
4. Once the label is printed, it is grasped and held by the vacuum gripping head.
5. The cobot then moves to the defined label position, (any preferred area) and presses the label onto the pallet.
6. The cobot then rolls slightly backwards, a position from which its camera can check the label’s positioning and legibility.
7. If everything is satisfactory, the cobot will return to its resting position. At the same time, the pallet is turned by 90° by the turntable conveyor. The cobot collects the next label. It repeats the process until all labels have been attached to all four sides of the pallet.
8. Once all labels have been attached and inspected, the cobot signals the super- ordinated control system that the pallet is ready. The pallet is then moved onto the next stage of the process.

Supplemental tools: Gripping head = proprietary development project S&P; conduit made by Murrplastik

2 answers from the team at Walter Rau Neusser Öl und Fett AG

Why is a 7-axis cobot needed to perform this automated labelling job?

We faced one challenge: limited space. We needed the space to be multifunctional for various installation processes. We had to take advantage of what little space we had while maintaining quick access to the machinery and all other installation processes. Our solution was a Kassow Robots’ 7-axes cobot, which our system integrator Project S&P had placed on a pedestal next to the turn- table conveyor. Effectively allowing us to change the position of the label at any time – without any retrofitting.

How has the label-placement job improved since you added the cobot?

In the past, an employee applied the labels by hand. The 7-axis KR810 solution pays off in several ways: thanks to the automation, we will be more consistent in attaching labels. The labels are also placed on exactly the same position and are easier to scan. The system checks both the position and legibility of the label. And our employees can take on more challenging tasks than attach labels.

‍

‍

‍

‍