Automation blog
Flexible configurations
07 June, 2023 Omron Automation robotics can be configured in a variety of ways to suit different Pick & Place applications. The robots can be mounted on a fixed base or on a mobile platform, and they can be equipped with different end effectors to handle a wide range of objects. With Omron Automation robotics, manufacturers can customise the robots to meet their specific needs, allowing them to handle objects of different sizes, shapes, and weights.
From red lights to robots: OMRON celebrates 90 years of innovation
06 June, 2023 This year on Founder’s Day, OMRON looked back on 90 years of pushing technological boundaries, and looks forward to a future of automation innovation framed by sustainability, digitalisation and human-machine collaboration.May the 10th be with you… Every year, 10th May is probably the most important day in OMRON’s calendar. On this day, 30,000 OMRON employees around the world celebrate the life and legacy of the company’s founder, Kazuma Tateishi. They do this by recommitting to Tateishi’s vision of using technology to create a better world and by giving back to society - often by participating in volunteer and charity projects in their communities. Innovation Milestones OMRON's journey of innovation began in 1933 with the development of a high-precision timer for X-ray photography. This marked the company's first contribution to addressing societal needs. In 1960, OMRON unveiled the world's first non-contact proximity switch, revolutionizing advanced mass production capabilities. Since then, OMRON has continued to introduce groundbreaking technologies, including the first automatic traffic signal, unmanned train station system, wearable blood pressure controller, ultra-high-speed fuzzy logical controller, and automatic cancer cell diagnostic equipment.
Collaborative capabilities
31 May, 2023 Omron Automation robotics can be used in collaborative applications, where they work alongside human operators to pick up and place objects. The robots are designed to be safe to work around, with sensors and other safety features that prevent collisions and other accidents. This allows manufacturers to use collaborative robotics in a wide range of applications, improving productivity and efficiency while maintaining a safe work environment. With collaborative capabilities, manufacturers can take advantage of the benefits of automation while still maintaining a human touch in their production processes.
Transitioning from manual record keeping to fully automated traceability
11 May, 2023 In the fifth and final blog in this series on Traceability we will discover how machine vision technology has been taking on an increasingly important role in traceability because thanks to its effective way of maintaining complete product integrityVision inspection includes a wide variety of functionality such as detecting defective products in real time and performing both OCR and OCV to verify that the data on labels and packages adds up. By functioning as a complete solution for ensuring that non-conforming products don’t go out into the market, vision systems are vital for brand protection.The hurdle that manufacturers face in implementing a machine vision system is twofold. Such systems are often expensive to implement, and the complexity of the technology can overwhelm operators. Many applications require special programming. However, these challenges are offset by the fact that a single product recall or fine for tainted product – preventable by a vision system – could cost more than the vision system itself.The avoidance of unwanted complexity isn’t just a deterrent to using machine vision – it’s often a reason why manufacturers forego upgrading their traceability systems in any way. Because implementing a new system seems inordinately complex, many manufacturers prefer to stick with cumbersome and error-prone record keeping methods that rely on manual processes. It’s understandable that companies want traceability to be easy. However, failing to upgrade the system with automation actually leads to more work in the long run.Manual record keeping is far more widespread in the food and beverage packaging industry than it should be, especially when one considers the huge costs associated with certain types of mistakes. Unfortunately, not all companies have the budget to invest in good traceability software. Budgetary constraints and the fact that traceability solutions need to be scalable are major barriers to automating the system.OMRON strives to make traceability as easy as possible, just as it strives to make its machine vision technology intuitive enough for the average operator to use. Its MicroHAWK barcode readers keep things simple by working right out of the box – in fact, the browserbased WebLink interface allows manufacturers to start using the readers without needing to install any software whatsoever. OMRON also has extensive knowledge of how traceability works in a variety of industries, and its focus on providing comprehensive solutions with complete line integration lets companies rest assured that the upgraded system will “just work.”Although often perceived to be challenging and somewhat expensive at the outset, a robust traceability system is the single most important means of complying with industry regulations and reducing the incidence and cost of recalls. OMRON’s traceability solutions address various pain points that manufacturers face in the food and beverage packaging industry so that real-time, automated traceability is within the reach of any company that needs to comply.
Introduction to Pick & Place applications and Omron Automation Robotics
08 May, 2023 Pick & Place applications are a common task in industrial settings, where objects need to be moved from one place to another quickly and accurately. This can be a repetitive and time-consuming task that can be automated using robotics solutions. In this blog post, we will explore how robotics can help with Pick & Place applications and improve productivity
Using traceability to analyse and optimise productivity
04 May, 2023 In the fourth blog in this series on Traceability we will discover how the use of traceability can add value to the production process by optimising productivity.In addition to helping companies avoid recalls and other disruptions to their profitability, traceability systems are also a great way to optimise processes and evaluate overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). By collecting and analysing operational data, manufacturers can figure out which machines are under-performing and pinpoint precisely where bottlenecks are occurring in production.In order to gather this data, manufacturers need to set up numerous code reading stations at various points across the production line. Barcoding helps track vital productivity information such as throughput and quality based on package type, machine, shift and product. In many cases, this means that barcode readers need to be embedded within machinery. This poses a challenge, since most manufacturing equipment is designed to take up as little space as possible and therefore doesn’t have much extra room for barcode readers. This creates the need for ultracompact readers.These ultra-compact industrial barcode readers and smart cameras are designed to be highly flexible and configurable within an exceptionally compact casing. This means that they can be easily embedded within machinery while still providing fast and accurate reading. Thanks to their liquid lens autofocus technology, the readers eliminate constraints on camera positioning. The same camera can be used for machine vision inspection, enabling the expansion of automation as a facility’s needs evolve without investment in new hardware.Once traceability data is gathered via the barcode readers, it needs to be communicated to the rest of the system. This poses a new challenge – that of using this data without hampering control performance. When traditional controllers are tasked with processing large amounts of traceability data, they are liable to slow down the production cycle time.Automation manufacturers have addressed this issue by developing controllers that can maintain high-speed control while handling all the information a traceability system provides. For example, controllers can be used for a packaging machine with the capability of handling 1,000 products per minute and can collect all traceability data in synchronisation with the production cycle while performing motion control. This means that traceability doesn’t need to slow down other aspects of production while fulfilling the purpose of collecting important data. Barcode readers provide direct connectivity via Ethernet/IP to the controllers, making it simple to integrate traceability data into the automated system. When it comes to utilizing traceability information, the data collection is one challenge. It’s another matter altogether to transfer that data to the business and enterprise systems that store and use the data. Controllers can make this easy thanks to the seamless incorporation of SQL and OPC-UA.
Combatting counterfeiting, promoting ethical sourcing and minimising recalls
26 April, 2023 In the third blog in this series on Traceability we will discover how counterfeiting has become a major issue in the food and beverage sector and how effective labelling can aid in a host of verification related tasks.Counterfeiting has become a major problem in the food and beverage industry as the market becomes more globalised. Several types of fraud exist, they can appear alone or in a combination in food fraud.Dilution - mixing a liquid ingredient of high value with a liquid of lower value.Substitution - replacing an ingredient, or part of the product, of high value with another ingredient, or part of the product of lower value.Concealment - hiding the low quality of food ingredients or product.Mislabelling - placing false claim on packaging for economic gain.Unapproved enhancement - adding unknown and undeclared materials to food products to enhance the quality attributes.
Buying or Leasing? How to finance your new cobot
26 April, 2023 Food for thought for SMEs when funding automation projectsSkills shortages, digitization, sustainability, and energy-saving plans are accelerating automation projects in many companies. Once manual processes that lend themselves to automation have been identified, the next question that usually follows is: And what does it all cost?It can make sense to consider options such as leasing or robot-as-a-service. One example of tools that give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular a better overview the financial aspects of automation is the ROI calculator from OMRON. Anyone currently considering the purchase of a cobot or AMR can use this tool to reveal the return on investment.
Complying with industry regulations
20 April, 2023 In the second blog in this series on Traceability we will discover how complying with industry regulations is essential in today’s manufacturing process, especially in industries like food, beverage and pharmaceutical and what the legal requirements are set out by the FSA.A lack of a comprehensive traceability system can potentially have disastrous outcomes for everyone in the supply chain, from producer to consumer. Paper does not control anything. It is just a written record, there’s no validation, and no control.In the food and beverage industry, authenticity is essential. Consumers need to know that the foods they are purchasing consist of the things listed on their labels, as food allergies and expired foods can cause serious illness and possibly death. Since both public health and consumer satisfaction depend so heavily on product integrity, the food and beverage packaging industry is highly regulated.One of the main things mandated by food and beverage regulation is “traceability” the practice of maintaining thorough records on the origins and whereabouts of products and raw materials by scanning printed barcodes, direct part marks (DPMs) or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags throughout the production process and the supply chain. From raw materials supplier to production line to supermarket to customer, the creation and distribution of a particular food item should be as transparent as possible.Food and beverage manufacturers also benefit directly from traceability protocols that minimise the occurrence and effect of costly issues such as product recalls by providing real-time data on supplier materials, processes and machinery involved in production. These protocols can significantly reduce cost of a recall by isolating tainted items and making it unnecessary to pull large amounts of non-tainted product off the shelves.Regulations are one of the primary forces spurring food and beverage manufacturers to adopt robust traceability systems. In the United Kingdom, the foremost source of regulation is the Food Standards Agency.After a number of high-profile outbreaks of food related illnesses in 2000, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) was established as an independent government department working to protect public health and consumers’ wider interests in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.In the wake of Brexit, food and beverage regulations in the United Kingdom have changed and evolved while retaining some relevant provisions laid out in EU legislation. While Northern Ireland remains subject to EU law alone, Great Britain, Wales and Scotland fall under the provision of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as the government organisation responsible for setting and enforcing traceability requirements.A quick reference guide published by FSA specifies that food business operators (FBOs) must maintain traceability information for suppliers and customers—equivalent to the “one step forward, one step backward” model which means they must be able to identify the businesses to which their products have been supplied and to trace food chain inputs back to the immediate supplier.
3 Reasons Leasing De-Risks Investments in Robotics
17 April, 2023 With skyrocketing energy bills, supply chain chaos, high interest rates, staff shortages, and the cost of living crisis reducing consumer demand, UK businesses feel like they are being hit from all sides at the moment.The economic outlook is challenging. Rising costs are squeezing profit margins forcing companies to charge higher prices or reduce output. In fact, the UK economy is the only G7 member yet to rebound to its pre-pandemic size. Industries struggling include manufacturing, which shrank by 4% in 2022 and is expected to decline another 3.2% in 2023, and logistics, which saw low levels of new warehousing space requirements at the end of last year. Companies looking to upgrade or expand are being held back by difficult economic conditions, in particular higher borrowing costs. When credit is cheap and readily available, businesses can make significant capital expenditure (capex) investments, transforming their operations to reduce costs in the long run or increase output and boost revenue. For manufacturing and logistics companies, high interest rates reduce the viability of investing in new technologies such as collaborative robots (cobots) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). In competitive industries where productivity is key, this puts many operations at risk of falling behind the competition. Thankfully, there is another option available. OMRON offers leasing options to help businesses acquire market-leading equipment without the risks associated with capex investments during tough economic times. Leasing advanced robotic equipment provides critical financial and operational benefits for companies looking to upgrade their operations.
4 Steps to Optimise Manufacturing Operations Using Production Data
17 April, 2023 Bottlenecks and other production issues are the scourge of efficiency, costing businesses thousands, if not millions, a year through delays, disruptions, wasted resources, and lost output. Based on your assets (staff, equipment, facilities, etc.), what should your business be capable of producing? Most businesses have at least done a back of an envelope calculation on what their optimum output could be, if not taken the time to do a detailed analysis breaking down every process in the production chain. How far off is your actual throughput compared to the best-case scenario? In highly competitive markets with shrinking margins and a challenging economic forecast, businesses have to find ways to maximise their operations, getting as close as possible to optimal performance. They can no longer accept inefficient processes such as:Unbalanced assembly linesLong changeover timesMinor discrepancies compounding to increase the failure ratePoor equipment efficiency or extended maintenance downtimeUntrained staff slowing productionThankfully, manufacturing has come a long way. With the integration of new technologies (robotics, IoT, AI, etc.), companies can generate and track considerable production data. However, having data is just the start. To impact your operations for the better, businesses must derive actionable insights from it. Listed below are four steps to help businesses identify and resolve production issues.
Traceability
13 April, 2023 During this series of blogs focusing on Traceability we will discover how traceability in manufacturing has evolved over time from its first iteration to today’s evolution Traceability 4.0.Traceability definitions have been evolving since the invention of automatic data capture equipment – primarily barcode readers – over 40 years ago. Since then, traceability applications have evolved to support industrial development from both a product technology and business process perspective.The breadth and scope of traceability has expanded significantly over the years along with advances in technology, making it a critical application for today’s world-class manufacturers. In this post will explore the evolution of traceability and explain why the latest phase, Traceability 4.0, is not just about tracking products throughout the supply chain but also optimising productivity, quality and brand reputation within the manufacturing operation by tying product to process parameters.
Hanover Displays automates PCBA testing with cobots
31 January, 2022 UK-based Hanover Displays Limited needed a new system for testing printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and selected OMRON TM cobots for the job, supplied and installed by Absolute Robotics, part of the Absolute Automation Group.
Five challenges in High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) packaging and palletizing processes
21 December, 2021 The new product has just left the factory, in a shelf-ready package in the specified mixed ratio to meet customer needs. The packaging has actually been handled by another company: a co-packer. Co-packing can be found in all Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) markets, but especially in the higher-priced product segments such as personal care or confectionery, to name a few examples. It is a fast-growing activity to satisfy the consumer demand for more variety.
Rethink your Company’s Intralogistics Approach with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
09 December, 2021 Intralogistics refers to the management and movement of materials and goods within a facility, and whether it is a warehouse, distribution centre, factory, or another production facility, it can be a significant hurdle to overcome. But by investing significant time and effort into your facility’s intralogistics, you can:
How Automating Tasks like Case Packing is the Logical Response to Record Vacancies
02 December, 2021 The UK is experiencing significant labour shortages across multiple industries. Brexit combined with the pandemic led to total UK job vacancies passing 1 million for the first time on record, and the food industry is one of the hardest-hit sectors. A lack of staff to call upon puts considerable strain on our food supply and creates headaches for employers around the country.Within the food industry, much of the focus has been on the shortage of lorry drivers and how this is causing higher food prices. However, a lack of staff is being felt across the industry in production, fruit/veg picking, packaging, and more.Strict travel restrictions due to Covid combined with Brexit means jobs previously performed by overseas workers remain unfilled. Plus, the pandemic and a break from the usual work cycle lead many people to re-evaluate their profession and look for careers that offer them increased flexibility and autonomy over when and where they work.A significant portion of the food industry vacancy problems is in less desirable positions that are low wage and physically demanding. Fortunately for employers, many of these jobs are ideal candidates for automation. Case packing is a great example of this.
Finished seals in less than 10 seconds: Robotics Integrated Controller ensures harmonious control
24 November, 2021 Trelleborg Livorno has updated a robotic cell for the finishing of polyurethane gaskets for the sustainable wind energy market. The cornerstone of the solution is OMRON's Robotics Integrated Controller that ensures integration and synchronization of all automation components, including robots, logic, motion, safety and user interface.
The Pitfalls of Manual Handling in End of Line Applications and Why Automation Is The Solution
18 November, 2021 No matter the industry you operate in, packaging, managing, and getting your inventory to where it needs to be is a significant headache. Businesses require robust and agile palletising processes that maximise efficiency, eliminate costly errors, and integrate seamlessly within wider workflows.Automating your end of line applications offers a range of tangible business benefits to increase output, reduce costs, and give your company a real competitive advantage.In the past, implementing new automated systems has been seen as too complex a process. The learning curve of integrating an entirely new system has appeared too steep to reach the benefits on the other end.But with new collaborative robotic systems, like the RB1200 Cobot Palletiser from Omron, automating your end of line processes has never been simpler. The RB1200 provides versatile and straightforward solutions for your palletising needs. The plug and play system with intuitive visual software can be configured in minutes to match the product and configuration you require.With advanced automation solutions for end of line applications, your business can simplify stock management and avoid the pitfalls associated with manual handling.Companies that rely on manual handling to stack and transport their goods are doing business on hard mode, making a complex task more difficult. The downsides of utilising manual handling in your end of line processes include:
Digitally Transform your Food Production Line using Smart Pick and Place Robot
17 November, 2021 A once in a generation labour shortage has put the UK food industry in a precarious position. Through a combination of Covid and Brexit, fewer workers being available is placing significant strains on food production and supply chains. A lack of:Delivery driversProduction line workersFruit pickersAbattoir staffAnd other workersHas led to instances of empty supermarket shelves with a growing number of missed food deliveries. Our food supply chains are beginning to feel the bite.
Manual Tasks in Manufacturing: Risky? Expensive? Both!
04 November, 2021 There are fewer people employed in the manufacturing sector now than at any other point in the last 25 years!! According to the Office for National Statistics, the 6- month period between October 2020 and April 2021 saw the lowest level of employment in the manufacturing sector since 1996. Conversely, consumer demand is at an all-time high. The impact of this is acutely felt in the food industry where a severe shortage of workers has led to unprecedented levels of job vacancies..
FasThink optimizes Garnet's intralogistics with mobile robots
02 November, 2021 Garnet relies on FasThink to innovate its logistics and production processes.
Automation and the human touch
27 October, 2021 Ensuring products are sorted correctly and placed in the correct orientations are critical functions when preparing food and other consumer goods to be packaged and ready for consumption. Imagine if a multipack of peppers had 3 green ones; or if a pack of pancakes had 2 missing because they were outside of the range of the flow-wrapper. Doubtless, we wouldn’t be too happy. Even worse, we can’t get hold of the products we want because there is a large scale shortage…
Intelligent System Solutions with Autonomous Mobile Robot: AM-Flow and OMRON
27 October, 2021 Industry 4.0 brings the promise of streamlined processes, big data insights and production lines running 24/7 with zero downtime. Unlike historical ‘industrial revolutions,’ this one offers the luxury of time and choice for manufacturers. That’s because the benefits of automation can be embraced incrementally or fully, whether it’s a new state-of-the-art facility or something retrofit-installed into a more traditional production setup. Making it easier to make the move is AM-Flow, an entrepreneurial start-up currently making waves in providing its solutions to the new tide of producers coming ashore in the world of additive manufacturing.
How the RB1200 Cobot Palletiser can transform your businesses’ labelling needs
17 September, 2021 For many businesses, the logistics of transferring large amounts of inventory around their facility is a significant headache. Everything has to be labelled and organised to ensure it gets sent to the correct location for use, storage, or shipping. Even minor errors during the labelling process reduce efficiency and can potentially compound to create costly mistakes. The job itself is not a desirable one, though. Human beings are not best suited for repetitive tasks whilst staying alert and maintaining concentration to ensure mistakes don’t occur. This is, however, a task tailor-made for automation.
Lights out? Still unlikely with Industry 4.0
21 April, 2022 For many manufacturers, the prospect of a fully automated, human-free factory feels light years away. When, they ask, is the 4th Industrial revolution coming to us and what can we expect? In this blog, we look at the realities of (fully-/semi-)automated manufacturing, what robots can and can’t do, and why the human touch is still (mostly) irreplaceable.
Traditional factories have data needs too
18 March, 2022 The right tools and tech can enable advanced predictive maintenance, bottleneck prevention and optimization. Find out how digitalization is bridging the gap between legacy systems and Industry 4.0.
Productivity Peaks: Moving Maintenance From Preventive to Predictive
17 December, 2021 Maintenance is a vital key to a thriving business, especially in manufacturing where 24/7 plant equipment uptime is often expected as standard. As any established enterprise knows, keeping production lines and systems running optimally requires more than a skilled maintenance team. It also involves careful planning, tight scheduling, constant vigilance, a willingness to change out unworn parts, and a readiness to respond to unplanned events. At least, it used to.
Developing digital capability: how any factory can be smart
16 September, 2021 Thankfully, the headline-grabbing ‘Industry 4.0’ isn’t reserved exclusively for the high-tech giants that span the globe, nor is the term ‘smart factory’ applied only to brand-new installations. In truth, any traditional factory can in principle take steps on the smart factory journey, by applying modularity to the existing installation.
Monitor machine stability with data science
16 July, 2021 Do you have a machine with no problems? You’re probably already collecting production and machine data, but not using it. With a quick scan of your data, it is possible to judge the usability and quality of the data and start using the value inside the data. This will help you define the first or next step towards a data enabled organization.
Cobot Dashboard: How to visualize data for OEE improvement the smart way
16 March, 2021 The factory of the future is not only based on a well-orchestrated interaction of the most diverse machines, robots, sensors, and AI technologies. Entrepreneurs and decision-makers are also increasingly faced with the challenge of reconciling the vast amounts of data collected by the various production lines and making the best possible use of it to support their decisions. Not only does a comprehensive data strategy need to be developed. There are also technologies required that process and present the data in such a way that issues are immediately identified before major problems occur.
Developing smart and flexible production: Norwegian university sets up new manufacturing lab packed with robots
10 February, 2021 The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has developed a new educational laboratory in Ålesund to facilitate learning and extend the implementation of automation and robotics amongst manufacturers in the region. The lab is packed with a wide range of OMRON solutions – both hardware and software.
Data paradise factory floor: get more out of your machine and production information
25 September, 2020 Strategic Data Science is an essential pillar of every Industry 4.0 scenario. A four-step data mining approach based on CRISP-DM supports successful projects.
Get the full value from your factory floor data with data sciences
19 June, 2020 Industry 4.0 and IIoT have been buzz words for several years and these concepts are actually implemented on more and more machines. A huge amount of data becomes available: machine data, data of the production process and data regarding the manufactured product. Big Data has entered the factory floor.
High-speed robot tests the reliability of black boxes
14 May, 2020 A non-destructive alternative to crash tests
Integrated data control, motion control and machine vision for next-generation automotive production line
24 April, 2020 The Mexican regional headquarters of a leading manufacturer of premium air brake actuators for global on-highway and specialty markets required a new automated production assembly line. One of the company’s key performance indicators is to deliver a fully assembled product every 30 seconds, and it is with this end goal at the forefront that the team started the process of automating the production line.
IoT security for manufacturers
11 December, 2019 The Internet of Things (IoT) is a recent concept, involving the connection of devices that incorporate electronics, software or sensors, with the aim of collecting and exchanging data.
End of Line Automation: Now is the Time!!
29 March, 2022 By Stuart Coulton, Market Development Manager, OMRON UK
Mastering packaging and intralogistics challenges in eCommerce
24 February, 2022 Robot-assisted packaging enables fast and cost-efficient scalability upward and downward to handle swings in demands from the supply chain.
Five challenges in High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) packaging and palletizing processes
21 December, 2021 The new product has just left the factory, in a shelf-ready package in the specified mixed ratio to meet customer needs. The packaging has actually been handled by another company: a co-packer. Co-packing can be found in all Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) markets, but especially in the higher-priced product segments such as personal care or confectionery, to name a few examples. It is a fast-growing activity to satisfy the consumer demand for more variety.
Productivity Peaks: Moving Maintenance From Preventive to Predictive
17 December, 2021 Maintenance is a vital key to a thriving business, especially in manufacturing where 24/7 plant equipment uptime is often expected as standard. As any established enterprise knows, keeping production lines and systems running optimally requires more than a skilled maintenance team. It also involves careful planning, tight scheduling, constant vigilance, a willingness to change out unworn parts, and a readiness to respond to unplanned events. At least, it used to.
Finished seals in less than 10 seconds: Robotics Integrated Controller ensures harmonious control
24 November, 2021 Trelleborg Livorno has updated a robotic cell for the finishing of polyurethane gaskets for the sustainable wind energy market. The cornerstone of the solution is OMRON's Robotics Integrated Controller that ensures integration and synchronization of all automation components, including robots, logic, motion, safety and user interface.
Plastics in consumer goods manufacturing: Seven automation tips for greener packaging
29 April, 2021 Hygiene or environmental protection? Preferably both! Companies in the consumer goods industry are increasingly asking themselves what alternatives they have to plastic packaging and how they can act greener, more efficiently, and yet still safely. Innovative packaging lines, robotics and artificial intelligence offer support.
Cobot Dashboard: How to visualize data for OEE improvement the smart way
16 March, 2021 The factory of the future is not only based on a well-orchestrated interaction of the most diverse machines, robots, sensors, and AI technologies. Entrepreneurs and decision-makers are also increasingly faced with the challenge of reconciling the vast amounts of data collected by the various production lines and making the best possible use of it to support their decisions. Not only does a comprehensive data strategy need to be developed. There are also technologies required that process and present the data in such a way that issues are immediately identified before major problems occur.
Four top tips for automation projects in the food and beverage industry
22 February, 2021 A challenge accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic has seen producers having to juggle between longer term range proliferation centred on consumer demands, and range (SKU’s) reduction caused by retailers and consumers rapidly changing buying habits. Companies that break new ground by using innovative technologies not only gain agility but also reduce scrap, contamination risk, waste and losses.
Factory automation: four tips for the future of food & beverage manufacturing
16 July, 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has posed major challenges to organisations of all types and sizes. In the food and commodity industry, companies have faced significantly reduced consumption and disrupted supply chains, while at-home consumption increased, and out-of-home consumption came near to a standstill. But how can manufacturers adapt their business strategies and production processes both now and in the longer term? The pandemic may provide an opportunity for rethinking outdated processes and procedures and enhancing them with concepts such as innovative robotics, sensor technology and holistic automation strategies.
Improve OEE with Artificial Intelligence at the Edge in Food Manufacturing
16 October, 2019 Implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in food manufacturing is picking up speed. Many F&B companies are realizing that AI presents an opportunity to increase not only the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) – and therefore combine reduced costs with increased productivity – but also to improve the analysis of data to support continuous improvement programs such as reducing waste or process operations variability.
3 Steps to Optimize Operational Efficiency for the Future of Manufacturing
02 October, 2019 Operational Excellence is required to maximize capital expenditures. But at the same time manufacturers are challenged to move away from traditional high volume, low mix production runs, to more complex high mix, low volume production with consumer demand linked directly with production. How to optimize operational efficiency to be ready for the future of manufacturing?
The power of collaboration between machines, people and teams
01 October, 2019 With today’s rapid advances in technology, the manufacturing sector needs to be increasingly agile, ready to adapt to changing demands. Production lines must be more flexible, so that they can cope with shorter production runs, more varied products and tight deadlines. So how can manufacturers address these challenges? The solution lies in more advanced, interconnected and intelligent systems that can be programmed to handle a range of tasks.
ŠKODA AUTO uses LD mobile robot at Vrchlabí plant
17 March, 2020 The autonomous robot contributes to the continuous improvement of work safety in Vrchlabí and helps to minimise work risks. It recognises people crossing its path as well as other vehicles and stationary obstacles.
Green is key: sustainability in battery manufacturing for E-mobility
05 February, 2020 Today, sustainability is no longer a niche topic, but something that companies are integrating into their business strategies. Not only are sustainability practices necessary to answer the changing demands of consumers, the marketplace and governments, they are also increasingly being seen as a competitive strength. That’s because sustainability practices reduce energy consumption and waste, and also help companies use their resources more efficiently. They even help companies optimize their manufacturing agility and enable them to respond to fluctuating demand and the growing need for personalization. And finally, sustainability can play an important role in acquiring and retaining customers, as well in developing new market opportunities.
Agile and clever tailor-made mobile robotics
04 November, 2019 Major German automotive group optimizes efficiency and innovation leadership in material handling with Omron LD mobile robots and a conveyor attachment from cts GmbH.Automobile production and assembly line production have always been closely linked. It was not until Henry Ford began using conveyor belts in his factories in 1913 that the car was able to conquer the world as a mass-produced product. Today, a working day without assembly lines is inconceivable at the BMW factories. The group relies on innovative transport and logistics to increase efficiency and flexibility, to better link work processes, as well as to relieve employees from repetitive and time-consuming tasks. These concepts include Omron LD mobile robots for material transport that deliver a particularly high return on investment (ROI). These autonomous mobile robots are equipped with a conveyor tower - a height-adjustable load handling device, developed by system integrator cts GmbH. The interaction between employees and transport robots at BMW impressively demonstrates how factory harmony can be implemented in the factory of the future.
Mobile robots speed production at new ‘smart factory’
26 September, 2019 Showcasing flexible production in real life, a new ‘Smart Factory’ in Norway uses a variety of robots in a system developed and implemented by system integrator Intek Engineering.