Designing a dexterous reconfigurable packaging system for flexible automation

This paper presents a design for a reconfigurable packaging system that can handle cartons of different shape and sizes and is amenable to ever changing demands of packaging industries for perfumery and cosmetic products. The system takes structure of a multi-fingered robot hand, which can provide fine motions, and dexterous manipulation capability that may be required in a typical packaging-assembly line. The paper outlines advanced modeling and simulation undertaken to design the packaging system and discusses the experimental work carried out. The new packaging system is based on the principle of reconfigurability, that shows adaptability to simple as well as complex carton geometry. The rationale of developing such a system is presented with description of its human equivalent. The hardware and software implementations are also discussed together with directions for future research

Justification cost of packaging lines automation for canned chunk pineapple in syrup

This study is focused on the cost justification of the different levels of packaging line automation: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic of canned chunk pineapple in syrup which is packed in #10 cans. The packaging line criteria and the line designs are established. The suitable machines and the labor input for each step of the packaging line are indicated. In addition, the total machine cost and the total labor input for each level of packaging line automation are shown and compared. As a result, in Thailand, the manual packaging line shows the lowest production cost However, in the US, the fully automatic line results in the lowest production cost The result of the study will aid a manufacturer in making a decision on the appropriate level of packaging line automation, the location of the plant, and the machine selection

Computerized and Electronic Controls in Food Packaging

The focus of food packaging is to contain food in a cost-effective way that satisfies industry requirements and consumer desires, maintains food safety and minimizes environmental impact. Currently, with the increasing demand of the consumers the major concern of food packaging industry is on efficiency of the plant process, productivity, quality as well as safety. It becomes necessary for companies to discover ways to improve their productivity in terms of maintaining safety, using sustainable materials in packaging, implementing flexible and standardized technology, and maintaining good quality of foods. Thus, to achieve the required demands, automation and upgradation of the packaging machinery is necessary and this has been accepted because these changes are robust, flexible, reconfigurable, preserve the quality of the food and are efficient. Due to limitation of feasibility study and research in food packaging, most of the studies focus on trends in food packaging materials (smart packaging). Thus, this review focused on advancement in food packaging machines, involvement of softwares in controlling the working of various machines for example open modular architecture control (OMAC), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Field bus Technology etc. The automated machines include drive system, sensors, actuators etc. So, the knowledge about these techniques will result in enhancing the efficiency of packaging and productivity of food products

Progress in Autonomous Picking as Demonstrated by the Amazon Robotic Challenge

The automation of the picking process is a longheld dream in intra-logistics. while the expert judgment in recent years was, that there is no immediate applicability to be expected for applications in areas, where the variety of products is high. However, the recent advances in computer science, mechanical engineering and material handling systems design have moved the field substantially forward. In this article we want to show, how the Amazon Robotic Challenge has driven this development process and how capable the technology is. The Amazon robotic Challenge (ARC) and its increasingly difficult challenges are described first. Then the applied technology in soft- and hardware and its performance increase are described. The performance of important participants in the past is estimated and finally the approach of the team IFLpiro is presented. Finally, the impact of the results on the future implementation of material handling systems is discussed

Robotics in meat processing

Scientists are currently investigating micro-robotics in the medical field with a potential to provide better medical technology in the near future. When it comes to the food industry, the use of robots has been traditionally limited to picking and palletization. Today, however, robots are used in material handling and secondary or tertiary packing. Recent developments with faster computers and sophisticated sensors have made it possible to use robotics in the meat processing sectors, where their application has reduced processing costs, occupational injuries, improved efficiency and hygiene associated with meat products. Compared to other industries, the working environment in the meat industry is not very conducive to robotics due to the noisy, damp and cold conditions. Slaughtering animals and cutting meat into pieces and disposing waste is an intensive physically demanding task. This chapter reviews the application of robotics in the meat industry and the advancements that have been made until now

Robotic packaging system in beverage industry

Packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products, storage, sale and use.(Wikipedia, 2013) Primary packaging functions are to protect and preserve the product from damage and contamination, serve as storage and handle the product easily.This research discussed the packaging the methods of carbonated soft-drink It includes the packaging containment, protection, handling, delivery and preservation of goods.This reseach reveals the robotic packaging system for carbonated drinks.The main process includes palletizing and stretch wrapping.The research also stress more on the process of how packaging is done. The well-packaged carbonated drinks products help to ensure the quality of the products and safe delivery of the refreshment for billions of people around the world