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Fruit packing technology dramatically cuts packhouse labour needs

An intelligent robotic fruit packing machine that automates the most labour intensive job in the packhouse is proving to be a game-changer for post-harvest operators around the globe. Global Pac Technologies has officially unveiled the Aporo II robotic produce packaging machine which builds on the proven technology of the original Aporo I Produce Packer, first developed in 2018. The latest model can now accommodate twice the throughput, packing 240 fruit per minute, saving between two and four labour units per double packing belt. “Aporo II can be retrofitted across two packing belts instead of one, so it has effectively doubled the throughput and the labour saving that Aporo I could deliver,” explains Cameron McInness, Director of Jenkins Group – a New Zealand-based company which co-founded Global Pac Technologies with US-based Van Doren Sales Inc. “We have been rolling out this new machine with some key customers globally and the results have been dramatic. One of our Australian customers built a new packhouse and installed three of our Aporo II’s. That increased their packhouse production by 30-40 percent and reduced their labour by 50 percent. “Automating the process of placing fruit into trays then allows post-harvest operators to redeploy their scarce labour resources to areas where they can add more value.” McInness says Aporo II’s dual robotic heads are more consistent and reliable than human packers. The technology is now being used in France, the UK, Sweden, Belgium, the US, Australia and New Zealand – primarily to pack apples, and now stone fruit like peaches and nectarines. Work is underway to extend its use to other fruit varieties in the near future. “What’s unique about Aporo I and Aporo II is they are designed for really simple autonomous packing. The machine is very intelligent. It looks at the fruit, orientates […]

Sierra Space to revolutionise space exploration with Siemens’ Xcelerator

Siemens is implementing Xcelerator to establish a fully digital environment from engineering to manufacturing through sustainment, which will help realise goals to develop the future of space transportation, commercial space destination and infrastructure, and create enabling technologies that will build a vibrant, growing and accessible commercial space economy. “At Sierra Space, we are building a platform in space that will be the catalyst for the next breakthrough innovations to benefit life on Earth. Our revolutionary new space platform is being developed using a next generation digital engineering environment that we’ve created in collaboration with Siemens,” Tom Vice, CEO, Sierra Space. “Siemens’ solutions will significantly accelerate development of our unique space platform – the first to combine all aspects of space transportation, space destinations and space applications in a holistic ecosystem.” Siemens’ tools have been foundational during the development of Dream Chaser, and Sierra Space is building on this long-standing collaboration with Siemens as the company fully embraces a digital enterprise. Sierra Space will use Siemens’ Xcelerator in all phases of next-generation Dream Chaser development, including structural, thermal, mechanical, electrical, and software design, vehicle manufacture, requirements verification and complete lifecycle maintenance. The spaceplane is uniquely capable of a smooth 1.5 low-g re-entry for crew and cargo transportation with the ability to land on compatible existing commercial runways worldwide. Representing the next generation of space transportation, NASA contracted Dream Chaser to perform cargo supply and return missions to the International Space Station (ISS), where it can deliver up to 12,000 pounds of cargo in a single trip. Sierra Space is expanding on this long-standing collaboration with Siemens as the company fully embraces the transformation to become a digital enterprise. In addition to Dream Chaser, Sierra Space is also working to design, develop, build, operate, and support a customer-centric destination in Earth […]

How many axes does my robot need?

Manufacturers are incorporating robots into their operations at a significant rate, and given the many benefits that industrial automation has, this is only set to increase. With this growing popularity, industrial robots are available in a huge range of configurations and sizes, with different numbers of axes for a range of applications. Robots can move on anywhere between one and seven axes, with more axes offering more flexibility of movement. However, despite the growing accessibility of robot in industry, it can still be difficult to know which type of robot out of the many now available is the best choice for an application. Traditionally, when someone thinks of an industrial robot, they will picture a robotic arm. These are articulated robots and can mimic the actions of a human arm thanks to their directional control and large range of movement. Other types of robots, such as Cartesian robots or four-axis models such as SCARA robots are more limited, often only able to move on two to four axes. These robots are suited to many applications and certainly have their benefits, but the restrictions on motion can be an issue when more sophisticated movements are required. This is when an articulated robot is a better option. Articulated robots, including six and seven-axis robots, can move vertically and horizontally, but are also able to roll, pitch and yaw —they can rotate around the X, Y and Z axes. This gives them additional range and flexibility. They are typically mounted on a pedestal, with articulation points in the base, body, arm, shoulder, and wrist. This also allows them to work at differing levels and between planes, offering more versatility of motion sequence. Articulated robots are more capable of intricate or complex processes such as automotive assembly due to this ability to accurately manoeuvre. […]

igus 7th axis extends working space by up to 400 percent

Articulated arm robots can travel over six metres, quadrupling their working space: the 7th axis is now compatible with all lightweight articulated arm robots worldwide thanks to a simple Plug & Play kit. So far, models from Universal Robots, Epson and the igus robolink series from Treotham have benefited from this increased mobility. Now Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan, Yuanda Robotics and many other lightweight robotics suppliers are joining the list. The first users of the so-called 7th axis, a linear axis with an electric toothed belt drive that igus launched in 2020, were thrilled according to Alexander Mühlens: “Suddenly, thanks to the additional axis, their articulated arm robots are as mobile as humans. This enables them to take on multiple tasks in automation environments making them significantly more productive,” says the Head of Automation Technology at igus. “We therefore decided to extend the compatibility of the system to all manufacturers worldwide – such as Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan and Yuanda Robotics. With a matching Plug & Play kit of hardware and software we make customisation possible.” Ready-to-connect complete solution for all lightweight articulated arm robots In the future, all lightweight articulated arm robots with a weight range of 10 to 50 kilograms or, depending on the dynamics, a payload of 2 to 20 kilograms can use the 7th axis. Treotham supplies the system as a ready-to-connect complete solution from a single source. It consists of a drylin ZLW toothed belt axis with a length of up to six metres and two parallel rails made of aluminium. These can be mounted on the floor, walls or ceilings and a toothed belt drive with stepper motor for a positioning accuracy of 0.3 millimetres. Also included is: an energy chain for guiding energy and data cables; a switch cabinet integration kit with cables; […]

How to master manufacturing’s data and analytics revolution

Manufacturing is on the verge of a data-driven revolution, but like all revolutions it will require the right actions, individually and collaboratively, to realise its full potential. Within a few years, manufacturers will collaborate in hyperconnected value networks in which data‑and‑analytics applications drive productivity, new customer experiences, and societal and environmental effects. Indeed, data and analytics are a key driver in realising the “Factory of Future” by enabling transparency, predictions and autonomous systems. Already today, we see leading manufacturers applying data and analytics to achieve their objectives for efficiency, sustainability and resilience. The imperative to boost efficiency and productivity is driven by intense cost pressures as well as liquidity issues arising from Covid-19 pandemic-related business disruptions. Sustainable operations are at the top of the agenda for many companies.. At the same time, they are seeking to build more resilient and connected supply chains, so they can anticipate and react faster to disruptions. Most companies recognise that data and analytics are rapidly changing the way they manufacture goods. Despite the high ambitions and strong value proposition, companies have not yet tapped the full potential. A triad of interconnected success factors Successful companies have demonstrated that three elements must be combined to drive full-scale implementation of data and analytics. First, they focus on value in selecting applications. Second, they establish a solid technological backbone comprising both information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT). Third, they promote organisational readiness to ensure that investments deliver the anticipated returns. Examples from various industry sectors demonstrate the importance of these success factors: Petrochemicals: A large petrochemical client of Schneider Electric is leveraging advanced process control to improve asset productivity and energy consumption in a highly complex integrated plant. The advanced process control is informed by an accurate digital twin based on a thermodynamic model. Moreover, effective visualisation […]

Four industries revolutionised by robots

Technology has embedded so deeply in our daily lives that it has become difficult to imagine a time when we lived without the benefits of the information age. Robotics, for example, has been around for decades and has forever changed professions, companies, and entire industries around the world. Machines have introduced enhanced efficiency, precision, and reliability, minimising the financial drawbacks and operational difficulties that sometimes stem from human error, according to Konica Minolta. Matthew Hunter, innovation product marketing manager, Konica Minolta, said, “Today, people coexist with robots and the relationship is one that lets us streamline responsibilities, enhance capabilities and provides more time to strive toward innovation and greatness. This is seen around the world with some industries benefiting from their relationships with robots.” Four of the industries that have been revolutionised by robots: Military and defence. Warfare and home defence is longer a matter of amassing people to fight face to face. For years now, the Australian Defence Force has adopted robotic war strategies to maximise combat efficiency and minimise human risk. This has included investing in robotics like autonomous security drones, unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, and digital weapons that incorporate computerised sight and automated firing technology. These developments in modern warfare now make up a growing part of the military to provide security, surveillance, and combat capabilities that significantly reduce the risk to soldiers and enhance military intelligence. Delivery and distribution Warehouses that were once run by clipboards, forklifts, and manual labour have now streamlined item logistics thanks to robots. From product loading and unloading to packing and sorting, warehouse robotics add value to warehousing operations by automating the execution of menial, repetitive tasks, letting human workers focus on more complicated tasks. For example, item transportation within a warehouse no longer requires someone to awkwardly manoeuvre a heavy trolley around hazards. Instead, mobile industrial robots can automate the internal transportation of heavy loads and pallets with greater cost effectiveness and an increased ability to withstand dust particles and fluids. These types of robots handle labour-intensive tasks that can often lead to fatigue, which may lead to injury or lapses in judgment, and can complete tasks that would have […]

Edge Computing: Expanding the manufacturing industry with hybrid cloud

– Rajesh Rajamani, senior director edge computing and emerging verticals, Red Hat The manufacturing industry continues to be at the forefront of Industry 4.0, , which is the digital transformation of manufacturing using technologies such as smart manufacturing, cloud computing, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and edge computing. Innovative companies are deploying these technologies and practices to foster greater ecosystem collaboration with suppliers and customers and to create mutually beneficial opportunities. The successful implementation of these technologies within the manufacturing stream increases the visibility of operations and production processes; and delivers competitive advantage through better product quality and adapting to market demand more quickly. The convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is a cornerstone to cloud and edge computing adoption, moving toward an intelligent enterprise. Edge computing is transforming operations and fueling faster innovation through advanced robotics and machine-to-machine communication closer to the source, rather than sending data to a server for analysis and response. Gathering, analysing, and acting on data on the factory floor in real-time offers benefits including reduction in downtime, accurately predicting maintenance, and improving overall product quality results in higher yield, reduced waste, increased throughput, and lower overall costs. Hybrid cloud: Fundamental infrastructure to integrate edge computing The edge is an extension of the datacentre footprint beyond the datacenter, virtual, private cloud, and public cloud environments that contain centralised infrastructure. In a sense, edge computing blends pieces from each to create infrastructure built to satisfy specific customer demands. In smart manufacturing, an edge deployment could consist of thousands of sensors connected to a data-aggregation tier. Connecting these sensors to hybrid cloud provides consistency from edge devices to the network to the centralised datacenter, converging IT and OT providing a common foundation. This allows IT teams to manage all networked devices just […]

Monitoring system manages blood, glucose and uric acid levels

Fosun Trade Medical Devices, a leading manufacturer of medical appliances, has available BUZUD’s Safe AQ UG Blood Glucose and Uric Acid Monitoring System. This two-function test system enables users to measure blood sugar and uric acid levels conveniently and accurately from the comfort of their homes within 30 seconds—without the need to visit a laboratory. Certified by government health ministries in many countries, including Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), this system saves time by testing for both blood glucose and uric acid levels quickly and simultaneously. While it is safe and affordable to test for blood glucose levels at home, the conventional way to test uric acid levels is to send a urine or blood sample for testing to a laboratory. This process is costly and can take up to 3 days before the results are available. The handy BUZUD Safe AQ UG Blood Glucose and Uric Acid Monitoring System is a new-generation bifunctional monitoring system that uses FAD-GDH (flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent glucose dehydrogenase) technology, coupled with the anti-interference enzyme layer design. This enables more accurate blood glucose tests based on electrochemical glucose measurements without interference by oxygen, blood, ascorbic acid, and other internal and external interference sources in the blood sample. According to the World Health Organization, 422 million people worldwide have diabetes and it is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Effectively managing diabetes would depend on patients regularly testing their blood glucose levels and taking steps based on using the results to take action—many do not test as regularly as they should. High uric acid levels occur when the kidneys are unable to eliminate uric acid efficiently, and can cause uric acid crystals to form. Untreated and constantly high uric acid levels can lead to gout, permanent bone, joint and tissue damage, kidney […]

Panel Building: Everything you need to build and maintain your panel

RS PRO are experts in Industrial Control Panels. And for good reason. They are the control centre of countless industrial operations, and without them production stands still. This guide gives buyers, and experts alike, a quick guide to the ins and outs of control panels. Where to start? Panels are effectively the brains, containing the components necessary to control and manage devices, electrical systems, production plants and industrial machines. They function as the interface point between the machine operator and the production line, and transmit acoustic, visual, and video signals to ensure constant monitoring. The operator input commands can be completely digital (touch screen panel) or physical (buttons, switches) while the output signals (machine side) are sound and visual alarms, and video responses on how the plant is working. From the outside The meters on the outside serve as an interface with a machine-operator and employee. They display energy, temperature, counters, and voltmeters. The ammeters show the numerical values that the panel commands and switch to intervene on the machinery. This can turn the machinery on and off and use sounders & beacons to signal possible problems. The human touch RS PRO now boasts a human-machine interface (HMI) for the first time in its range. A user-friendly and interactive touchscreen panel displays the plant graphically, enabling users to operate and evaluate functionality via the software. The graphic interface can be programmed, and reprogrammed for different functions and in the case of modifications to the plant. Inside the Box A panel cannot exist without an enclosure containing all its components. Known as a wall box even if it does not hang exclusively on walls. The DIN Rail components contain everything from power supplies and contactors, relays, terminal blocks and Ethernet switches, to timer relays and axial fans. Connected by cables & […]

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Tech trends that WON’T happen in 2022

As 2022 kicks off, predictions abound on the technology advancements and innovations expected in the year ahead. However, several highly anticipated advancements, including the metaverse, mainstream companion robots, a boom in edge computing, and a bounce back in new vehicle sales will NOT happen in 2022, states global technology intelligence firm, ABI Research. In its new whitepaper, 70 Technology Trends That Will—and Will Not—Shape 2022, ABI Research analysts identify 35 trends that will shape the technology market and 35 others that, although attracting huge amounts of speculation and commentary, are less likely to move the needle over the next twelve months. “The fallout from Covid-19 prevention measures, the process of transitioning from pandemic to endemic disease, and global political tensions weigh heavily on the coming year’s fortunes. “This whitepaper is a tool for readers to help shape their understanding of the key critical trends that look set to materialise in 2022 as the world begins to emerge from the shadow of Covid-19. It also highlights those much-vaunted trends that are less likely to have meaningful impact in 2022,” says Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research. What won’t happen in 2022? The metaverse will not arrive fully formed Despite all the headlines and investments, the metaverse will not arrive in 2022 or, for that matter, within the typical 5-year forecast window. The metaverse is still more of a buzzword and vision than a fully-fledged end goal with a defined arrival date. What we have today is a number of tech companies building their version of a “metaverse,” but this multiverse is not fully interconnected, does not yet widely employ open standards, and certainly has not fully embraced Extended Reality (XR)—all tenets of the metaverse vision (some would also add the crypto economy to the list, which is also not in place). The exponential boom […]

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