Automation Canada - Robotic Integration Issue - 5

numbers they intended to achieve. Although more robots were
required than initially intended, the client was exceptionally happy that
they did not just pick a partner that would simply dropped the two
robots in, but rather worked with them to determine their needs and
develop a solution that would ensure they met goals that would have a
sustainable effect and lead to long-term operational efficiency.
Omron truly walks through all the various scenarios be it linear or
decoupled process analysis. Working through scenarios it is possible to
determine the necessary factors such as sizing and production
estimates and then use them to develop simulations and then an actual
proof of concept. The solution to any problem is out there, and if the
initial assessment or the robotics are not a fit, there is the option to
consider linear axis or servo options as well as traceability options.
But Omron has also provided several tools that users can also access
to aid them in understanding their own needs and ensuring that all the
necessary questions and concerns have been addressed. PackXpert is
one of Omron's engineering software tools that can very easily aid in
getting a robotic solution underway.
Marc points out that when considering Food & Beverage operations,
the PackXpert " software is a broader set of solution offerings specific to
this market that allows you to answer simple questions and easy
applications but also allows you to consider multiple robots and
multiple vision systems, you can do recipe management and line
changeover, it really is an all-encompassing capability that saves many
clients large engineering expenses. "
Yannick adds to this noting that " The software has an intelligence to it
because it inherently understands the market and the application it is
being attached to. For example, the software understands the
customer's needs in terms of product mix. And when a customer is
dealing with a multipack situation, many times they need to spend a lot
of time syncing their vision system to their robot. The calibration and the
vision recognition in this case is already established in the PackXpert
environment, so that is the integration part and the focus that Omron
has. The value is not just affordability, but it is reduced engineering time
C A N A D I A N A U TO M AT I O N

and speed to market. "
And as Laura notes things do not simply stop once the proper robot
for your application has been determined. Omron is focused on
developing strong relationships and ensuring customers have a
complete solution that will keep their operations running smoothly.
Marc points out that " After determining which robots are needed, we
ask the important next question about which machine automation
platform do they run on? And that leads to the questions of whether
they need drives or servos? Do they need safety to protect both
machines and workers? In this case, asking those questions expanded
the scope of the project to include the Sysmac control platform,
external NXIO as well as safety light curtains and interlock switches on
machine doors to become a true, integrated Omron solution. "
Yannick emphasizes that " Robotics are the centre of the universe
when you have a robotic cell, but they are not the whole universe. "
And to close Marc very elegantly summed up what we really need to
understand when thinking about the use of robotics in Food & Beverage
and other sectors. " At the end of the day it is not just a robot that gets
the job done, it's a robot automation solution. It's about being
integrated, intelligent and interactive. "

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1

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Automation Canada - Robotic Integration Issue

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