Optimising packaging efficiency

On stand D72, RARUK Automation will be demonstrating the PE Series Palletising Solution from Robotiq. The solution was designed specifically for the Universal Robots range of 6-axis cobot arms and there are a variety of options to suit different UR models. For this demonstration, the palletising solution will be paired with the newly upgraded UR12e. With a recently improved payload capacity of 12.5 kg/ 27.5 lbs, this model has a reach of 1300 mm / 51.2 in whilst maintaining a compact footprint.

With many manufacturers struggling with labour shortages, robotic palletising enables workers to be re-allocated to higher value, safer tasks. This eliminates the risk of RSI associated with manual palletising. Robotiq's full range of palletising solutions are fast to set up, easy to scale and do not require annual software licencing fees.

Material handling with mobile robots

Working in collaboration with the palletising cell on stand D72, the MiR600 from Mobile Industrial Robots will be transporting the pallet once loaded. This showcases how workflows can be completely automated in real-life applications and how different robotic solutions can work together. The MiR600 can move 600 kg payloads autonomously at a speed of 2m/s in demanding environments. The AMR is IP52 rated, with an ability to withstand dust and fluids. Offering enhanced worker safety due to multi-sensor systems and cameras that feed data into an advanced planning algorithm, the MiR600 meets ISO 3691-4 safety standards.

Another mobile robot on RARUK Automation's stand will be the ER-FLEX, created by Enabled Robotics. The robot combines a MiR250 mobile robot base with a Universal Robots cobot arm mounted on top (there are a range of UR models to choose from). This mobile cobot can be used for transporting and handling materials, saving valuable worker time and improving productivity. The ER-FLEX can be used for 20 hours a day, or around the clock with a smart layout.

AI vision for packing

Completing the range of demonstrations on RARUK Automation's stand will be an AI vision application, using Cambrian Vision on a UR5e. The vision system works by capturing images with a 3D camera mounted on the robot arm, which are then routed through an AI model and 3D co-ordinates are returned for any pickable parts. The UR robot will then move to pick the part and pack it in a uniform orientation. Cambrian Vision offers prediction times of 0.2 seconds. The vision system can detect difficult part materials such as shiny metals and transparent plastics. The AI technology enables the system to work in a range of challenging artificial and natural lighting conditions.

The PPMA Total Show 2025 promises to highlight the very latest in machinery, robotics, vision systems and automation all under one roof. On stand D72, visitors will have the chance to see innovative collaborative robot technology in action and ask any questions they may have. Whether it is packing, palletising or material handling there are a range of scalable, intelligent solutions available from trusted automation distributor RARUK Automation.