2021 + ISSUE ONE
Intuitive Controls Drive JLS
®
P A R T N E R
Q&A
The Peregrine® cartoning system is powered by a uniquely simple control platform that makes it small yet mighty.
Patrick McDermott
Q:
When did the B&R partnership with JLS® start and what does it mean to B&R?
McDermott: About five years ago, there was a need for higher payloads and better sanitary solutions for primary packaging. Through the process of JLS finding that, the idea evolved to a JLS-control platform using B&R technology that integrated the control system and robot. At the time, JLS thought the technology would gradually grow in demand over time, but it’s been a big hit in a thirsty market and has been taking off from there. The partnership with JLS is one we value at B&R and due to the high interest, we created a global account manager role at B&R dedicated to supporting and growing the JLS solution with full priority. 10 VISION
Q:
What is the benefit of having B&R controls and robots standard on all JLS machines?
McDermott: The main benefit is that we’ve integrated everything into a centralized software solution with distributed hardware. The B&R platform easily allows devices to communicate with each other and present information without a lot of code. Traditional control systems require end-users to invest in a lot of training and software tools to go online. The B&R platform allows JLS to embed the diagnostics into the HMI, while also providing end users off-the-shelf, web-based tools, which is where B&R sees the future of diagnostics.
Q:
What makes the B&R control system intuitive to use?
McDermott: In addition to the web-based diagnostics, the centralized architecture of the systems with distributed hardware is a winning formula. JLS has taken a lot of ownership and put its vision into what that looks like—a machine that tells the robot exactly where to go and what to do while minimizing personnel challenges in the plant. A company’s investment in the maintenance and training of the line is much higher due to higher turnover. The ability to connect everything digitally between robot, track system and traditional servo motion on one common troubleshooting platform makes it that much easier to automate.
Q:
How does the track improve the cartoning operation on the Peregrine versus a traditional mechanical system?
PATRICK McDERMOTT, PRESIDENT, B&R NORTH AMERICA, a unit of the ABB Group, is a global leader in industrial automation combining state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. McDermott: The value of JLS’ innovation is the precise control of the carton and the ability to synchronize it with the robot. This is where the centralized architecture really pays dividends because it achieves better performance at throughputs that matter. Unlike our track system, traditional solutions lack flexibility. Today’s market is consumer-driven and the ability to run different formats with software-based changes is critical in a hygienic environment.
Q:
JLS is focused on sanitary design. What are the hygienic features on the track?
McDermott: B&R’s ACOPOStrak solution is a key differentiator. From the early stages in design for the ACOPOStrak, the cleaning and hygienic requirements in a food processing environment were a focus. The stainless steel bearing and rail design provides washdown options up to IP69K. B&R’s rail design allows us to control the track profile and attach a shuttle to it, giving us the most flexibility in a sustainable, washdown solution. With standard rails and bearings, you get into greasing and oils, which leads to service and modified wheel roller designs to achieve
