Gerhard Schubert

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KENNEDY’S DIGITAL

Schubert’s robots… ...just how clever are they?

and nations more productive in nearly every industry across the globe. German based packaging machine manufacturer Schubert acknowledges this and aims to present itself as a force for innovative technologies and packaging solutions.

Based on its modular machine concept, Schubert will be demonstrating new answers to the increasing digitalisation of machine and robot functions as a live show at its stand. The packaging group will also be demonstrating how 3D printing can lead to completely different packaging processes that create smaller batch sizes.

As we roll into 2020, everything is all about being faster, better, stronger, more sustainable and so the packaging industry, as well as countless others, is currently facing several challenges driven by market forces and demands. In order to satisfy these requirements economically and ecologically, processes are necessary.

Schubert currently incorporates modular design into its TLM systems, which have had a lot of attention in order to improve for 2020. The big news from Schubert this time around is the release of its answer to the digitalisation of the marketplace - the cobot. Above: The new T4 and T5 pick & place robots from Schubert, which are based on the Delta robot type, offer high performance in a small space.

Right: Every minute, the lightline Cartonpacker packs up to 47 cartons in 12, 24 or 60 carton formations into the RSC cartons.

Above: The lightline Flowpacker will be demonstrating the latest sealing technology from Schubert at the fair: cross-sealing unit.

Below: At the trade fair stand, a lightline Cartonpacker from Turkish customer Tören will be packing boxes cartons.

Cobots – the next level of automation There are more than a million industrial robots around the world today, over half of which are located in Japan.* However Schubert looks to change this with cooperative robots, which work without a safety cage and involve packaging processes of small batch sizes. Schubert is developing a comprehensive system for its new cobot modules including an intelligent control system, feed belts and even a vision system that allows it to perceive its environment- sort of like a person. The cobot’s are small too, each one requires no more than the space needed for a small cow! It is known that workers on packaging lines face boring and monotonous tasks, however the means such tasks can now be done by robots, thus opening up more exciting roles for people. For example, they can pick up jumbled products without prior separation and place them onto a conveyor. There’s no worry about safety too, for example if a worker approaches the cobot, it initially slows down and stops completely. So, to take a look at Shubert’s latest AI technology, a live exhibition will be on show at Interpack.

Big in Output, Small in Size be an important step to improving productivity, smaller machines can free up factory space meaning businesses can increase their production without having to build more. And so, Schubert’s specialised T4 and T5 robots have been designed with this in mind- great things come in small packages. Both new machines complement the F4 robot, which is used in picker lines.

The design of the new pick & place robots is based on the delta robot type. Their compact rectangular working area makes them perform in the smallest of spaces. For example, up to six of the new four-axis T4 robots can work simultaneously in a single TLM frame. The T5 variant offers a different option for machine which products can be pivoted and tilted. To view this for yourself there will be a demonstration at the Schubert stand.

Virtual parts warehouse with 3D printing on demand 3D printing is revolutionising both machines and warehousing, as electronic design data can be retrieved “on demand” in seconds anywhere in the world. Schubert is now making this access possible – with the new part streaming platform from Schubert Additive Solutions GmbH. Schubert told Kennedy’s that the virtual warehouse is fast, reliable and economical, and represents a major The digitally stored parts are available everywhere, eliminating long wait and delivery times. In addition to simple spare parts, various robot tools can be printed via the part streaming platform.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KENNEDY’S DIGITAL

tna Solutions The new robag 3 packaging series

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Left: The tna robag® 3e Right: The tna intelli Below: