PEC 2020

Delta Robots for Packaging Line Optimization

Nov. 10, 2020

New pick-and-place robot from ABB picks faster, handles higher payloads, and operates with software that uses digital twin technology to optimize packaging station design.

David Greenfield, editor in chief

ABB's IRB 390 has a 35% faster pick speed and 45% increase in payload (up to 15 kg), compared to ABB’s IRB 360-8/1130 FlexPicker.

In a demo for ABB at PACK EXPO Connects, Justin Stephens, director of marketing at Kaitech Automation, explained how its use of just two ABB delta robots enabled Kaitech to reduce a customer’s eight production lines into one cell. The delta robot featured in Stephens’ demo in the ABB booth is ABB’s new IRB 390 FlexPacker delta robot.

ABB says the IRB 390 has a 35% faster pick speed and 45% increase in payload (up to 15 kg), compared to ABB’s IRB 360-8/1130 FlexPicker. The IRB 390 is available as a four- and five-axis variant delta robot.

Also highlighted was ABB’s PickMaster Twin robotic software for vision-guided, random flow picking and packing applications, which uses digital twin technology to simulate packing stations in order to optimize the picking process before the stations are physically constructed. The software features a color vision system that can support up to 10 cameras for accurate position guidance and feature inspection.

About the Author

David Greenfield, editor in chief | Editor in Chief

David Greenfield joined Automation World in June 2011. Bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and media experience to his position, David’s contributions can be found in AW’s print and online editions and custom projects. Earlier in his career, David was Editorial Director of Design News at UBM Electronics, and prior to joining UBM, he was Editorial Director of Control Engineering at Reed Business Information, where he also worked on Manufacturing Business Technology as Publisher.