Omron offers complete single-source automation solutions
An example of Omron’s growing portfolio of successful robotic and motion automation solutions is its work for a leading packaging and end-of-line machine-building specialist. Field Application Engineer Evert Janse van Vuuren reveals that the Omron Delta robot was used for this particular application, due mainly to its high-speed pick-and-place functionality. Function blocks were designed specifically for a roll-on bottle packing line, where 340 bottles a minute are picked and placed.
The Delta robot solution from Omron can achieve up to 200 cycles per minute. It can be synchronised with multiple conveyors to perform on-the-fly pick-and-place operations. Three types of Delta robot arms are available, namely Washdown, Delta and Mini Delta.
The NJ controller offers a response time of 2 ms when controlling eight Delta robots, or 1 ms when controlling four robots. The working range is from 450 to 1 600 mm, with a 1 to 8 kg payload range. The IP class range includes IP65, IP67 and IP69K.
Janse van Vuuren comments that the acquisition of Adept has extended Omron’s expertise in automation, robotics and motion control even further. “When the acquisition was planned, careful attention was paid to the integration of the two different platforms. We did not want to just rush into the market, and not have the correct software and hardware to support it.
“For the end user, it is not really about the robotics, but about the performance of the total system, in tandem with the reputation of the vendor. You do not want to deal with someone entirely new to the robotics market. That is why acquiring Adept has made such a difference, as we can tap into its accumulated knowledge.”
This is where Omron’s own expertise and innovation supports Adept, as the former is a leader in vision systems and sensors. “There is a lot of technology that supports a robot, which cannot do anything without its ‘eyes’,” Janse van Vuuren explains.
“As vision systems advance, so do robot capabilities. Faster CPUs also lead to increased memory capacities of robot controllers. This means we can load many more algorithms into the controllers, which speeds up the robot’s decision-making capability.”
The robots themselves are mechanical devices that use servo motors to control their movement. Therefore advances in mechanical engineering also contribute to their ongoing evolution. “If you have a great mechanical design for a robot, but only equip it with a basic control system, then it is only going to perform to the standard of that particular control system.”
The integration of Omron Adept will therefore result in the best possible solutions for customers, taking into account the latest advances in both technology and software. Omron’s recent success with the packaging and end-of-line machine-building specialist is testament to the suitability of home-grown solutions.
“There is a need for locally-developed, high-end solutions that are more cost-effective when compared to imported solutions, in addition to other benefits such as reduced downtime,” Janse van Vuuren emphasises.
Omron is ideally placed to offer customisable total solutions to meet the needs of different sectors, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals. “We are very well-priced, and have fit-for-purpose product solutions. We most definitely also have the necessary robotic and motion support structures in place locally, with our experienced application engineers as the first point of contact for our customers.”
Janse van Vuuren says that a lot of local automation control companies fall down in that they are unable to offer the necessary level of customer back-up and technical support. “They can support automation, PLCs and sensors, for example, but motion control is a niche sector. You really need to understand what you are doing here.”
What gives Omron the leading edge in the customer service side is its development of simulation software for all major elements of automation systems, from the vision system itself to logic and control, motion control and robotics.
“All of that can be simulated quite easily with our software. What that does is reduce both the planning and commissioning stages of a project, because you are able to simulate your actual application beforehand. You are able to debug potential problems virtually,” Janse van Vuuren highlights.
Omron offers SCARA, parallel, articulated and mobile robot solutions. These best-in-class industrial robots have been integrated with Omron’s family of sensors, safety components and award-winning NX/NJ series machine automation controllers to simplify the implementation of robots in a production environment.
The Omron Adept Quattro robot, for example, is the only parallel robot (or delta robot) in the world with a patented four-arm rotational platform, delivering maximum speed, acceleration and exceptional performance across the entire work envelope. Ultra-compact controls and embedded amplifiers improve footprint efficiency, while simplifying installation.
Features include robust components and design, high-resolution absolute encoders and high-efficiency low-inertia drives and lightweight arms. The 8 kHz servo update rate yields high accuracy, superior slow-speed following and easy calibration.
Integrated temperature sensors monitor heat build-up in the servo motors to prevent damage, while a diagnostic display on the robot enables faster troubleshooting. The high speed, precision and overhead-mount features of the Quattro robot make it the perfect choice for flexible and fast packaging, materials handling, kitting and assembly.
For more information on Omron solutions, visit www.industrial.omron.co.za.
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About Omron
Omron Electronics is the South African subsidiary of Omron Corporation, a global leader in the field of automation. Established in 1933, Omron has more than 35 000 employees in over 35 countries working to provide products and services to customers in a variety of fields, including industrial automation, electronic components industries, and healthcare. Omron Electronics provides a comprehensive sales and support service for Omron’s vast range of industrial automation products, including industrial components, sensing and safety, automation systems and drives.
For enquiries about Omron Industrial Automation please contact:
Omron Electronics (Pty) Ltd.
Tel: 011 579 2600
Direct Email: info [dot] sa [at] eu [dot] omron [dot] com
Website: www.industrial.omron.co.za