The new IRB 390 FlexPacker from ABB supports logistics and e-commerce fulfilment centres with customised packaging and order picking. The delta robot also facilitates demand-orientated high-speed and high-variant sorting as well as vertical packaging.
In view of the growth of omnichannel retail, distribution and logistics centres need to redesign their systems so that they can handle both pallets and packaging intended for retail shelves can. At the same time, they must be able to recognise different items for the Direct dispatch to the end customer picking and packing.
Operators need the right Infrastructure for maximum flexibility. This makes it possible to pick and handle a large number of goods in a wide variety of combinations and in the shortest possible time.
"We help retailers with the realisation of their Omnichannel strategiesto meet consumer demand for greater choice. The ongoing development towards direct-to-consumer channels and the transformation from online retailers to retailers, and vice versa, are increasing the demands on traditional fulfilment systems: they need to process a greater variety of items at higher speeds," says Marc SeguraManaging Director Consumer Segments & Service Robotics at ABB.
Technological advances, including in robot speed and payload, as well as AI-based vision systems, are creating a unique opportunity for customers to recognise and handle a greater variety of products in a more agile and flexible way. ABB is already helping logistics, e-fulfilment and retail companies around the world to meet rapidly changing consumer demand.
Flexible robot for a wide range of customers
ABB's robotics offering will be expanded with the upcoming launch of the IRB 390 FlexPacker Further expanded at the end of 2020. The IRB 390 FlexPacker will be available as a four-axis and five-axis delta robot with a payload of up to 15 kg. It is 35 per cent faster than the IRB 360-8/1130 FlexPicker. The achievable volume is also 45 per cent higher in comparison.
Designed for customers in the food and beverage, logistics, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries, the IRB 390 is ideal for secondary packaging and higher payload applications. It has the speed and flexibility required to fulfil both Shelf Ready Packaging (SRP) as well as Retail Ready Packaging (RRP).
With H1-NSF approval and manufactured from FDA-compatible material, the IRB 390 is also suitable for use in hygienically sensitive environments. The food-grade lubricants FGO and FGG (H1) are used for all gears and bearings.
"With the introduction of the IRB 390 FlexPacker, we at ABB are expanding our automation portfolio to provide our customers with even better support in meeting current and future challenges. Pick & place challenges to master. We combine the speed, payload and dexterity of the FlexPacker with the proven high-speed picking and packing capability of the FlexPicker and the advanced vision and digital twin technology of the PickMaster Twin. This is how we help our customers to Packaging lines more flexible than ever before. This enables them to better overcome challenges such as lower volumes, a higher product mix and a higher payload," explains Marc Segura.
By combining the IRB 390 FlexPacker with the IRB 360 FlexPicker, which has been a leader in modern high-speed picking and packing for 15 years, manufacturers can also benefit from a Complete solution for pre-sorting and group packaging put together.
The FlexPacker is also designed for use with PickMaster Twin designed. ABB's robot software for camera-based picking and packing applications supports Digital Twin technology, which enables the simulation of packing stations to optimise the picking process.
This can significantly increase productivity by reducing commissioning times from days to hours and changeover times from hours to minutes, while increasing the overall efficiency of the system. In addition, PickMaster Twin has a powerful colour vision system that supports up to ten cameras for precise position guidance and functional checks.
Source: ABB
