Automating any process in a production sequence can simplify operational challenges, as well as increase efficiency and quality. Yamaha Motor Robotics' FA division has helped companies in various sectors of the food industry achieve these benefits by introducing robots for packaging and labeling.
One of Yamaha's customers in food production, an established brand of baked sweets with a history dating back more than 100 years, recently installed a series of SCARA robots to optimize production capacity by packaging the sweets into boxes of various sizes.
If conventional manual packaging is used, the number of workers required in the production area varies depending on the number of boxes ordered and the quantity of sweets to be packaged. Figure 1 illustrates the workstations in the production area. The table shows how the optimal number of workers fluctuates according to the production target. This presents a challenge for managers, who must ensure that only the necessary number of workers are present each day.
Figure 1. Conventional manual packaging can be inefficient if there are more workers than necessary in the production area.
“Our team analyzed the workflow in the packaging area and proposed a set of eight YK400XE SCARA robots, connected via LCMR200 linear transport modules,” explains Jumpei Ninomiya, Sales Director of the Factory Automation (FA) division at Yamaha Motor Europe Robotics Business. “Only one worker is needed to supervise the robots, which simplifies human resource management and stabilizes production, ensuring that all orders can be fulfilled efficiently.”
With a 400 mm boom length and a 4 kg payload capacity, the YK400XE is the smallest in the high-performance, affordable YK-XE series. Ideal for palletizing, loading/unloading, assembly, and inspection, it easily connects to Yamaha's RCX340 controller to unlock its full potential. This includes automatic acceleration and deceleration optimization, which improves control—especially when moving heavy loads—while also maximizing reliability and minimizing vibration.
As a further improvement to the candy packaging application, the integration of the RCXiVY2+ vision system allowed each YK400XE to check the orientation and position of each individual item to be packaged. The modernized production area (Figure 2) can now operate continuously, 24 hours a day, with supervisors working in 8-hour shifts. The LCMR200 conveyor modules provide the flexibility needed to quickly adjust the conveyor's stop position to handle boxes of different sizes.
Figure 2. SCARA robots can package sweets accurately and at a constant speed, 24 hours a day, to maintain constant productivity.
A company spokesperson added: "In addition to providing the anticipated labor savings, our new Yamaha SCARA robots have improved productivity, reduced costs, and decreased human error, thereby enhancing quality. They allow us to preserve our history and tradition while modernizing our processes and offering our customers even more delicious baked goods."
Companies that handle food products such as meat may face a very different challenge. The environment in which meat is handled must be kept at a constant 4°C. Humans cannot work safely in those conditions for extended periods.
Yamaha's latest customer in the food industry has successfully automated the labeling of fresh meat packages under refrigerated conditions using YK-TW SCARA robots. The company's production managers had previously considered using a parallel link robot, which is common in many factories.
The YRM20DL is a premium, high-efficiency modular machine that improves actual and per-unit productivity with a newly developed, high-rigidity, double-track conveyor, further reducing transport losses, etc. The YRM20DL builds upon the core features of the company's flagship high-speed, high-precision, and highly versatile YRM20 universal mounting machine .
The bidirectional DCBM represents an important step forward in supporting the deployment of fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers in North America as it will allow EV charging station manufacturers (ECVE) to accelerate their certification based on DC meter requirements in accordance with CTEP/NTEP (Certified Test and Evaluation Professional/National Type Evaluation Program) certification.
Surface assembly processes can generate vast amounts of data that hold the secrets to continuous improvement. Unlocking those secrets is the challenge for the latest generations of manufacturing management software.
Delta showcased its broad portfolio of innovative and energy-efficient power and thermal management solutions. The offering includes Delta's 1U power rack for telecom and data center applications, featuring the new 80 PLUS Titanium configurable gallium nitrate (GaN) power supply with over 96% energy efficiency.
The ABB Sensi+ analyzer enables safer, simpler, and more efficient pipeline monitoring and operation thanks to a device that can accurately analyze up to three contaminants (H2S, H2O, CO2) in any natural gas flow in real time. Its rapid response also allows for timely reactions to process changes, helping to reduce waste and methane emissions.
Farnell now distributes Weller's new WXsmart intelligent all-in-one handheld welding platform. The WXsmart is a one-of-a-kind solution designed to reduce downtime and increase productivity across all welding, repair, and refurbishment applications.
RS Group plc has added Weller's WXsmart to its product portfolio, a new 300W handheld soldering platform that integrates all soldering applications into a single station. Thanks to a new range of soldering irons with smart tips, WXsmart enables complete process control throughout the entire soldering operation.
Kohler Power Systems, part of Kohler Co., has announced the launch of the KD3750-E and KD3750-F generator sets up to 3750kVA at 50Hz, adding new power nodes for mission-critical applications such as data centers. Developed by the EMEA engineering team, the KD3750 series slots between the current KD3500 and KD4000.
In manufacturing, standing still means certain to be overtaken. Factories need flexibility that allows them to continue increasing productivity and introducing new or improved products.
Manufacturers must constantly adapt to increase productivity and production output, ideally with minimal disruption to their processes. Some approaches, such as upgrading machinery or adding an extra production line, are only feasible infrequently. Between these major investments, it is essential to improve process setup and practices, such as changeover procedures, to increase efficiency.
HP has announced the availability of its Metal Jet S100 solution, which enables large-scale digital printing of high-quality metal parts. These 3D-printed parts accelerate the design and mass production of innovative products in sectors such as medical, industrial, consumer goods, and automotive.
During the last decade, the manufacturing industry has undergone a remarkable evolution and is currently estimated to be worth about 12 billion dollars.
Rehm Thermal Systems' ProtectoXP and ProtectoXC dispensing and coating systems protect electronic components from harsh environmental influences such as humidity, corrosion, chemicals, dust, and vibration. As these components in high-voltage power electronics—especially in the areas of 5G technology, electric mobility, and renewable energy—increase in size, the industry's need for new coating solutions for large components is also growing.
Teradyne has introduced Iris 100, an optical testing platform for microLED devices designed for use in manufacturing processes. The system allows for the individual measurement of emitters within a microLED array and can be integrated with the UltraFLEXplus platform...
IPTE announces the launch of the MultiRouter, a new offline printed circuit board (PCB) separation platform designed to combine high precision, configurable milling and sawing technologies, and compatibility with large-format PCB panels up to 1160 x 600 mm...
Testo Saveris GmbH launches testo Saveris 1 Cloud, a new cloud-based version of its existing system. The solution is designed for pharmaceutical companies and other industrial sectors that need to centrally monitor critical parameters while reducing the effort required...
Space constraints and limitations inherited from older systems could have prevented Miltronik, a design and manufacturing specialist, from taking the next step in continuously improving its production capabilities. Yamaha Robotics' YRi-V dual-lane AOI system overcame that obstacle...
No matter how much you prototype and test your product designs, there will always be factors beyond your direct control that have significant implications for the manufacturability, efficiency, reliability, and expected lifespan of your final product. One of the most important is the quality of...
GÖPEL electronic now presents the latest generation of X-ray inspection: the Multi Line AXI combines exceptional technological innovations with highly versatile application options and multifunctionality, while offering easy operation and rapid adaptability to various tasks...
Testing laboratories dedicated to the development of power electronics, electric mobility, energy storage, and high-voltage systems require safety solutions capable of protecting both operators and equipment during testing. With this objective, Saxogy has...
The testo 174 series data loggers continuously monitor temperature and humidity sensitive products during storage, refrigeration or transport.
Watlow, a global industrial technology company and provider of complete electric thermal systems, highlights its POWERSAFE™ integrated medium-voltage control and heating platform, a solution specifically designed to help industrial operators electrify large...
You will receive all 10 editions that are published each year.
Spanish electronics magazine. Printed for over 25 years.
Spain - Madrid - All rights reserved © Convertronic Professional Spanish Electronics Magazine.