Experts in Man & Machine
16.06.2016
FAST picker figures
• Degrees of freedom: 4
• Maximum load capacity: 1 kg
• Nominal load capacity: 0.5 kg
• Performance: over 200 picks a minute
• Repeatability: < ± 0.05 mm
• Stroke: 100 mm and 200 mm option
• Protection class: IP54 and IP65 option
With over 200 picks per minute, FAST picker TP80s redefine the concept of super-fast robots. These unique robots will revolutionize the food industry. They’re particularly well-suited for sorting and packaging operations and have short cycle times. Versions of these robots now feature higher levels of protection and can be used with unpackaged food products.
With its FAST picker TP80 robots, Stäubli has redefined the concept of super-fast robots. Powerful and easy to integrate, these new robots are clearing the way for innovative high-speed automation strategies. Their precise and extremely fast kinematics are particularly well suited to the food industry, but also the pharmaceutical, photovoltaic, automobile, and electronics sectors.
With their high energy efficiency, compact size, eco-friendly cell design, and ability to squeeze into tighter spaces, FAST picker TP80s provide limitless possibilities for new concepts. Stäubli now has new TP80 versions, giving users even more ways to take advantage of the system’s four-axis kinematics. Models designed for humid environments and featuring 200-mm Z strokes are now available.
Stäubli’s new HE (Humid Environment) model meets the strictest food industry hygiene standards for immediate packaging and the handling and sorting of unpackaged food products. HE models are intended for humid environments or those exposed to water spray. They can easily withstand food industry cleaning processes, unlike traditional robots, which would immediately be put out of commission.
What’s more, all FAST picker models are highly reliable and accurate. Extreme precision is guaranteed even after thousands of hours of operation. Their kinematics and sturdy structure make them very reliable even under continuous operation. Moreover, power cables and conduits are built into their arms, removing any possibility of accidents.
Gerald Vogt, Assistant Director of Robotics Activities and former Director of R&D, notes that the machines offer more than just technical excellence: « FAST pickers are systematically used in the food industry. The four-axis arm is easy to integrate, does not need to be mounted on the ceiling directly above sensitive food products, and performs smoothly and efficiently thanks to food grade lubricant NSF H1. »
The oil provides two key benefits: it meets all Stäubli robot motor requirements and allows robots to operate indefinitely. TP80s achieve maximum performance levels even with food oil and have no limitations, unlike the competition.
Another advantage to these machines is that they’re easy to maintain. TP80s need only be separated from production lines, rotated, and cleaned intensively with fluids, whereas Delta robots mounted above food products are much more of a challenge to clean. Cleaning liquids inevitably spread from the entire cell to conveyor belts below as well as sensitive components such as sensors and vision systems. TP80s can be cleaned faster, reducing costly downtime and improving equipment availability substantially.
FOR NEW INNOVATIVE AND FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION PROJECTS
Martina Düngfelder, Key Account Manager for Food Applications at Stäubli Robotics Bayreuth, explains what FAST picker TP80s can do.
These ultra high speed machines are perfect for new and innovative automation projects in the food and pharmaceutical industries, offering greater flexibility. Plus they’re quick and cheap to integrate. For concrete applications like outer yogurt packaging, a FAST picker TP80 was able to replace two Delta robots. Not only do these robots provide top performance and compact setup, their payback periods are also very short, sometimes less than a year.
MORE THAN 200 PICKS PER MINUTE FOR HANDLING OPERATIONS
TP80s exceed 200 picks a minute when handling items weighing 0.1 kg or less. Their speed barely drops with heavier loads (up to maximum capacity of 1 kg). The four-axis arm features a work envelope 1.6 m in diameter and repeatability within ± 0.05 mm. Various versions of these robots are available. Standard models have 100 mm strokes and go up to protection class IP54. Models providing 200 mm strokes, bellows, and IP65 protection class are also available as options, as are HE models. All models are available with NSF H1 food oil.