New function packages for order picking tasks

For these two tasks, KUKA Roboter is presenting two new function packages at Interpack: KUKA.DePallet and KUKA.OrderAssembly. They encompass the function controls and user interface needed for both fields of activity. They also acquire and process incoming scanner and image recognition data. The benefits of these integrated packages are obvious: short cycle times, no additional software needed (e.g. for the separator), and a high level of cost-effectiveness.

Furthermore, open industry standards (TCP/IP and XML messages) are used, enabling the two packages to be integrated into the relevant functions further down the line, such as transfer systems, order management or data warehouse management solutions.

With KUKA.DePallet, a jointed-arm robot can depalletize packages with a multiple grip sequence, and then deposit them separately elsewhere, for instance on a conveyor belt. The robots detect the packages by means of a 3D surface profile scan which helps them localize the package coordinates. Multi-functional grippers ensure that goods are deposited reliably and precisely. The grippers are equipped with sensors that are used to check the actual load height.

KUKA.OrderAssembly controls complex palletizing of mixed order pallets, for example in the goods distribution centers. Flexible gripper concepts ensure reliable handling of the entire product spectrum. The packages are presented to the robot on unmixed pallets for depalletizing and separating onto a conveyor belt. The products laid out with DepalletTech are accumulated in a buffer, from where a second robot picks out goods to efficiently compile individual orders. The function package selects the best possible packages online according to the criteria of load density and stability, and then positions them on the calculated customer pallet. This online approach is extremely reliable, and guarantees steady throughput throughout the entire warehouse. A sophisticated control concept with integration into order data management optimizes the handling process.

Ingenious complete portfolio

An economically designed automation system is made up of inter-coordinated system components such as robots, grippers, peripheral devices and time-optimized sequence planning. KUKA Roboter can now offer customers a sophisticated portfolio of solutions which aid system builders and system integrators in providing manufacturing enterprises with economically beneficial and highly-efficient alternatives for order picking tasks which are often still carried out on a purely manual basis.

Robot automation in this environment is always of use wherever items are to be handled rapidly or are of above-average weight. This can be the case for example in the beverages and foodstuffs industry, where typical applications include depalletizing and mixed palletizing in layers and stacks. KUKA robots can deal with all picking, packaging and palletizing processes. In addition to standard robots for a vast range of payloads – from an agile mini-robot for up to 3 kg and a new, ultra-light master of precision in the medium payload range, right up to the heavyweight champion with a load-bearing capacity of 570 kg – KUKA’s product portfolio also includes special models made of stainless steel and cleanroom robots for use in the foodstuffs industry. All robot models can be fitted with the latest grippers. They can pick up packages of all shapes and sizes with a great variety of surfaces – from perforated boxes to shrink-wrapped trays. And it goes without saying that KUKA robots can also be equipped with the latest sensor technology, which is particularly relevant for depalletizing tasks.