Articles and News

Standard-Knapp supplied a bottle packer that almost eliminates bottle breakage while increasing packer speed.

Nestlé will introduce an openSAFETY-based safety standard which allows for the unrestricted exchange of safety-related information between machines and control systems from various manufacturers.

JLS Automation selected the ABB IRB 360 FlexPicker robot for its new Osprey case packing system, which loads low profile wrapped or vacuum packed product into shallow shipping cases.

Packaging professionals participating in the study identified four primary challenges to advancing machinery communications.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Thomas R. Cutler Perkins Paper installed the Jennifer VoicePlus picking, QC/Audit, and loading system from Lucas Systems to meet the objective of error-free automation processes.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bosch Rexroth Packaging containers can sometimes be quite elaborate. The faster, the better, the more accurate so as not to damage delicate products. This is the challenge for pick-and-place robots and the control technology behind them. Chocolate, for example, is one such product that must be handled with care.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor Judging from Automate 2011 and the IFR Executive Round Table, the robotics industry is on the move again. In 2010, the number of units sold worldwide almost doubled those in 2009. Here's an update on the robotics industry and overview of some interesting robot offerings.

Gleason started his career in industrial automation in robotics. With more than 20 years experience, he has led hardware and design engineering projects.

The guide provides specific illustrated examples of motion solutions in bread robot, skewer/assembly, food vending, food press and de-boning applications.

Automation.com, May 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor Here are a few highlights from ABB Automation & Power World 2011. The event attracted a record number of participants, totaling more than 4,200, and featured over 400 educational workshops and hands-on training sessions, over 45 customer-presented case studies, and an exhibition of ABB and partner products.

The DataMan 500 systems will read barcodes on product packaging to ensure that the right items are shipped to the right destination, and to collect data for instant inventory management.

Among the factors driving the rapid growth in the application of machine vision technology is the creation of new industry standards, according to industry leaders.

Douglas Machine Inc., Kliklok-Woodman and Nercon Engineering & Manufacturing will have the opportunity to increase market awareness with customers, expand into new market sectors, and improve technical and functional excellence.

PMMI’s support will enable OMAC’s volunteer leadership to expand its membership domestically and internationally, plus engage customer and supplier teams in further developing OMAC standards, including PackML.

Automation.com, March 2011 The largest material handling event of the year will take place later this month in Chicago, ProMat 2011. New automation solutions will be on display. Perhaps the automation solutions for material handling in the food sector carries the most unique requirements for palletizing robots, stretch wrapping equipment, labeling systems, pallet control systems and laser-guided automatic vehicles.

The AIOE’s purpose is to bring together operations professionals from consumer products companies and solutions providers to address key industry issues.

The Standard-Knapp solution has enabled AriZona to significantly increase case packing speeds. For 12-packs of both 16-ounce and 20-ounce glass bottles, packaging speed has increased by 20 percent.

Nord provided drives and gears for the packaging, palleting and transport systems at the new factory of Hacklberger Beverage.

Adept will acquire InMotx in a cash and stock transaction valued at $4.3 million. InMoTx specializes in packaging equipment for the food industry.

Senior management at U.S. manufacturing companies is once again optimistic, according to a Grant Thornton November survey.