The Challenge

Midwest Engineered Systems was challenged to design and build a fully automated robotic depalletizing cell for boxed spray heads that reduces need for human operators while increasing throughput.

 The Requirements

• Automation System must supply parts to two (2) lines
• Convey full or partial pallet loads to the depalletizing robot
• Dynamically pick full boxes from pallets
• Automatically cut top of box tape
• Empty box contents into production line feed hoppers
• Break down corrugated boxes for reuse
• Automatically stack pallets and send out full stacks for pickup

The Solution

• The following methods, components and technologies were implemented and integrated to provide a comprehensive solution:
• MWES developed a custom, compliant end-of-robotic-arm tool with integrated robotic vision system to recognize individual shipping boxes and their configuration
• The automation system can also dynamically detect partial pallets and various pallet patterns using integrated robotic vision
• Custom integrated chain driven live roller (CDLR) conveyor system
• Dynamic box pallet picking and orientation was achieved using robotic automation system combined with machine vision
• MWES developed a custom box tape cutting system that could be integrated into the automated production system
• Custom corrugated box breakdown and stacking machine was designed to facilitate reuse of packaging materials
• Integrated pallet handling with MWES Model PS1200 pallet stacking machine

Impact to the Customer

The MWES developed and installed automated production system offered a number of benefits to the customer that had a large impact on overall production efficiency including:

• The applied robotic integration achieves a depalletize rate of 1 box every 30 seconds
• The Robotic depalletizer feeds two bottling lines
• Complete “lights out” automation system operation requiring far less operations staff
• Used boxes are broken down and stacked for reuse, supporting customer’s Green manufacturing initiatives

For more information on this equipment or other web handling needs please contact MWES.