An MiR solution for moving totes to the production lines

A leading supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components required a robot solution to automatically transport totes from a central store area to the production lines. This would implement an already existing test system consisting of a driven conveyor for delivery and a gravity conveyor for returns.

Iconsys was asked to set up a trial robot to prove the concept of delivering totes with a maximum weight of 12kg to the line. It involved integrating both the existing central stores conveyor system and the lineside Omron Conveyor plcs via the customer’s network and gateways.

 

Our Solution

Iconsys carried out the detailed design and supply of a conveyor top module to deliver totes, integrating the robot with the three existing Omron PLC conveyor systems.

With two safety laser scanners and two 3D depth cameras to detect objects, our mir unit reduces hazards caused by the existing material handling equipment from the production lines. Another feature is the local planner, which continuously adjusts its planned routes around such objects. We also had the flexibility to improve the factory layout, as no fixed cabling is needed to guide the mir.

 

Results

• Reduction of hazards caused by existing material handling equipment
• Reduced dependency on contract labour
• Flexibility to change factory layout

 

Client Feedback

The customer has been very supportive, commenting that the iam-C top module is robust and perfectly designed, with the electrical installation onboard looking professional, neat and tidy.