Electricity + Control September 2017

Intuitive Robotics Add Flexibility Information provided by Omron

With the focus shifting from mining to food production on the African continent, there is a strong demand globally for world class South African produce.

M ore food processors are looking into the latest technology to fully capitalise on these developments and opportuni- ties. It is said that by 2025 the world’s population will grow to 8 billion and by that time the world’s food consumption will be 75% higher, according to figures released by the International Population Conference that was held in Cape Town at the end of 2016. South African meat has gained a reputation throughout the world for its high quality. But how do we, as a meat producing country, maintain that quality? That is the big challenge for the industry. Advanced technology Through advanced technology, the food and meat processing industry can address major issues such as quality control, improved efficiency and productivity, worker safety, traceability and oper- ating simplicity. “A modular approach to a packaging line makes it possible to design a complete line by bridging the different machines interconnected in the most efficient way. With more than 50 years of experi- ence in assisting our customers to reach high pro- duction objectives, Omron can offer a complete solution in automating packaging lines,” Evert Janse van Vuuren, Omron automation expert, ex- plains. “Increasingly, embedded robots and robot- ic modules are integrated into packaging machines to enhance the adaptability to new processes and even permit automating manual tasks. Omron’s Sysmac automation platform provides complete control from vision through to robotics by combin- ing motion and kinematics calculation.” Robotic pick-and-place systems With the utilisation of robotic pick-and-place sys- tems, many meat processing plants can realise the benefits and improvements in the total cost of ownership for primary meat owners. The business drivers for using robotics in primary packaging have many industry players thinking about cus- tomisation, hygiene, brand protection, improving

traceability, reducing overall costs and bridging the skills gap among company employees. “Robotics are helping businesses to acknowledge the con- sumer demands for range formats- formulations, information and quality in the products that they are buying from companies. The regulations are becoming more complicated and demanding and pressure is mounting on large scale investments in terms of return on investments,” Laetitia de Jager, Omron South Africa Marketing Manager, notes. “This is creating concerns about protection and im- provement of many brands’ image and reputation”. Advantages in meat processing The arise from using robotics has many advantages for the meat processing industry- such as speed- ing automation processes, precision in operations as well as reliable operations while performing re- petitive tasks. Robotics assist in flexible packaging as product components are placed in the proper tray compartments and food is kept safe from path- ogens during direct contact. “Omron is the world leader in robotic Pick- and place systems and can offer a complete customisable solution for each and every client,” said Janse van Vuuren. The Quattro Omron’s solution to the challenges faced in the Food and Beverage sector, is the best Delta robot available – The Quattro. This robot has a unique patented 4 arm design and is designed to avoid the ‘pooling’ of water and to withstand multiple cleaning solutions at 60°C. Using Pick- and place robots have many benefits. These can include everything from quality improvement, cost reduc- tion, increased output, flexibility, repeatability of product placements, eliminating manual errors. Total automation solution Janse van Rensburg emphasised the need for greater simplicity in the meat processing supply chain. “Sysmac integrates control, motion, safety, robotics and sensing technologies into one plat- form.”

Take Note!

With the strong demand for South Africa’s world class food produce, food processors are looking into up to date technol- ogy to capitalise on this opportunity. Meat processing plants can benefit from robotic pick-and-place systems. This company’s solution to the challenges in the Food and Beverage sec- tor is the best Delta robot available – the Quatro.

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With Omron’s Sysmac system, using the NJ series controller and the Delta Quattro Robot, you will

have a total automation solution.

Laetitia de Jager Omron Electronics

laetitia.de.jager@ omron.eu.com

Electricity + Control

SEPTEMBER 2017

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