Demonstrating that digital twin technologies are no longer reserved for use by the largest manufacturing operations, Columbia/Okura (a supplier of end of line robotic palletizing systems) showcased its miniPal palletizing system at Automate 2023. Of course, palletizing systems featuring collaborative robots (cobots) have been around for years, but the application of digital twin technology is making them easier to configure.
Columbia/Okura partners with Rocketfarm to “provide its Pally user-friendly software package for usage within our collaborative palletizing robots,” said Parker Morris-Pinson, an inside sales specialist at Columbia/Okura who ran the demonstrations of the miniPal at Automate. “The Pally online simulation tool uses MyRobotCloud technology to enable users to add their specifications in three steps—inputting of carton dimensions, speed rate and type of application—to receive palletizing layouts and suggestions within an hour.”
Morris-Pinson added that, based on the Pally simulation capabilities, users can customize the palletizing application further by including information such as the type of end effector to be used.
The miniPAL cobot typically features Universal Robots’ UR10e robot but can also be used with the new UR20 arm. It is powered 110V ac wall power. According to Columbia/Okura, the miniPal features lifting columns for tall loads, dual stacking locations for continuous load building, built-in fork pockets for easy mobility, and area scanners for safety instead of safety mats.
The system on display at Automate featured 3D scanners to monitor the palletizing area so that if anyone stepped into the work cell, the Universal Robot arm slows down into a slower collaborative mode. It can be brought back into full speed mode with a click of a button on the control pendant.
Columbia/Okura added that the ease of setup and mobility of the miniPal system allows for it to be up and running in one day and typically delivers ROI payback within 10 months.
In the video below, Parker Morris-Pinson of Columbia/Okura walks us through the miniPal palletizing system at Automate 2023.
