Kuka said it designed its KR 40 PA robot to automate custom orders of mixed product in goods distribution centers. The robot can improve order processing, stated Kevin Kozuszek, director of marketing for Kuka Robotics Corp.
Robotics are part of the solutions food processors turn as they consider how to automate more of their processes. Robotics holds out the promise of reducing costs by helping to speed up lines, making production more efficient and reducing labour requirements.
Kuka plans to demonstrate what it is marketing as its "Robo Shop" concept at PackExpoin Chicago from October 29 to November 2. The company is targeting manufacturers who receive pallet orders containing mixed products, such asfood and beverage processors. Via a control panel workers can create a pallet consisting of mixed products,.
"As product life cycles shorten and customers' demands for mixed pallet orders increase manufacturers will need to improve their goods distribution processes in order to effectively compete in the market,"Kozuszek stated. "This concept shows how manufacturers can use automation to fulfill diverse product orders more quickly and at the same time free employees up from monotonous and possibly hazardous tasks."
The four axis robot is capable of handling a payload up to 40 kg and has a reach of up to 2,091 mm.