Why on earth has this Dutch company ordered 17 Viper robots in one go? And what could they possibly want to use them for? That’s what the board members of Omron, a Japanese industrial automation specialist, must have thought. The answer: we are going to use the Omron Viper robots to take on three amazing challenges.
We bought the robots for Origami, Flip and POP, three entirely different projects that had just one thing in common: a complete lack of standard solutions. That’s why our Vetico Innovation Center came up with three customer-centric solutions powered by new, unique applications of automation: robotics.
Origami
One of our clients, a premium grooming and cosmetics brand, told us they wanted origami-style gift boxes, but a business case relying on 140 pairs of hands and a single production line was sure to be a non-starter. A combination of robot cell technology and mechanical automation, however, did just the trick.
POP
POP is a project for the world’s leading chocolate producer. It’s all about packaging a product with a relatively low start-up volume but massive scaling potential. By harnessing the robot cell principle, in which every cell sees a single robot work on a single, specific task, we could meet any level of demand. And if they need more volume, the answer is simple: more robot cells.
Flip
Our POP client has also entrusted us with project Flip, which revolves around packaging a new product (with a high start-up volume) in a two-part box. In this case, the robots each have to perform multiple actions, ruling out a robot-cell approach. We went for an in-line configuration instead, featuring multiple robots performing specific tasks.
Joined forces
We have joined forces with Omron and solution partner B Electrical Engineering to create innovative automation that combines the strengths of people and technology. We’re incredibly proud! And so are our partners. Sylvie van de Weghe, sales manager at Omron: “We’re eager to implement our innovative technology with partners who have the knowledge, skills and tools to perfect their processes.”
Technology roadmap
Guy Beyens, business manager at B Electrical Engineering, is just as delighted with the triangular partnership. Guy is a big system integrator for Omron and has been one of our external software engineers for more than two decades. Everyone has a role to play: Omron supplies state-of-the-art technology and Guy is our software architect, seamlessly integrating Omron technology in our technology roadmap.
Technology versus robotics
The arrival of the new Omron Viper robots with integrated controllers underscores our strategy for the future, as we continue building innovative production solutions, striking a perfect balance between people and technology. Our dream? A plant in which all technology is replaced entirely by robotics.
Blog series about the Omron Viper robots:
> Blog: The puzzle never ends at the Vetico Innovation Center
> Blog: Origami: a challenging project full of X-factors
