Depalletizing & Unloading System with Vision
Project summary
MWES provided a cleaning supplies manufacturer with a robotically automated system for depalletizing and unloading cases of materials onto a conveyor.
The Challenge
Depalletizing and then unloading products from hundreds of cases is an extremely mundane and labor-intensive process. This firm came to Midwest Engineered Systems seeking a way to automate that very process. They were looking to fully automate a depalletizing operation, which had to open the cases, unload the products from the cases and then flatten the empty cardboard cases for recycling.
The Solution
MWES provided this customer with a fully automated robotic depalletizing and case unloading cell. The system would take in full and partial pallet loads from an infeed conveyor. The robot with a suction gripper picks a sealed case off the pallet and dumps the contents into a hopper. The robot finally runs the empty case through an unsealing process to allow the case to be flattened. MWES implemented a custom and compliant end-of-arm tool with integrated robotic vision, a custom integrated chain-driven live roller conveyor system, and a case and pallet picking robot.
The robot dynamically picks a full, sealed case off the pallet and then runs the top of the cardboard case through a tape-cutting station to allow it to be opened up. Next, the robot dumps the loose contents from the case into an outfeed hopper. Once the case is empty the robot runs the bottom of the case through the tape-cutting station. After all the tape on the case has been cut the box is then neatly flattened and then stacked at an outfeed station for later recycling. Once a pallet has been emptied, the pallet is then automatically stacked and full stacks are set out.
Impact to the Customer
This automated system allowed the customer to depalletize at a rate of one case every 30 seconds. Not only is this more efficient, but it also allows the customer to take a green initiative because the cases are broken down and reused.
Midwest Engineered Systems has a wide range of experience in building depalletizing systems. If you’re looking to improve your depalletizing throughput, we have the knowledge and experience to make the project a success.
Contact us to learn how Midwest Engineered Systems can automate even your most complex and challenging operations today!
Innovation Through Automation
Client Details
A multi-national manufacturer of household cleaning supplies based in Racine, WI.