Pack Expo 2009: Kuka Robotics, software for packaging, palletizing

Kuka Robotics at Pack Expo 2009 for packaging and palletizing include five robotic palletizers said to have superior performance and high payload capacities, 300 kg to 1,300 kg.

October 6, 2009

KR 700 PA has powerful motors and gear units ensure fast production with 15 cycles per minute for a payload of 700 kg and a palletizing distance of 400/2000/400 mm, says Kuka Robotics.

Kuka Robotics displays at Pack Expo 2009 for packaging and palletizing include five new robotic palletizers said to have superior performance and high payload capacities, ranging from 300 kg to 1,300 kg. PackExpo introductions also include the debut of two new software programs: Layer Tech (developed to simplify the process of flexible palletizing pattern creation and product changeovers) and Bag Tech (developed to support in high speed bag palletizing applications).

Kuka Robotics in-booth robotic demonstrations will feature the new and innovative "customer-solution inspired" breed of palletizers: the KR 700 PA and the KR 470 PA. These new palletizersutilize large working envelopes, maximum stacking heights, accommodate sizeable end of arm tooling, while employing useful centers of gravity and payloads of 470 kg, and 700 kg. The high performance capability of these new units makes them the ideal solution in the most rigorous palletizing and de-palletizing applications. The KR 700 PA, the fastest palletizer in its payload class, will make its North American debut at PackExpo 2009. The KR 700 PA with its 700kg payload will demonstrate strength and agility while handling traditional burgundy wine barrels.

Layer Tech software, when coupled with the KR 40 PA for flexible palletizing layer pattern forming, the combined solution offers reduced maintenance costs while offering maximum flexibility, the company says. The Layer Tech software will be displayed with the small footprint swift handling KR 40 PA shown in a layer pattern forming simulation. The KR 40 PA is an ideal robot for high speed layer pattern forming, and small footprint palletizing applications.

The KR 180 PA palletizing robot will be displayed along with the newly introduced Bag Tech software, a program developed as a simple operator interface for bag palletizing applications. With a focus on ease-of-use, Bag Tech, which requires no external PC, offers a user-friendly environment for the set-up and operation of high speed bag palletizing applications.

More about Kuka robots from Control Engineering .

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering www.controleng.com