Page 97 - Food&Drink magazine November-December 2022

11 ■ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 MACHINERY MATTERS
tuned before, rather than after, the first metal has been cut.
At PackExpo tna also promoted its augmented reality system, which uses the Microsoft HoloLens to connect the maintenance tech on the line with a support engineer at tna. This head mounted system allows each to share what they see.
The onsite tech can project images of the equipment to the remote engineer. In turn, the engineer can project images of wiring diagrams, machine pictures and more to the onsite tech. Two-way, hands-free voice communication completes the link. This system is almost as good as having the engineer onsite but without the delay and cost.
Robots everywhere
Robots, robots and more robots. Universal, Fanuc, Yaskawa, Staubli, ABB, Epson and many other robot manufacturers were well represented. The trend is robots and cobots that are faster, smarter, simpler and more capable.
Fanuc, for example, showed its new CRX-25iA collaborative robot. With a 25kg payload and 1,900mm reach it was palletising cases without the need for a vertical lift component.
Kuka Robotics showcased its new complete, end-to-end process automation multi-robot cell for the FMCG industry. The demonstration featured completely integrated
automation – including robots, mobile platforms, advanced vision and software.
Designed to simulate a real production environment and automation solutions for each step – moving material from receiving and sorting to packing and distribution – the cell includes Kuka’s new KR 3 DELTA Hygienic robot, KR 6 SCARA and KR 6 AGILUS robots, a KMR iiwa autonomous mobile platform and advanced vision software, Kuka VisionTech.
Working with the three cell-based robots and completing a fully automated end-to-end solution for FMCG-related applications was Kuka’s KMR iiwa that combines the sensitive KUKA LBR iiwa lightweight robot with a mobile, flexible platform. Designed to move omnidirectionally and execute 360-degree rotations, the KMR iiwa is autonomous, reacting immediately if a person or object is in the way, and achieves a positioning accuracy of up to +/ – 5 mm. Equipped with a Kuka AIVI control system that uses artificial intelligence to direct automated guided transport vehicles, the KMR iiwa ensures optimum material flow to the production line.
Sick QR codes are the go
Finally, a shoutout to Sick Sensor Intelligence.
MAIN: Crowds throng the halls, visiting over 2000 exhibitors.
ABOVE: Adjustments on the fly with Tronics’ HMI touch screen.
BELOW: Fanuc CRX-25iA: palletising boxes with 3DV.
Maintenance techs know how hard it can be to get information off machine components that may be inside of a machine. Sick has simplified this by adding QR code to their sensors.
Now, instead of trying to juggle a light, pen and pad to get the part number, all that is needed is a smartphone. Read the QR code and complete information pops up. Replacements can be ordered on the spot.
Any other OEMs reading this? You should be taking Sick’s lead and making this industry standard. ■
TNA CUSTOMER SPRUIKS TURNKEY LINE SUCCESS
Pack Expo Chicago 2022 was an opportunity for tna to reconnect with US customers and colleagues, and proved to be an ideal platform for the packaging and processing technology provider to showcase, and sell, its latest innovations and solutions.
Technology on display included the tna robag 3e – the latest iteration of tna’s flagship vertical form fill and seal packaging system – designed for increased production uptime, which generated remarkable interest with three systems sold on site.
“We had an exceptional turnout throughout the four days of the show, confirming the growing market demand for innovative solutions,” said Bindu Panicker,
tna solutions brand and corporate communications manager.
“One of our valued customers, Jose Gomez, chief technical officer, Benestar Brands, joined us on site.”
With the latest addition of artisanal fried pork skins to Benestar Brands’ portfolio of natural, protein-rich and keto-friendly snacks, Gomez gave his perspective on current snack market trends in North America and spoke on ways that Benestar Brands has evolved key operations for greater sustainability, efficiency, and output.
With a complete processing and packaging line from tna, Benestar Brands managed to significantly improve its production efficiencies, Gomez told visitors to the tna stand. Sanitary equipment
design, reduced cleaning times and an advanced seasoning system boosted accuracy, creating savings, while a heat exchanger helped the brand owner to meet strict regulatory requirements in California.
Working in close cooperation with
Jose and his team,
tna designed a
solution for both
traditional and
crackling pork rinds,
helping Benestar Brands meet its business goals faster.
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