Page 64 - Food&Drink magazine April 2022

MEMBER NEWS
AUSSIE-FIRST DEMO OF 5G URLLC IN ROBOTIC PALLETISING
To test the potential for 5G to replace fixed wire connectivity in an industrial setting, Optus joined forces with industry leaders Ericsson, SICK and Universal Robots in the first-ever demonstration of 5G mmWave Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) technology in Australia.
Traditionally, only fixed wire networks have been able to deliver the reliability and low latency needed for real-time communications in industrial environments. However, this not only limits where machines and devices can be located, but the cable can also pose a safety hazard for workers.
According to Chris Mitchell, managing director at Optus Enterprise, 5G now changes what is possible, thanks to its URLLC capabilities.
“As Industry 4.0 matures in Australia, robots and automation are taking centre stage, changing the face of factories as we know them,” explained Mitchell.
“Robots with embedded wireless connectivity is the future and will be able to integrate in a seamless and reliable manner, leveraging the capability of the 5G network.
“This is truly a cordless revolution in the making
– untethering robots, sensors and other machines from fixed cables.”
URLLC technology was introduced to 5G to support use cases with stringent requirements for extremely low latency and high reliability, including industrial automation, public safety, remote diagnosis/surgery, emergency responses, autonomous driving, and smart energy systems.
Optus and Ericsson successfully tested 5G’s URLLC capabilities with real-life industrial automation applications provided by industry partners SICK and Universal Robots.
In the demo, safety sensors monitored a robot that was performing box pallet operations at regular speed.
When a human approached the robot, real-time communication from the sensors to the robot over 5G URLLC caused the robot to slow down or stop instantly, helping to ensure the safety of the worker.
Mitchell explained that with 5G URLCC, machines
will no longer require wired network connections and will generally require only a power connection to function, usually widely available in a factory, meaning the production setup can easily be changed and units moved around on a day-to-day basis to maximise efficiency.
SMC TAKES AIM WITH NEW IONISER
Known as the ‘invisible enemy’, static electricity can wreak
havoc in a production
plant, and to counter
this prevalent
issue, SMC
Corporation has
launched its new IZG10 gun type ioniser in this market.
Guiomar Fernandez, product manager for SMC Corporation ANZ, explained that many manufacturers fall prey to various costly issue because of static electricity.
“The include high rejection rates, low-quality final product, machine operators suffering from shocks, dust sticking to workpieces, and even labels being misaligned,” continued Fernandez.
The IZG10 series neutralises static in under half a second and offers low residual charge, using AC type high frequency to apply the voltage.
The IZG10 has its two operating modes – continuous and pulse blow – which offers both continuous ionising and an air saving option.
Lighting LEDs help customers to find and target the dirtiest part of the piece, effectively removing both static and dust particles, while a flow adjustment valve with indicator allows the ionised air flow to be adjusted on the gun and controlled numerically.
AGITO GROUP ENTERS JV WITH HILTON FOOD GROUP
In a move to accelerate its global expansion, Australian automation and technology solutions company Agito Group has entered a joint venture with end-to-end supply chain specialist Hilton Food Group. The new company, incorporated in the UK, will be owned by the founding shareholder of Agito, Michael Musca, and Hilton Food Group plc, which has acquired a 50 per cent interest in the company.
Agito’s offices and manufacturing operations in Australia will now expand into the UK and EU. Agito CEO Emma Townsend will continue as CEO of the group and has been appointed a director and board member of the new entity. Townsend will lead the global expansion with the support of both Hilton and the global board, while founding shareholder and partner, Musca, will remain focused on business development and innovation.
Townsend said that plans to extend AGITO’s
global footprint and operations have been underway for the last twelve months. “This partnership will allow a more seamless transition into international markets, with support from Hilton to ensure resources are in place to service the expansion plans,” Townsend said.
With a global board of directors made up of both Hilton and Agito shareholders and executives, the joint venture will allow both companies to broaden their current offer.
Townsend said the partnership also gives Hilton the opportunity to invest in a growing technology company, allowing Hilton to utilise Agito’s specialised automation solutions and experience to directly benefit and improve their existing customers’ value chain, most relevantly in the areas of logistics, distribution, production and data requirements.
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MARCH-APRIL 2022 MACHINERY MATTERS
SMC will be at AUSPACK on stand E140.