Streamlined Delta Robot Controller increases productivity.
Press Release Summary:
Comprised of Delta robot hardware platform and software controller, Gemini 4 has streamlined design that helps increase acceleration and pick rates while maintaining gentle product handling, process reliability, and quality. Operators can run up to 8 Delta robots and 16 conveyors, and use of same head, regardless of pack size or style, eliminates changeover downtime. HMI can store instructions for production of multiple products, accelerating setup and reducing changeover time to 1 min.
Original Press Release:
New Delta Robot Controller Reduces Total Cost of Ownership
Increased productivity thanks to redesign
• Enhanced speed reduces cost per pick
• Plug and play approach and intuitive HMI for ease of use
• Use of standardized components lowers the requirement for spare parts
Bosch Packaging Technology launches Gemini 4, a new Delta robot hardware platform and software controller. With increased speed and lower changeover time resulting in higher productivity, the platform allows manufacturers to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of their automated production lines. The hardware component of Gemini 4 has a streamlined architecture and integrates standardized industry equipment from German automation specialists Bosch Rexroth and Beckhoff. Operators are now able to run up to eight Delta robots and sixteen conveyors through the simplified Gemini 4 controller for gains in efficiency.
The streamlined design of the Gemini 4 controller and its software are optimized for the control of Delta robots, helping to increase acceleration and pick rates. This enables manufacturers to enhance accuracy and raise their production line speeds by up to 25 percent (product dependent), while maintaining gentle product handling, process reliability and quality.
In the past, manufacturers with Delta robots seeking to boost output would use a multi-picking technique with special picking heads to increase the number of products handled by the robots. This approach required lengthy changeovers whenever products or pack styles were changed, as a new head would have to be applied. With the new Gemini 4 controller and the gains in speed inherent to the new hardware, manufacturers now no longer need to use multi-picking heads to enhance performance. Regardless of the pack size or style, the same head is being used, eliminating the downtime for changeovers. These overall gains in productivity mean a reduction in the cost per pick. In addition, due to its higher pick density in comparison with previous versions, the new controller has a smaller footprint, leaving room for more robots.
An additional benefit of the Gemini 4 is its ease of use, both in set up and operation. Its Human Machine Interface (HMI) can store instructions for the production of multiple products, which speeds initial set up and reduces changeover time from twenty minutes to one minute (including gripper changeover). The software utilizes a user interface similar to previous Gemini iterations, ensuring operators familiar with the system can work with it needing only minimal training. This hardware platform is also used with other Bosch machines, allowing customers with more than one Bosch solution reduce their spare parts inventory as the same components can be used across multiple controllers. This results in lower fixed capital and shorter training periods, reducing TCO.
“The Gemini 4 boosts standards in the field of Delta robot control,” said Roy Fraser, product manager Robotics, Bosch Packaging Technology. Innovations in the automation of the manufacturing process have driven down the TCO, allowing multinational brand owners and local enterprises alike to increase productivity and improve competitiveness.”
Contact:
Roy Fraser
phone: + 41 216 442-567
Contact person for press inquiries:
Christin Poenisch
phone: +49 711 811-58502
Based in Waiblingen near Stuttgart, Germany, and employing 5,000 associates, the Bosch Packaging Technology division is one of the leading suppliers of process and packaging technology. At over 30 locations in more than 15 countries worldwide, a highly-qualified workforce develops and produces complete solutions for the pharmaceuticals, food, and confectionery industries. These solutions are complemented by a comprehensive after-sales service portfolio. A global service and sales network provides customers with local points of contact. Additional information is available online at www.boschpackaging.com
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services, active in the fields of automotive technology, energy and building technology, industrial technology, and consumer goods. According to preliminary figures, more than 306,000 associates generated sales of 52.3 billion euros in 2012. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent some 4.5 billion euros for research and development in 2012, and applied for over 4,700 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com
