How can robotic automation improve efficiency in manufacturing processes?

Our robotic automation solutions dramatically boost efficiency in manufacturing by enhancing speed, precision, and consistency. We focus on minimizing manual errors, accelerating production rates, and ensuring safety by handling repetitive and hazardous tasks.

What are the different types of robotic automation systems available for manufacturing applications?

We offer a range of robotic automation systems for manufacturing, including SCARA and Delta robots. SCARA robots are ideal for precision tasks requiring speed and compact design, while Delta robots excel in fast, repetitive actions like picking and placing.

What types of defects or issues can vision inspection systems detect in manufacturing?

Our vision inspection systems are adept at detecting dimensional inaccuracies, surface defects like scratches or dents, misalignments, and incorrect or missing components. They are also capable of verifying label accuracy, barcode readability, and color consistency.

What types of manufacturing tasks can be performed using a rotary indexing machine?Rotary indexing machines at Big Sky Engineering are highly versatile, designed to perform a range of precise manufacturing tasks. They are ideal for assembly, drilling, precision machining, and quality inspection. These machines excel in high-volume production environments, offering accuracy and repeatability.

Rotary indexing machines at Big Sky Engineering are highly versatile, designed to perform a range of precise manufacturing tasks. They are ideal for assembly, drilling, precision machining, and quality inspection. These machines excel in high-volume production environments, offering accuracy and repeatability.

Applications for Pick and Place Robots - Big Sky Engineering, Inc.

Pick and place robots move objects between locations to fulfill manufacturing tasks. They are some of the most common robots in automated assembly and ensure continuous productivity in repetitive tasks. Automating your pick and place processes in an assembly line can boost productivity and relieve workers of stressful and repetitive tasks in favor of more fulfilling work.

Capabilities of Pick and Place Robots

Some pick and place robots rely on guiding and tooling for part locations, while others identify objects using advanced vision systems. They are programmed to grasp the correct object and move it to a specific place in the assembly process. The robots are mounted for increased stability and positioned within reach of a working area. They can also implement specialized tooling for packaging, assembly, and bin picking. Robots ensure high productivity, regardless of the repetitiveness of a task.

Pick and place robots are suitable for a variety of applications, including:

Assembly. A pick and place automation system can pick, join, fix, insert, or place parts and components together for assembly purposes.
Packaging. The robots can grab parts, place them in a packing container, load products, and stack products on a pallet.
Bin Picking. The robots can identify and select specific parts from a bin of mixed items and bring them to a designated location, placing the part in a given orientation.
Inspection. Pick and place robots can use advanced vision systems to monitor an assembly line for accuracy. They can remove parts with defects before they reach the next step in the production line.

Pick and place robots are used throughout the above mentioned applications and others due to their many desirable benefits. Not only do they offer increased productivity, but they also provide advantages such as:

Speed
Consistency
Easily programmable so they can be used for multiple applications
Typically small and lightweight

Pick and Place Robot Types and Considerations

Pick and place robots come in a variety of types, such as:

Robotic Arms

Robotic arms are a common type of pick and place robot that can pick up a single object or a group of objects. A 5-axis robotic arm moves on a single plane, picking and placing objects for standard applications. A 6-axis robotic arm can twist and reorient while placing an object at its destination, making it more ideal for complex applications.

Cartesian

Cartesian robots work on multiple planes, moving in the X, Y, and Z orthogonal axes. It uses Cartesian coordinates and has improved positioning accuracy over 6-axis robotic arms. It is ideal for long narrow working envelopes and 2-axis movement.

Delta

A Delta robot typically has three arms that operate on four axes. They are ideal for picking items in groups and placing them in containers or specific assembly patterns using advanced vision systems that allow them to distinguish between various colors, shapes, and sizes. These systems are extremely fast but have limited reach and payload.

Fast Pick

Fast pick robots completely automate the picking process. They are ideal for quickly picking and placing top-off items, such as batteries, promotional items, or other additions.

Collaborative(Cobots)

These robots collaborate with human workers, leading them to pick locations and guiding them through various tasks. They eliminate the need for safety guarding and help workers optimize efficiency despite having slower speeds than other robot options.

When determining the best pick and place robot for your needs, make sure you consider the following:

Configuration
Payload
Speed
Repeatability
Reach
Number of axes

Pick and Place Automation Equipment From Big Sky

Pick and place robots can reduce stress on workers by completing repetitive tasks and improve productivity in various manufacturing applications. Depending on your facility’s specific needs, pick and place robots come in various types and can perform operations such as assembly, inspection, bin picking, and packaging.

Big Sky Engineering, Inc. has delivered automation solutions to the packaging industry since 1998. We rely on our skilled engineers, responsive project management, and in-house capabilities to deliver client-centered services. Contact us or request a quote to learn more about our robotic packaging solutions today.

Applications for Pick and Place Robots