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Manufacturing is one of the UK’s success stories. With an output valued at £224bn, we are now the eighth largest manufacturing nation in the world. But our position is vulnerable unless we significantly increase our level of automation.

Helping manufacturers to increase their productivity, reduce waste, improve product quality and alleviate labour shortages, the benefits of automation are myriad. And as the only G7 country to sit outside the top 20 in terms of robot density (we are actually 25^th in the IFR global robot league table), accelerating our automation uptake is essential if we are to retain our place as a leading manufacturing nation.

It is therefore important that when designing a new product, planning a new production line or upgrading your existing facility, automation is factored in from the very start of the process, not just as an afterthought. Not only does this keep down costs, it also ensures that any automation will be right first time, minimising downtime, boosting productivity and resulting in a solution that is fit for purpose.

Here, Oliver Selby, Head of Sales for FANUC UK, outlines six key design considerations for seamless automation integration…

1. Embrace the automation process

It may sound obvious, but keep front of mind the fact that your product’s manufacturing process will need to benefit from automation. This can generally only be done by incorporating automation into the design of the product, whether that’s by giving the part a feature that allows it to be picked up by a robot, located or inspected by a vision system, or allowing access for a welding torch or fixturing, for example.

This mindset also translates to the wider production line. We see products designed using multiple materials, joining techniques and production methods which won’t all necessarily work together to produce something that is easily automated, but which designers are reluctant to give up. However, it can be better to take a hit on one material or process to make things easier to automate, thereby reducing overall production costs.  

• Prioritise parts

Focus on part delivery methods within the complete solution. Often, customers will come to us looking for an automated solution, but with their component parts delivered in no ordered way. As much as 20-30% of the cost of the project can be spent on getting those parts located or fixtured and ready to process before the real automation process can actually begin. It makes more commercial sense to keep parts in order, whether that’s in a nested box, on a conveyor or in a stack.

Also think about part handling and fixturing. Significant costs could end up being channeled into part fixturing – even more so if you are working with a range of parts due to multiple fixtures. A good example of best practice here is to focus on one-way assembly; for example, where parts stack on top of each other to create the complete product or common part features that allow common fixturing.

• Consider TCO

Concentrating on the wrong drivers for automation is a major error but one that we sadly see all too frequently. Some customers are more focused on fitting an automation solution into a defined payback period (often under two years) instead of looking at the value it will bring to the business over its lifetime. A total cost of ownership model is a far better measure. Purchase price only accounts for between 15-25% of the total cost of ownership; the remainder is made up of factors such as maintenance, energy usage, repairs, and even end of life. Measuring TCO rather than ROI will ensure you get the right automation solution for your business, resulting in real long-term value.

• Remember the process, not just the consumer

It can be tempting when developing a new product to prioritise what’s easiest for the consumer, without realising that this may negatively impact the automation process. A prime example of this is shelf-ready packaging. The current trend within food manufacturing for front-facing packaging with tear-off flaps or loose fitting lids allows retailers quick and easy restocking of shelves. However, this seemingly simple change in packaging design has made it extremely difficult for automation to be exploited for end-of-line palletising, as the loose fitting lid or tear-off flap is not conducive to staying in place. Therefore, before making any packaging changes – no matter how seemingly minor – think carefully about how they may impact your ability to automate, and the effect this will have on production efficiency and labour demand.

• Talk to automation suppliers

Engage with automation suppliers as early as possible. At FANUC, we are more than happy to support designers that are beginning their journey towards automation and will readily provide guidance on what the process is going to involve. We’ve done this countless times throughout the years as different sectors have started to embrace automation – from manufacturers of low-cost products to high-value goods; companies in the food industry; and more recently, with EV battery manufacturing for the automotive sector. We have rounded experience across lots of different applications within a wide range of industries that we are happy to share, and which designers can learn from.

• Try before you buy

Finally, as in many industries, some automation suppliers are now starting to offer low-cost/low-risk routes into automation for companies taking their first steps into automation. Robots as a Service (RaaS) is a subscription-based option that enables manufacturers to pay a set fee over a specified period of time, and effectively lease a robot to use in their facility. The limitation of this offering is that it will only suit certain simple applications, for example, palletising, or particular welding options. The upside is that the robot can be repurposed for multiple product types – palletising a box of cakes is effectively the same process as palletising a box of dishwasher tables, for instance. Talk to your automation supplier to determine if RaaS could be right for your needs in the short-term – by allowing firms to test the water and experience the benefits before making their own investment, it can represent an affordable route into automation for some first-time users.

Online procurement and marketing hub PlastikCity has today announced the launch of PlastikCity Insurance, a new venture which offers tailored insurance solutions specifically designed for businesses operating within the plastics sector.

PlastikCity Insurance, in partnership with PHL Insurance Brokers Limited, provides comprehensive coverage options, competitive premiums, and dedicated service. With an in-depth understanding of the unique risks faced by plastic manufacturers, the new service ensures businesses receive the right policy from specialist insurers.

Comprehensive Insurance Solutions for Plastics Businesses

PlastikCity Insurance is committed to providing bespoke insurance solutions that cater to the unique needs of the plastics industry. The offerings include but are not limited to:

• Property Insurance: Protects buildings, contents, machinery, and stock against a wide range of risks, ensuring business continuity in case of unexpected events.
• Liability Insurance: Covers legal liabilities, including public, product, and employer’s liability, safeguarding businesses from potential claims and financial losses.
• Business Interruption Insurance: Ensures businesses can maintain cash flow and operations in the event of unforeseen disruptions.
• Cyber Insurance: Protects against cyber threats and data breaches, crucial for modern businesses relying on digital operations.

Expert Guidance and Tailored Policies

PlastikCity Insurance stands out by offering expert guidance and tailored policies. Each policy is crafted after a thorough assessment of the client’s specific requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage without unnecessary costs. This personalised approach ensures that every business receives the most appropriate protection for its unique circumstances.

Competitive Premiums and Comprehensive Coverage

Working with specialist insurers, PlastikCity Insurance guarantees competitive premiums without compromising on coverage. The collaboration with PHL Insurance Brokers Limited, a well-established insurance broker with a proven track record, adds to the credibility and reliability of the services offered.

Unmatched Industry Knowledge

PlastikCity’s extensive experience in the plastics industry provides an unmatched understanding of the challenges and risks involved. This knowledge translates into more relevant and effective insurance solutions, making PlastikCity Insurance a valuable partner for any business in the sector.

Easy and Efficient Process

The process of obtaining a policy through PlastikCity Insurance is streamlined and efficient. Businesses can easily request a free quote through the dedicated website and receive a detailed assessment promptly. The team of experts is always available to provide support and answer any queries, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Additionally, for every quotation request sent through the website, PlastikCity Insurance will donate £25 to the Air Ambulance Service charity.

For more information or to request a free quote, visit PlastikCity Insurance or contact the team on insurance@plastikcity.co.uk.  

Welcome to our latest member CARVECO, its great to have you on board, especially as we have a connection spanning over 20 years, we all look forward to working with you. Catch up with you soon at one of our events…

ABOUT US

The Carveco™ software range is the trusted CAD modelling and CNC machining solution to a multitude of industries worldwide.

The easy-to-use, yet immensely powerful, tools included in Carveco software give sign-makers, woodworkers, engravers, jewellers (and countless other creatives) the freedom to design and manufacture high-quality 2D or 3D products from their artwork, faster than they’d ever thought possible.

In the face of unprecedented demand for new aircraft, robotics specialist FANUC is helping the aerospace industry to increase production efficiency and boost output. Over the past five years, FANUC has supported Airbus with its in-house robotics strategy, culminating in Airbus developing a robotic drilling system which employs a FANUC M-800iA/60 six-axis robot. The system has improved drilling accuracy and increased productivity for Airbus, while freeing up human employees to work on more creative and value-added tasks.

Breaking the order backlog

The start of this year (Q1 2024) saw the global aircraft order backlog hit record-breaking heights, reaching 15,812[1]. Automation and robotics are considered key levers to support this increasing demand. FANUC has long championed the use of its industrial robotic solutions as a way for aerospace manufacturers to boost production rates, streamline their operations and cut cycle times.

“Automation has become crucial in closing the gap on the backlog in aircraft orders as it significantly enhances production efficiency, reducing the time needed for manufacturing complex components,” says Oliver Selby, Head of Sales for FANUC UK. “Additionally, automation minimises human error and allows for more consistent quality control, ensuring faster turnaround times and enabling manufacturers to meet demand more effectively.”

Automating drilling tasks

Boasting advanced automation technology and an experienced team of robotics experts, FANUC was the ideal company to support Airbus in the development of its in-house robotics division. With its multiple drilling applications still largely completed manually, automating this process was a priority – but sourcing a robot that was robust enough to meet Airbus’ requirements initially proved a challenge.

“The specific solution that Airbus was looking for did not exist anywhere in the market,” explains Oliver. “The robot in question needed to be extremely rigid and stiff but also highly accurate, and with a minimum 60kg payload. We therefore worked together with Airbus to develop a prototype and refined this until it precisely matched their specifications for lower payload/small hole drilling.”

From prototype to production

This prototype has gone on to become the M-800iA/60 six-axis model, which is now part of FANUC’s standard industrial robot range. Also suitable for laser cutting, welding or other applications which require extremely high levels of accuracy, it offers outstanding precision without slowing down the production process.

Following rigorous testing and validation with FANUC, Airbus placed the first commercial order for the M800iA/60. The robot is now part of Airbus’ proprietary automated mobile drilling system. This system has now gone into production and represents the first of a new generation of robotic solutions for Airbus that have been custom designed by its in-house experts, with technical support provided by FANUC. Now on its way to being integrated into the A320 Family pre-assembly line, it adds value to Airbus’ manufacturing processes by reducing costs and stoppages, all while improving quality and saving time.

Reaping the rewards of robotics

Since the introduction of the M800iA/60 to the market, FANUC and Airbus have further developed the technology and implemented it into larger robots in the high accuracy/high stiffness range – 190kg and 270kg payload versions are now available, with a reach of 2m and 2.7m respectively. These additional FANUC robots could allow for further adoption in other applications within Airbus as they move to higher rate production to meet increasing global demand.

“There are numerous benefits to aerospace manufacturers of automating their drilling applications with the M800iA/60, including improved accuracy and repeatability, increased output, and better use of personnel for more value-added tasks,” states Oliver. “Longer term, the development of an in-house robotics division should also enhance the industry’s ability to attract high-level talent to technology-driven, innovative and future-ready companies.”

The future of aerospace manufacturing

Oliver continues: “From FANUC’s perspective, working with Airbus has been an extremely positive and rewarding experience. Showcasing the benefits of automation and robotics to the aerospace industry is vital in helping the sector to reduce the current backlog. This project demonstrates how important it is to collaborate with a robotics partner that will provide the right experience, knowledge, training and technology to support companies to achieve their commercial aims. We hope this will be the first of many such collaborations between FANUC and Airbus to increase efficiency within their manufacturing applications.”

To learn more about the future of aerospace manufacturing, visit FANUC on stand 4900 at the Farnborough International Airshow, 22-26 July 2024.

Romi Machine Tools built its first Lathe in 1941👈 . The TP-5 was designed & built to compete with European & American machines. Today Romi still produce that highly prestigious Flat-bed Lathe – now the C-Series . www.romi.com

Read more about Romi C Series CNC Lathes https://shorturl.at/5mAWt

Luxury packaging plays a critical role in delivering a consumer touch-point experience. However, all mass-produced packaging that serves a functional handling and storage purpose should be given equal attention.

For many consumable products across the value chain, minimalist polymer packaging that delivers a protective shield to safeguard against waste can help to enhance the non-verbal message of sustainability. Symbolically, if packaging items are also processed in the most energy efficient way with less machine downtime, close to zero rejects, and where feasible using recyclable polymers, this unquestionably strengthens the whole lifecycle narrative.

The on-going innovations happening in injection moulding are indicative of just how much sustainable value is aligned to current and future packaging trends and the interlinked dependencies on system efficiencies. With non-recyclable packaging set to be banned by the EU by 2030, UK packaging expert and regional sales manager Ashlee Gough explains why Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is intentionally focusing its efforts on supporting fast-cycling packaging manufacturers to more than halve energy consumption.

Manufacturing packaging has always been about balancing processing speed with cost. Now, the sector is also tasked with reducing environmental impact. With many high-end customers pushing to shift to an all-electric production model, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has invested a lot of time and energy in creating a machinery collection that fuses the company’s all-electric drive technology, processing speed and energy-enhancing features.

“Fluctuating energy costs creates uncertainty. Particularly for packaging manufacturers where energy is the highest and most unpredictable expense. To counteract this, fast processing repeatability and reduced waste, combined with halving energy costs is now deemed imperative,” explains Ashlee.

Switching to all-electric sounds simple enough. Yet, when you have a model that’s been revered for its speed as much as the company’s hybrid packaging El-Exis series, accomplishing this takes time.

Processing speed has been the biggest hurdle to overcome.

“The challenge for any company is always going to be bringing a packaging machine to market that produces components just as fast, if not faster, without compromising cycle time, service life or energy use,” adds UK Managing Director Dave Raine.

Maintaining repeatability, speed and precision while simultaneously improving energy efficiency by utilising direct drive technology underpins the Group’s packaging strategy. Until recently, matching the force and speed of hybrid packaging machines was inconceivable. But, with 80,000+ all-electric machines now installed globally, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has fused all their market expertise with application knowledge to edge ahead and give packaging processors the blend of productivity, reliability, and energy savings.

It is all down to Sumitomo’s in-house direct drive technology, emphasises Ashlee. “As each individual axis has a drive that has been developed specifically for each function, it means that packaging processors can achieve faster cycle time plus energy savings of up to 70 percent when compared to hydraulic machines.”

For the past decade, the El-Exis SP set the benchmark in energy consumption for machines operating a 2 second cycle time. PAC-E matches this speed and achieves the same injection dynamics, yet halves the energy consumption. Also filling a critical gap, the company’s latest IntElect S machine is geared specifically towards plastic processors mass-manufacturing narrow tolerance and thin-walled packaging lids and containers at the fastest speeds.

Both machines have been designed to incorporate future digital product passport technology. “As an active member of the R-Cycle community, being able to offer this interoperable software will go a long way towards supporting plastic traceability and the drive towards larger carbon reductions right across the value chain,” adds Dave Raine.

Around 90 percent of the machines installed annually by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag are now all-electric. The company estimates that a third of these are now used by packaging processors to produce caps, closures, lids and containers used by the consumer, medical and food sectors. “These technological advances opens up the associated benefits of the all-electric moulding machine market to even more packaging applications,” ends Ashlee.

The new PAC-E machine features an all-electric drive, saving packaging processors 50 percent or more in energy when measured against a high-speed hybrid packaging machine

By expanding the IntElect S series, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag opens up the associated benefits of the all-electric moulding machine market to even more thin-walled packaging applications

Once again PMMDA’s karting event was a success with healthy competition from our members, making it an adrenalin fuelled afternoon of fun as always.

The sun usually shines on our annual Karting Day and it was no different this year.. sweaty drivers in those race suits! Well done to the Flegg boys who took first and third place and to the ‘Phat Boys’ team from Sumitomo Demag who came second, and also took the ‘fastest lap’ title. As always we had a great day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. A big thank you to everyone who took part… roll on next year!

When looking to invest in a high-value piece of automation equipment, a key question of any potential purchaser is: what is the payback period? In the UK, the typical expectation is that this will be under two years. Yet the value that the right automation solution can deliver to a manufacturing business will last far longer than that. This focus on short-term return is hindering our productivity as a nation. Our neighbours in the EU typically expect payback in three to five years, which goes some way towards accounting for their higher levels of both automation and productivity (a German worker produces around one-sixth more per hour than their UK counterpart[1]).

Despite our relative reluctance to automate, the UK recently overtook France to become the eighth largest manufacturing nation. If we are to continue competing on the global stage, however, then it is imperative that we increase our level of industrial automation – we currently languish in 25^th position in the IFR global robot league table – not least because of the ongoing labour shortages across all areas of manufacturing. We are the only G7 nation to sit outside the top 10 robot adopters; that alone should inspire us to increase our levels of automation in order to drive higher productivity, greater efficiency and increased output.

To do that, we need to get realistic about return on investment. Focusing on a sub-two year payback can lead to businesses making compromises when developing their manufacturing strategy, and thereafter their capital equipment and automation purchasing strategy, and forces decisions to be made that do not offer long-term value.

By contrast, determining the value of automation using total cost of ownership (TCO) is a far more accurate measure. Any investment in capital or automation equipment should form part of a business’ long-term strategy, and not simply because the purchase price fits into an arbitrary short-term payback period. By calculating the lifetime costs – and more importantly, the lifetime savings – associated with automation, manufacturers can ensure that the sums add up in the long term and not just at the point of purchase, resulting in the right solution for their business both now and in the future.

Below are the nine factors that make up TCO lifetime costs. Before considering any automation purchase, make sure to talk to your supplier about how their solution can help to control these costs, to ensure you’re getting real value from your investment…

1. Purchase price – While much of the focus of any negotiation is concerned with purchase price, it actually only accounts for between 15-25% of the total cost of ownership. Solely focusing on this as the deal-breaker can lead manufacturers to invest in an automation solution which may not be fit for purpose. While FANUC strives to make our products extremely cost competitive when it comes to the initial purchase price, with as much as 85% of the ‘hidden’ costs of ownership coming via other factors, it is counter intuitive for manufacturers to base their sole automation investment decision on this point.

• Training – Whether your workforce is used to dealing with smart, connected automated solutions or is unfamiliar with modern robotics, some element of training will be required to ensure the full value of your equipment can be realised. We offer an array of upskilling resources from our dedicated training facility in Coventry, from basic operating courses to full programming and maintenance courses. Ensure your business can keep up with the pace of change in today’s digital world by making sure any automation supplier you choose offers full training for the lifetime of your purchase.

It’s also important to focus on multiple stakeholder levels in the business. When adopting automation, different stakeholders will require different levels of understanding. For example, at shop floor level a technical level of comprehension will be needed; meanwhile, the C-Suite will need to understand the business case for automation.

• Maintenance – Keeping your equipment running at optimal levels will ensure it delivers day after day, week after week, year after year. Our products are extremely reliable, so much of what we offer from a servicing perspective falls under preventative maintenance. We work with our customers to schedule any required maintenance at a time that’s least disruptive to their business, maximising equipment uptime.

• Repair – The longer a machine is out of action, the greater the financial impact on your business. Speak to your supplier to find out what their average engineer response times are. At FANUC UK, we’re currently sitting at a sub-20 hour mean time to repair any faults, i.e., less than one business day.

• Downtime – Preventing downtime to minimise production losses is essential. As well as ensuring your automation supplier offers preventative maintenance and short repair times, the best way to keep downtime to a minimum is to invest in equipment which has a reputation for reliability. Ask your automation supplier for evidence of its products’ mean time between failure (MTBF). For example, the MTBF for our CNC range is 25 years, and for our robots it’s even longer, at 32 years. Make sure you also find out from your automation supplier what services are available to support reduced downtime occurrences, such as augmented reality 24-hour support helplines. 

• Upgrades – With technology evolving at a rapid rate, your automation supplier should be able to equip your purchase with the latest smart software upgrades as they are released. At FANUC, these include our Zero Downtime (ZDT) programme, which tracks our machines when operational and feeds back performance data to ourselves and the customer. This helps to predict potential issues ahead of time, keeping downtime to a minimum.

• Security – Hand in hand with technological advancements comes cybersecurity. Ensuring that your equipment, as well the data it handles and produces, are kept secure is a pre-requisite and something that we take extremely seriously. Make sure your automation supplier can clearly explain their cybersecurity measures to help your business avoid a costly cyber breach.

• Energy – No longer a ‘nice to have’, sustainability is now a business imperative from a financial, environmental, social and governance (ESG), and legislative perspective; not to mention essential for winning and retaining key contracts. As well as questioning the energy efficiency of any automation solution in terms of the electricity and gas it consumes, make sure to also find out its credentials regarding water usage, particularly when it comes to keeping the equipment clean. However, some solutions go even further and actually re-use energy within the process. For example, our all-electric ROBSHOT injection moulding machine has an advanced power regeneration feature that enables intelligent energy recovery, meaning it consumes 10-15% less energy than other all-electric machines.

• End of life – Everything has a cost to recycle, so you’ll also need to factor in a plan for when your product reaches the end of its life. Of course, this will be determined by its expected lifespan. Will you need to recycle it and purchase a replacement in five years’ time or in 10, 15 or 20 years’ time? At FANUC, our philosophy is to offer the lowest total cost of ownership for our products with extended lifetime service. This means we commit to supporting our products for as long as the customer wishes to use them. We’re still supporting robots and machines that are over 30 years old.

To conclude, if UK manufacturing is to retain its place as a global powerhouse, we must increase our levels of automation. This requires a shift in focus by all stakeholders within a business towards purchasing the right equipment first time around and looking at the overall value it can deliver. Prioritising TCO – rather than obsessing over a short payback period – will help to ensure long-term success, supporting a business’ growth strategy to deliver higher productivity and ultimately, higher profitability.

By Oliver Selby, Head of Sales, FANUC UK

Macadamias are famously the world’s toughest nut to crack. Requiring an extraordinary 300 pounds per square inch of pressure, it is unusual to buy these tough nuts without their shells. Happy Nut by Freedom Fresh Australia is among the exceptions. The Australia-based processing company supplies premium macadamias with a bespoke ‘key’ to crack the nut.

Here’s how the business used robotics from Shibaura Machine to automate the picking-and-placing of keys into their macadamia nut packaging. 

Freedom Fresh has long supplied its Happy Nut brand with a specially designed metal key. The macadamia nuts are cleverly roasted with a slit sawed into the shell, meaning customers can crack them open easily using the tool provided.  

The challenge the business faced was automating the placement of the keys into bags during the filling process. The manual method was cumbersome and inefficient. It involving a worker standing on a ladder for prolonged periods of time and physically placing a key into each bag.  

Shifting from manual to automated processing was a no brainer. The manual task was repetitive and posed obvious safety risks — that’s not to mention the monotonous nature of placing up to 20,000 keys into bags each day.  

The goal of the automation project was clear: create a system that would both crack the problem of manual labour inefficiency and improve safety. The requirements included automatic pick and place of up to 60 keys per minute, seamless integration with the existing production line and a minimal factory floor footprint.   

Solutions from Shibaura Machine 

To meet the requirements, the Freedom Fresh team enlisted automation experts, M.A.P Services , the authorised Australian distribution partner of TM Robotics and Shibaura Machine industrial robots. 

 The M.A.P Services team selected the THE400 robot as the foundation for the system. The THE series is a flagship SCARA robot range from Shibaura Machine — formerly known as Toshiba Machine until a corporate name change in 2020. The THE series is among the latest robotic launches from the Japanese manufacturer and an ideal choice for pick-and-place applications.  

“The THE400 met all of the requirements for the Freedom Fresh project,” explained Nigel Smith , managing director and CEO of TM Robotics. “With a 400 mm arm length, the robot is relatively compact and requires minimal factory floor space. It boasts an impressive cycle time of 0.39 seconds with a 2 kg load and accurate movement trajectory with high-speed operation.”  

The robot was equipped with the TS5000, a high-speed, precise robotic controller from Shibaura Machine. M.A.P also integrated an IFM O2D camera for vision processing and an IFM encoder for conveyor tracking, with SMC vacuum gear handling the pick-and-place mechanism. 

An automated pick-and-place process  

With this equipment now installed, the automated process begins with the IFM O2D camera monitoring a continuous stream of keys on the conveyor. Upon triggering, the camera captures an image and uses its in-built contour detection to locate each key. The camera then sends the position of each key to the robot controller via TCP/IP Ethernet communications. 

“Integrating the vision system and encoder with the new generation TS5000 controller presented some initial teething issues,” explained Smith. “However, the user-friendly interface of the controller and the Shibaura Machine robot teach pendant made the integration process significantly easier. Our robot experts worked collaboratively with M.A.P Services to ensure seamless integration.” 

The robot syncs with the IFM encoder for accurate conveyor tracking, picks up the key with a suction cup and carries it to the drop point. There, it waits for a signal from the nut-filling machine before releasing the key. This cycle repeats every second, ensuring a high-speed operation that leaves no room for error or delay. 

Installation and results  

The project exceeded all expectations. The automated system exceeded the cycle time requirement, achieving higher efficiency and reliability. In fact, Freedom Fresh Australia expressed immense satisfaction with the solution. 

“Our experience with the new system has been an eleven out of ten,” explained Trevor Steinhardt of Freedom Fresh Australia. “The job of placing keys into bags was a difficult one, and there was no mechanical solution we could find. Now, the system just runs. It is coping very nicely and the strike rate is far better than a human operator.”  

Joel Spiteri , the engineer from M.A.P Services that installed and commission the system added, “The first robot installation took place in July 2023, and it has performed flawlessly ever since. What’s more, the impressive results led Freedom Fresh Australia to order three more identical systems. Two of these robots are designed to work in tandem, further increasing cycle times and productivity. The additional robots were installed in early 2024 and are currently in the final stages of commissioning.” 

 When detailing the success of the project, Spiteri cited several factors. “First, the advanced technology of the Shibaura Machine SCOL, combined with the precision of the IFM O2D camera and encoder, which ensures accurate and rapid key placement. Second, the seamless integration of the THE400 SCARA robot with the conveyor tracking system and vision system to facilitate smooth operation.”  

The collaboration between TM Robotics and M.A.P Services was also noted as instrumental to the project’s success. Throughout the design, installation and commissioning stages, M.A.P Services and TM Robotics maintained a collaborative approach. Regular online meetings facilitated effective communication and problem-solving.  

“Lastly, it was the customer-centric approach that delivered outstanding results,” added Spiteri. “We ensured that we understand and addressed the specific needs of Freedom Fresh Australia. This effort led to a tailored solution that has exceeded the customer’s expectations.” 

Future prospects 

Encouraged by the success of this project, Freedom Fresh Australia plans to further explore automation opportunities in its production processes. While automating processes like this one can be a tough nut to crack, leaning on the local expertise of M.A.P Services and the support of Shibaura Machine distributor, TM Robotics, for robot consultation can be the ‘key’ to achieving success.