In order to break through the limitations of packaging robot product types and improve their automated packaging production lines, Shanghai Wodi Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Wodi) has worked closely with Beckhoff and adopted PC- based automated products in its Delta robot intelligent packaging system.
As products in the food industry are constantly being updated and replaced, product packaging designs are also constantly changing. As a result, end users are demanding greater flexibility from packaging production lines.
The significant reduction in production cycles has had a profound impact on production, packaging, and logistics. Traditional packaging systems rely heavily on manual labor, which is not only costly but also poses numerous safety hazards. Therefore, advanced automation and smart factory solutions are indispensable for users who want to improve packaging efficiency, ensure safe production, and reduce costs.
As a leader in China's robotic automated handling and packaging and intelligent food equipment sectors, Shanghai Wodi developed a complete system for its application using Beckhoff's PC-based control system. This leverages the universal and open control technology, which allows for easy integration of peripheral components and the provision of additional services. Wodi can then quickly and effectively implement new solutions for other key markets in this manner.
Open platform achieves better compatibility
In 2011, Shanghai Wodi first collaborated with Beckhoff to jointly develop the Delta robot. Beckhoff's open automation platform and high-performance automation products not only enabled Wodi's Delta robot to be better compatible with other equipment, but also simultaneously achieved customized and mass production of the robot, helping Wodi open up the market and gain favor with more high-end customers. The first project of the collaboration was a PC- controlled intelligent packaging production line that integrated transportation, picking, boxing, and palletizing operations.
Intelligent and Internet of Things Link
Xiao Wuyun, from the Robotics Research Institute of Shanghai Wodi Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd., emphasized that the company has widely adopted Beckhoff technology in its intelligent and IoT connectivity applications. For example, the high-performance CX2040 embedded controller can handle algorithms for single and multiple robots, and its built-in PLC supports the standard IEC61131-3 programming language, facilitating the integration of peripheral devices and significantly reducing control costs.
Xiao Wuyun believes another advantage of this embedded controller is: " The device is easy to install, has a universal fieldbus system interface, can be expanded with multiple bus types, and does not require consideration of compatibility issues when communicating with other devices. However, the most important factor in choosing Beckhoff products is the openness of the TwinCAT engineering and control software platform. "
Delta robot with powerful performance and high flexibility
According to Mr. Xiao Wuyun, most common Delta robot controllers in China are currently limited by the maximum number of robots or axes, resulting in poor scalability and cumbersome data interaction and control with other equipment. On the other hand, users can easily and flexibly develop high-performance Delta robot systems using TwinCAT automation software . One controller can control multiple robots, and Beckhoff's extensive EtherCAT I/O terminal modules can be used to easily integrate robots with packaging production lines.
Xiao Wuyun explained: “ We initially used Beckhoff's robot algorithm library to control the robots, and later developed our own algorithm on the TwinCAT platform. Beckhoff's PC- based control technology offers flexibility and convenience in programming complex algorithms. It not only has a rich set of cam instructions to meet the general needs of our packaging equipment products, but it can also easily integrate other software in the Windows environment as well as our own new algorithms. Beckhoff's PC -based real-time control technology is an ideal choice for achieving complex motion control tasks. In addition to the CX2040 embedded controller and TwinCAT , this production line also uses AX5000 servo drives and AM8000 servo motors throughout. ”
Because of TwinCAT 's high flexibility, there is ample room for customization in the software. For example, the position of the Delta robot is not controlled by the NC program as usual , but directly by the TwinCAT PLC in the software. " In this solution, Wodi uses its self-developed robot algorithm and path planning function block, without using additional robot software or interpolation functions such as NC I. Therefore, one CX2040 can meet the control requirements of five 2D Delta robots and four 4D Delta robots, saving hardware costs, " Xiao Wuyun added.
Improve production and engineering efficiency
In addition to efficiently performing traditional production and engineering control tasks, the TwinCAT engineering and control software platform is also suitable for applications such as big data, pattern recognition, and status or power monitoring. Xiao Wuyun believes these tools are extremely useful for continuous improvement of production processes and workflows, and the corresponding TwinCAT software library is the most effective way to analyze and support communication between controllers and cloud-based services. TwinCAT Analytics stores process data locally, on servers, or in the cloud, synchronized with the machine's cycle. All measurement data is logged and provided as part of additional services (such as predictive maintenance), creating a database for comprehensive analysis. All this information makes it possible to minimize costly downtime.
Beyond hardware and software products, Mr. Xiao Wuyun was also deeply impressed by Beckhoff's comprehensive technical support and services. " Beckhoff boasts a robust technical support and training service system, offering global technical support beyond specific product applications, which is extremely important to us. Furthermore, Beckhoff can provide design, programming, and debugging services for complex automation systems. " Summarizing the technological advantages, he added, " In our collaboration with Beckhoff, we have benefited from Beckhoff's open automation products and platforms; the superior products have improved system performance. We have also benefited from Beckhoff's advanced technological concepts; their broad vision has elevated our design concepts. "
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Xiao Wuyun stated: “ In the future, Shanghai Wodi will continue to be guided by ‘ intelligent manufacturing , ’ focusing on developing intelligent equipment for the food and pharmaceutical sectors and building intelligent and digital smart factories. In this process, we hope to continue our partnership with Beckhoff, receiving more technical support in terms of software and hardware products. ” For example, Wodi plans to use the TwinSAFE safety solution to ensure the safe operation of robots, eliminating the need for individual robots and safety controls, simplifying engineering work, and reducing the overall cost of the solution.
