Reaching the target together with our customers
The Liebherr automated bin picking solution offers an optimally adapted process to meet the requirements of our industrial customers:
- Increased productivity / higher output thanks to faster cycle times and extended machine service life (unmanned shifts)
- Less physical exertion for staff (lifting of heavy parts - ergonomics)
- Avoidance of occupational accidents (risk of crushing, falling workpieces)
- Fast retooling to new workpieces
- Additional integration of special tasks (measurement, DMC marking, orientation, etc.)
Liebherr robot system for bin picking
Unloading work pieces out of the transport bin is a complex interaction between a vision system, software and robot. Based on the parts matrix, we harmonise all steps of the process to each other, this guarantees an optimum picking and positioning result.
Process description
Requirement
Randomly arranged parts need to be removed from the bin.
Optical data detection and assessment
A reliable, sturdy 3D object recognition system detects the data optically and evaluates it.
Object identification and selection
Specially-designed software segments, identifies and selects the information about the workpieces as well as the technical framework conditions.
Collision-free withdrawal of parts
The intelligent picker has additional axes and enables collision-free withdrawal of parts from the bin.
Object positioning
Finally, the tools are precisely positioned at the defined location or on a machine.
Flexible module
The modular structure of the robot cell comprises two base modules: supply module and handling module. These can be combined with a customer-specific option and output module.
The hook-ready supply module serves to provide workpieces for the handling module. As a basic version, it is available with two or three areas. On request, we can supplement the module with a moving vision system with operator protection. This enables loading and unloading of the bins while main operation is active. The basic modules can be joined together and enhanced flexibly.
Two and three place version
Provisioning area
Operator protection
Vision system
The Liebherr robot cell is underpinned by the standardised hook-ready handling module.
This module forms the connecting element between supply and output module. Various loading systems, including control system and user interface, can be integrated in the handling module.
The handling and supply modules are coupled together via a mechanical and electrical connecting system. Positioning and setting-up of the individual components are made much easier for the customer because of this. Depending on the task, a flexible picker unit is available in sizes ranging from 0 to 5 kg, 5 to 20 kg and 20 to 40 kg. In combination with suitable compensation elements a high availability of the system is guaranteed. If required, the picker units can be supplemented with a 7/8 axis increasing flexibility during picking of the workpieces within the bin. The degree to which the bin is emptied is also optimised.
Basic module
Robot system
Surface portal system
Picker with compensator unit
Picker with 7/8 axis
User interface with control system
To optimise the unloading process from the bin, the workpieces are picked at different positions. These picking positions are not always suitable for final positioning of the workpieces. If necessary, Liebherr can offer suitable options such as intermediate storage areas, repicking stations, positioning devices or detection stations.
Intermediate storage
Repicking station
The workpieces withdrawn from the bins can be transferred to a wide range of different customer-specific systems. Examples of this are direct loading of a machine tool, handover to a transport system or organised storage in bins further down the line.
Direct loading of machine tool
Loading transport system
Loading caged pallet
Convenient control panel for easy operation
The control panel makes it possible to enter all of the necessary information quickly in easy steps:
- Teach-in of workpieces and definition of potential picking points
- Configuration of bins (by entering dimensions or integrating existing data)
- Configuration or adaptation of pickers
- Selection of employed robots to check working area
- Input of obstacles present in robot's working area
- Calibration of system
- Definition of boundary conditions for collision-free withdrawal of parts
- Rail scheduling
Operability
Control panel - definition of new workpieces
Control panel - definition of new bins
Examples and different layouts
The Liebherr robot cell is available with different layouts.
Conveyor loading
Machine tool loading
Wired basket loading
