Robotics hardware manufacturer, OnRobot, has partnered with Queensland robotics and machine company, DCISIV Technologies, to introduce an off the shelf collaborative palletiser for SMEs in Australia – the PalletProX.
Founded in 2018 in Denmark, more than two decades after the first collaborative robot (cobot) came onto the scene, OnRobot identified a need for quality cobot hardware and began to produce everything from two and three-finger grippers to sanders, vacuum, polishers, and vision sensors.
OnRobot chief commercial officer, James Taylor, said the company has successfully introduced end-of-arm tooling and sensors for robotic automation by ensuring integration with all major robot brands, and providing a simplified and consistent user experience.
“With so many cobot manufacturers coming onto the scene, we recognised a need for a reputable manufacturer that could provide all the complementary physical hardware required. Our vision is to be the worldwide leader in collaborative applications,” said Taylor.
The company states that the new palletiser is an industry-first, and offers same-day installation, requires no programming, and can be re-deployed within minutes.
The PalletProX is an Omron TM25 equipped with an OnRobot VGP20 gripper, OR:Base Controller and D:PLOY software licence which will be sold at an introductory price of $114,540. It comes complete with a 12-month warranty, DCISIV Palletiser Base Dual Pallet with robot pedestal, training, installation and set-up.
D:PLOY is OnRobot’s answer for collaborative applications – the industry’s first automated software platform for building, running, monitoring, and re-deploying in a setting where most palletising is done manually due to the high mix nature of production lines.
“With D:PLOY, we are taking the next logical step in simplifying the overall application rather than just focusing on individual components within the robot cell,” said Taylor.
“This enables manufacturers to automate applications with robots that they have not been able to in the past due to the cost and time needed for production changeovers.”
“Changeover can now be reduced to only a few minutes, which means that automating tasks with robots is now achievable and affordable since the application cell can automate multiple palletising tasks,” he said.
The company also points out its transparent, competitive pricing as a commercial benefit. OnRobot decided to invest in the Australian market due to SMEs facing workforce challenges and requiring a cost-effective solution for high-mix palletising applications.
“Australia is privy to high labour costs and labour shortages. As a developed country, the majority of the workforce isn’t interested in undertaking menial, strenuous labour tasks associated with palletising and this is why a high value proposition like that of D:PLOY will be well-received by the market,” said Taylor.
“We partner with local companies who can best serve the local market – this is our tried-and-trusted global model. DCISIV are the industry experts, and we are there to support them and their customer offering which include a flexible, quick-to-deploy, always available solution.”
“We believe that the PalletProX will be well received and is set to shake up the market as we know it, as it offers the first truly off the shelf cobot palletising solution for the region,” he said.
