Marel has launched a new intelligent portion loading (IPL) Robot that can be configured to virtually any application in the protein sector.
Single, fresh or frozen portions or sliced groups – such as fish – can be picked from the infeed conveyor and placed straight into trays or a thermoformer.
The system has straightforward, easy to use controls, which enables operators to switch between products with a minimum of disruption.
The new IPL Robot can pick and place at speeds of up to 80 picks per minute per head, depending on the product. Its long reach measuring 1250mm enables the machine to load even the widest thermoformer at high payloads. Payloads of up to 4.2kg can be handled, albeit at reduced speeds.
The system, including the head and control panel, is 100% washdown to IP69, thanks to stainless steel and titanium construction. All product contact parts are manufactured from stainless steel and other food grade materials and can be quickly and easily removed for cleaning.
Marel says that it has made huge advances in gripper technology, which contributes greatly to accuracy, product presentation and overall efficiency of the IPL Robot. Virtually any product - however delicate - can be lifted and placed, at speed, into a tray or thermoformer in a wide variety of configurations.
The size, position and orientation of the incoming products are determined by the robot’s vision system. At the appropriate point, the portion is transferred to the tray or thermoformer to give the required pack style or presentation. Any out of specification portions pass to a makeweight operator or diverted to a dedicated bulk or food service pack.
The IPL Robot vision system can recognise product characteristics such as size or shape and can be programmed to place or divert products according to requirements.
For high volume applications, IPL Robot’s vision control system can operate up to six loading heads and, if required, each head can be programmed to produce a different pack format.
