Visionary robot feeding system

In addition to ground-breaking innovations in primary and secondary packaging machines, Theegarten-Pactec presents a special highlight this year: the “Vision Picker”. In so doing, the Dresden-based company is demonstrating its unique innovative strength. The newly developed robot feeding system with camera recognition ensures an even more flexible, streamlined and thus more cost-effective packaging process.

With the Vision Picker, the company clearly demonstrates how even highly sensitive products can be packaged flexibly and by means of a lean process using a bundling system. This is where the CWM2 comes in – a well-established packaging machine by Theegarten-Pactec. The Dresden innovation drivers have put the previous process at CWM2 to the test and optimised it. The aim here was specifically to feed the products from the subordinate product stream to the robot. Previously, Theegarten-Pactec machines had to work with counter-moulds during robot feeding: due to the manufacturing process, a fixed number of products are produced in the counter-moulds which were placed by a robot in the feed chain of the packaging machine by means of a multiple tool.

With the Vision Picker, there is no need for elaborate counter-form handling during the packaging process. Using an integrated image processing system, individual products are now detected within the disordered product flow. Each product is individually sucked in by the robot and placed in the correct position in the infeed chain of the packaging machine to ensure secure and reliable packaging as usual. The advantages of the new development are obvious: with the Vision Picker, different product formats can be packed even more flexibly and therefore more quickly and cost-effectively.

With the Vision Picker, highly sensitive products can be packaged flexibly and by means of a lean process using a bundling system. 

The new development is clearly demonstrated in the packaging process of small, cast chocolate teddies, for example. At a speed of 400 products per minute, the CWM2 gently wraps the delicate chocolate figures in bundles.

In a modified configuration, the robot feed can also be combined with high-performance machines by Theegarten-Pactec. This also makes it possible to feed the products to the packaging machines at a rate of more than 1,000 per minute.

However, the packaging machine with a capacity of up to 600 products per minute is far from being simply a sidekick to the new Vision Picker. In fact, the CWM2 boasts numerous features: its modular design enables reliable processing of varying products. Different product formats and folding types are also possible without any problem. It is possible to switch quickly and easily between double twist wrap, side twist, top twist, bundling, letter fold and protected twist. In fact, the CWM2 is particularly adaptable when it comes to the combination of different impact types. Aggregates that are not required can remain on the machine for the most part. This enables Theegarten-Pactec’s customers to avoid unnecessary retooling and downtimes, so there is a cost-saving effect as well.