Control software for automated palletising applications

24 January 2017

A new type of software has been developed to ensure optimum control of automated handling systems for palletising applications. The PalletSolver software suite is designed by Yaskawa for use with its Motoman robots to enable faster development and integration of a robotic palletising system through user-friendly configuration, set-up and customisation and to facilitate maximum system uptime without compromising production schedules. 

The software incorporates two main components – PalletSolver-PC, an offline pattern generation tool that operates on a Windows powered PC and PalletSolver-Engine, which includes robot control programs, motion planning and I/O maps that reside on the robot controller DX200. 

It provides an intuitive user-interface with a guided pattern file for the generation of steps and is able to operate with all common gripper types. A dynamic gripper zone configuration enables change to be implemented for each cycle. 

The software also supports multiple cells and incorporates interference constraints per station to ensure quick changeover. 

Other features include, import pallet patterns generated by TOPS or CAPE software, an export/import cell and gripper database that can be shared between projects and the facility to produce 2D layer and 3D build pictures generated to help with drop box recovery. 

The software also includes useful pattern generation tools such as label positioning, snap, placement spread, auto gaps, pallet overhang/underhang, centering, calculated weight and height of build.  

PalletSolver PC enables build pattern recipes to be generated offline and then stored in a network storage that is accessible by the robot controller, or stored locally on a PC hosting the software. Pattern files can be downloaded via Ethernet or can also be copied to a Compact Flash card or USB storage media and be loaded with the robot teach pendant. 


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