Autonomous Robots Transport Dryer Components Between Two Production Lines
Robot transports dryer doors from the preassembly to the assembly line. On every run, it carts 12 doors at a time and transports the empty packaging on the way back – the entire loop is around 130 meters. MiR200 rides up to the preassembly line moves under a loaded cart and hooks it up. The robot then transports the cart to the assembly line, where full packages go. The empty boxes slide back to MiR’s cart under gravity during the unloading. After that, the robot returns to its starting point, and the next transportation cycle begins.
Sensors and scanners allow the robot to detect obstacles appearing on its way, such as forklifts or tuggers, and avoid them. The full ride-cycle of the robot takes around 3 minutes and 50 seconds.
During the plant operation, two MiR200 robots with a load capacity of up to 200 kilograms transport the components while the third is docked in a charging station, serving as a backup.
Whirlpool commenced the implementation in December 2018 with a test of the first robot. Subsequently, after a positive evaluation of the results, two additional MiR200s were put into use. Whirlpool also installed a robot fleet management system, MiR Fleet, which allows the robots to queue the requests from the line correctly and monitors their battery charge levels to ensure continuous work.
Whirlpool’s implementation and configuration of the MiR robots at its Łódź plant was supported by Polish distributor – ProCobot.
The adaptability and user-friendliness of MiR robots increase efficiency.
Since robots were implemented, the layout of the plant and, thus, the route the robots took has changed several times. Programming the MiR devices practically consists of specifying the points the robot has to travel through. The route should avoid places frequented by people to minimise the risk of collisions. The simplicity of operation, programming, and advanced navigation technology allow the MiR robots to adapt quickly to changes in the production area layout.
“The ease of operation of MiR robots allows them to be used by staff without any engineering or programming background. This enables us to effectively utilise the robots without big investments in training the employees in the context of the new technology,” says Paolo Aliverti, Logistics Program Manager Industry 4.0, Whirlpool.
MiR robots replace forklifts and ensure less than two years ROI.
Before the robots were put into use, components were transported solely with vehicles operated by specifically trained employees – forklifts and tuggers. Three MiR robots can replace one such operator-driven vehicle. Thanks to the implementation of autonomous mobile robots, forklift and tugger operators may focus on other tasks in the organisation. The expected return on investment in mobile robots at the Łódź plant is a maximum of two years.
“By changing the system from human-operated to automated delivery, we can boost productivity and engage employees in final product manufacturing. We are satisfied with the application implemented in Łódź and Radomsko. The MiR robots provide us with a low cost of automation and flexibility in changing the plant layout. We consider the two-year return on investment as attractive,” – says Adam Bakowicz, Process Technology Senior Engineer Industry 4.0, Whirlpool.
To find out more about Universal Robots range of cobots, visit our UR Cobots page.
