The design of these adaptive machines relies on the combination of several advanced automation technologies such as robotics, intelligent conveyors, vision, and simulation. At the CFIA in Rennes, B&R presented not only a comprehensive offering encompassing all these key technologies, but also a system demonstrating how to combine them to create an adaptive machine.
The ACOPOStrak intelligent conveyor features individually controlled shuttles with a reduced 50 mm pitch, facilitating the transport of small containers. Its straight or curved segments, at various angles, can be assembled to create track configurations desired by the user. Its "diverging" segments separate or merge product flows at full speed, enabling parallel processing and the simultaneous, high-speed production of different formats or assortments.
The Smart Sensor and Smart Camera are fully integrated into the automation system, as are Smart Light and third-party lighting fixtures via the network connection of B&R's new flash controller. This ensures that lighting and image capture are synchronized to the microsecond, enabling the capture of fast-moving objects with perfectly sharp and repeatable results. Color and angle of illumination are electronically controlled and can be adjusted on the fly. The Smart Camera incorporates artificial intelligence, allowing for local image processing (Edge AI).
Known for their precision and speed, Codian's delta robotic mechanics are now supplied by B&R. They integrate into any machine configuration. Combined with a B&R control platform, they can be synchronized with an ACOPOStrak smart conveyor, a Smart Camera, or any other B&R equipment in real time and with record-breaking precision: the ideal solution for designing machines that combine high precision, high speed, and adaptability.
The Scene Viewer tool included in Automation Studio, B&R's development environment, generates a digital twin of the ACOPOStrak system, simplifying its configuration, programming, and maintenance. Automation Studio also features a machine model import function and a machine program export function for any simulation tool supporting the FMI standard. These solutions reduce the resources required for interdisciplinary development.
