NGK Ceramics

Robotic depalletization station on the inspection line

The PTT robotic depalletization station was designed as a fully automated module responsible for the quick, precise, and safe unloading of filters placed on EURO pallets. The system integrates an industrial robot, an advanced vision system, and a conveyor system, enabling the smooth transfer of products for further inspection on the production line.

Automating the depalletization process significantly increases efficiency, eliminates human error, and ensures repeatability, which is crucial in a production environment with high quality requirements.

Description of the technological process

1. Loading pallets

The process begins by placing a pallet of filters in the entry area of the station. The design allows pallets to be inserted from both the right and left sides, reducing cycle times.

2. Filter system analysis - vision system

The industrial robot is equipped with an integrated vision system that analyzes the arrangement of filters on the pallet. The vision system allows for:

precise positioning of each filter,
compensation for shifts and rotations,
optimization of the picking trajectory.

3. Downloading filters

The robot uses a specially designed gripper adapted to various filter types. During the pick-up process, the system ensures:

stable element guidance,
minimizing the risk of damage,
adapting the gripping force to the product type.

4. Transferring filters to the inspection line

Once collected, the filter is automatically transferred to the inspection line for further quality control or processing. Integration with the line is achieved through a transport system tailored to process requirements.

5. Handling pallet spacers

Once a layer is completed, the robot automatically collects the spacers and places them in dedicated collection baskets. This ensures:

organization in the work area,
full process automation,
elimination of the need for manual handling of the spacers.

6. Process monitoring and control

The entire depalletization process is monitored by the HMI operator panel. The operator can:

monitor operating parameters,
manually intervene if necessary,
change operating modes and configurations.