January 2022 marks the completion of igus LCA facility in Singapore, making it the region’s first Low Cost Automation (LCA) test corner, a live unit for igus customers to gain clear understanding, both physically and technically on its robot operations and application in the food and beverage industry. Here, customers can test out on the robotic applications before they decide to invest in the technology.
LCA test corner is supervised by Ryan Ong, Product Manager for drylin® Linear Side Bearings, ASEAN Region. This test corner is Asia’s first followed by another unit also just completed in India.
LCA unit houses 3 igus robots
Presently, the Singapore unit showcases 3 igus robots namely Delta, Gantry and the Articulated Arm Robots. According to Ryan, “These 3 robots showed 3 different aspects of what is possible using their different work spaces and kinematics. If you need a fast pick and place like conveyor to conveyor or to a packing box, a delta robot is a top choice. If you require something complex, where the movement involves different angles to move in, a robotic arm is a suitable choice. And lets say, you require something with bigger working space, the gantry can be scaled up to the dimensions.”
The LCA unit will be expanding this year with the installation of ReBel® robot, a compact lighter robot which does not require switch cabinet as the control system is integrated in the base.
COVID-19 accelerates automation in the F&B industry
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has led to industries, particularly the food and beverage industry, to look deeper into the use of Industry 4.0 technology and robotics, in their production, as they seek to minimise human interaction with machines and food products, as hygiene and product safety are now of paramount concern.
As an example, the delta robot, also commonly known as spider robot, can be widely applied in the bakery and confectionery segments including the chocolate industry. These robots can effectively replace the human hand, and are extremely suitable for repetitive work, ensuring consistency without compromising on productivity.
In addition, igus robots require smaller space with lesser alteration to production site design.
User-friendly with no programming
igus® robots are also easy to operate as the application software is user-friendly with ‘low code – no code’ requirement, i.e. no programming required to implement the system to the work station. Customers that purchase igus® robots/systems will also be provided, as part of igus bundled package, its ‘IgusRobotControl’ software together with basic training on how to operate the software and system. Its latest Release 12 software allows the user to engage into ‘teach mode’ i.e. allowing the user to adjust directly the movement of the robot live without the need for complex programming. In another word, it is a ‘simple and easy way to automate existing production line without the need of an expert’.
Cheaper alternative to complex robots
igus robots are cheaper alternatives to bigger and more complex robots from competitors – they are simpler to use and operate, and cheaper as most of the plastic parts are internally manufactured by igus except for its CPR which is co-manufactured with Commonplace Robotics. In addition, igus offers predictive maintenance for its parts and systems, thereby reducing future breakdowns and loss of operating hours.
According to Ryan, “With the new LCA facility, customers can now send their workpiece or perhaps a sample setup to us, and we can simulate if the robot can work for their application, and also to see its actual movement before they decide to invest in our unit.”
With the LCA unit, igus officially opens up Industry 4.0 technology to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage industry, whom have smaller financial capacity, to consider automation amidst the pandemic challenges.
Furthermore, “We provide in-house ‘Proof of Concept’ that allows customers to test out the system, whether it works to their specific applications. This is a game changer in the market and we have seen significant growth in our unit and more and more customers approaching igus for solutions to their operating problems,” added Ryan.
One example of real application of igus robot is in Belgium where a chocolate shop Roose’s Chocolate World had installed a robot called Chocomatic, using a robolink robot arm from igus at just €5,492 (US$6,045), which is many times cheaper than industrial robot arms. The reason for the lower price is that igus manufactures components such as the shaft gear using triboplastics instead of from metal. Triboplastics are high performance polymers that are optimised for maximum robustness and minimum wear. Meanwhile, the CPR, i.e. the control system for the Chocomatic robot only cost another €1,897 (US$2,087), which set the company back for only €7,500 (US$8,255) for this complete turnkey solution.
Bright future for LCA and igus in Asia
Low cost automation (LCA) technologies are expected to grow exponentially in the future. The Asian region is witnessing rapid growth in talents within this industry as schools and universities are offering courses in robotics and Industry 4.0 technology.
SMEs future in production is to automate using more cost-effective solutions as a traditional robotic solution might be too costly for them to adopt. The rise in robotic talents in this region will change the overall landscape with more LCA technologies coming into the fold playing a more important role in manufacturing.
igus is now in a good position to benefit from the growth in LCA and could even become the leader in low cost automation, said Ryan. “We spearheaded the website RBTX (https://rbtx.com) which is what we deem the ‘AMAZON’ of automation, where customers can go there and just pick what they need for their automation requirement.” RBTX is igus answer to the industry need for comprehensive solutions to automation from robots, to sensors, pneumatics and other accessories.
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