Robotised animal stabling

Citation

(1998), "Robotised animal stabling", Industrial Robot, Vol. 25 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1998.04925eaf.006

Robotised animal stabling

Robotised animal stabling

Keywords Motoman, Robots, Welding

Two Motoman robotic cells are helping a family concern meet the exacting requirements of Alfa Laval Agri in the supply of high quality fencing used in the construction of stabling for horses, cattle and pigs (see Plate 3).

The first of these cells, commissioned in 1994, comprised a six-axis Motoman SK6 welding robot with a Yasnac MRC 32-bit micro-processor control. To cope with the size and length of components being welded, the robot was mounted on a servo track (seventh axis) providing the required reach of 1,500 x 4,000mm. This installation formed part of a major technological up-grading programme which also embraced a CAD facility, steel- cutting machine, computer network and in-flow production techniques.

Plate 3 Two Motoman robotic welding cells are helping one family concern meet the exacting requirements of Alfa Laval Agri

The venture into robotics proved highly cost-effective. Productivity was increased; quality, consistency, accuracy and speed of welding were significantly improved, and down-time previously required for setting was reduced.

As a result of its increased capability, the company secured a major order for pig boxes; one dictating a 33 per cent increase in production capacity. To meet the demand, and in view of its earlier experience with Motoman, it was decided to invest in a second Motoman robotic welding cell and this was installed in January 1997.

In this instance a different configuration was considered more appropriate. The Motoman SK6 was ceiling-mounted above a Motoman RM2-500SE2; a standard, servo-driven two-station 180° rotating "H" frame welding positioner. A highly versatile unit, it is capable of accommodating components up to 500kg per station and from 2m to 3.5m in length by fixed increments.

Operating on a two-shift basis, it is expected that the combined Motoman cells will have produced a targeted 1,000 tons of fencing during the year.

For any additional information, please contact Robert Lewis, Sales and Projects Manager, Motoman Robotics (UK) Ltd. Tel: 01295 272755.