OnRobot, a global turnkey provider for collaborative applications, has partnered with Queensland-based robotics and machine company DCISIV Technologies to introduce an off-the-shelf collaborative palletiser for SMEs in Australia.
This industry-first solution offers same-day installation, requires no programming and can be re-deployed within minutes.
“OnRobot has successfully introduced end-of-arm tooling and sensors for robotic automation to the market by ensuring seamless integration with all major robot brands and providing a simplified and consistent user experience,” said James Taylor, chief commercial officer for OnRobot.
“With D:PLOY, we are taking the next logical step in simplifying the overall application rather than just focusing on individual components within the robot cell.”
Founded in 2018 in Denmark – more than two decades after the first collaborative robot (cobot) came onto the scene – OnRobot identified a need for quality cobot hardware.
“With so many cobot manufacturers coming onto the scene, we recognised a need for a reputable manufacturer that could provide all the complementary physical hardware required,” Taylor added.
From two and three-finger grippers to sanders, vacuum, polishers, vision sensors and more, OnRobot provides solutions for a broad range of applications and tasks, and the company continues to evolve with the ever-changing needs of the market.
“And while we remain committed to developing and enhancing OnRobot’s hardware, our sights are firmly set on transcending the norm to deliver a total solution,” said Taylor.
“More than that, we want to make it simple for all producers or manufacturers to use robots by removing the barriers to entry which are cost, complexity and inflexibility.”
D:PLOY boasts big benefits
Taylor says the missing piece of the puzzle comes in the form of D:PLOY, which lays claim to being the industry’s first automated software platform for building, running, monitoring, and re-deploying collaborative applications.
“Our goal is to ensure that no matter what robots customers choose to use, they will always have a consistent OnRobot experience,” he said.
“We recognise the fact that the end-user has a desired outcome. They aren’t necessarily focused on the branding, but rather on the required output. Their challenges are centred around time and cost – and more specifically when it comes to changing box sizes.”
According to Taylor, the ultimate peace-of-mind lies in D:PLOY’s same-day installation, changing an application or box size within minutes and the quick changeover of a production line.
“This enables manufacturers to automate applications with robots that they have not been able to in the past due to the cost and time needed for production changeovers,” Taylor continued.
“Today, for example, most palletising is done manually due to the high-mix nature of production lines with one line often changing production or box sizes.
“With D:PLOY, changeover can now be reduced to only a few minutes, which means that automating tasks with robots is now achievable and affordable since the application cell can automate multiple palletising tasks.”
Another differentiator is its transparent, competitive pricing, which Taylor believes hasn’t been seen in the market before.
A winning partnership in Australia
Speaking to OnRobot’s investment in Australia, Taylor shares that many small to medium-sized manufacturers are facing workforce challenges and require a cost-effective solution for high-mix palletising applications.
“Australia is privy to high labour costs and labour shortages. As a developed country, the majority of the workforce isn’t interested in undertaking menial, strenuous labour tasks associated with palletising and this is why a high value proposition like that of D:PLOY will be well-received by the market,” explained Taylor.
“We partner with local companies who can best serve the local market – this is our tried-and-trusted global model. DCISIV are the industry experts, and we are there to support them and their customer offering, which includes a flexible, quick-to-deploy, always available solution.”
Ben Leamon, director of DCISIV, believes the launch of PalletProX, in conjunction with OnRobot’s D:PLOY, will reduce the barriers to entry – particularly for SMEs.
The PalletProX is an OMRON TM25 equipped with an OnRobot VGP20 gripper, OR:Base Controller and D:PLOY software license, which will be sold at an introductory price of $114,540.
It comes complete with a 12-month warranty, DCISIV Palletiser Base Dual Pallet with robot pedestal, training, installation and set-up.
Speaking to the partnership, Leamon explains that the support provided by OnRobot will ensure easy configuration – lowering the total cost of ownership by reducing the need for ongoing engineering support.
“We want automation to be accessible to companies of all sizes. The PalletProX is an entry-level system intended to help SMEs automate their palletising and protect their people by reducing the risk of back injuries,” Leamon said.
“The system is designed with functionality and ease of install, service and maintenance in mind. Additionally, we have made it flexible to accommodate multiple pallet sizes.
“OnRobot have the resources to maintain and continually improve the software, and the customer is empowered to use the system flexibly.”
“We are pleased to partner with DCISIV to bring cutting-edge, easily accessible technology to Australia,” added Taylor.
“We believe that it will be well received and is set to shake up the market as we know it, and offers the first truly off-the-shelf cobot palletising solution for the region.”
