About the Project
The project aimed to automate the packaging process of sweet peppers at an Ontario-based greenhouse grower. The manual process of picking and packaging peppers was labor-intensive and costly. By implementing a robotic solution, with the goal of increasing productivity, reducing labor costs, and improving overall efficiency. The project involved developing a vision system to differentiate peppers by color, designing and programming a robot to handle the packaging, and constructing a mechanical system for bag handling.
Project Overview
- 1 Researcher
- 3 Student Researchers
- Areas of Expertise: Data Analytics for Business, Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Robotics
Technologies:
- Universal Robot (UR)
- Pickit 3D Vision System
- Autodesk Inventor
- Pneumatic Systems
- Automation Studio Software
Key Innovations
- Vision System Integration: The Pickit 3D vision system enabled the robot to accurately identify and handle peppers of assorted colors and shapes.
- Custom EOAT: A lightweight, 3D-printed End of end-of-arm tooling designed to manage peppers delicately, avoiding damage while ensuring efficiency.
- Flexible Robot Programming: Use of a Universal Robot (UR) for easy reprogramming and adaptability to different tasks, enhancing flexibility in the packaging process.
- Pneumatic Mechanisms: Efficient pneumatic circuits designed for the EOAT and bag managing system, ensuring reliable and safe operations.
Impact & Benefits
- Increased Productivity: Automated system capable of significantly higher packaging rates compared to manual labor.
- Cost Savings: Reduction in labor costs by eliminating the need for manual handling and packing of peppers.
- Enhanced Quality and Consistency: Consistent and precise handling of peppers, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring high-quality packaging.
- Operational Flexibility: The robot’s ability to be reprogrammed for different tasks provides flexibility to adapt to future needs or changes in packaging requirements.
- Workforce Efficiency: Reallocation of human labor to more value-added roles, enhancing overall workforce efficiency and job satisfaction.
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