FAGOR ARRASATE COMMITS TO ARTIFICIAL VISION AND IA TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE AUTOMATION OF PART QUALITY CONTROL, PICKING AND RACKING PROCESSES

Fagor Arrasate has acquired 70% of the shares of Ribinerf, a company from Girona (Spain) specialized in the manufacture of standardized robotized machinery, with 3D vision and artificial intelligence technology, for the automation of processes of parts classification, binpicking, racking and 3D verification of parts in nondeterministic scenarios.

The operation provides Fagor Arrasate with a marketleading technology that allows it to take a step forward in its commitment to strengthen its technological capabilities associated with the automation of manufacturing processes.

Ribinerf’s machines do not simply perform the task, but, thanks to AI, have the capacity to make decisions and resolve on their own the incidents that occur in variable production, minimizing line downtime and working at maximum performance.

“This is an operation that is fully aligned within our innovation strategy, which is committed to offering increasingly intelligent, flexible and productive automation solutions,” says Unai López Moñux, CEO of Fagor Arrasate. “This acquisition provides Fagor Arrasate with market-leading technology for the automation of quality control, picking and racking processes, which are critical for our customers in the automotive, household appliance and steel sectors,” says López Moñux.

Specifically, Fagor Arrasate will be able to rely on Ribinerf’s capabilities and know how, which are focused on manufacturing standardized solutions that solve non deterministic scenarios, impossible to automate until now. Ribinerf machines do not simply perform the task, but, thanks to AI, have the ability to make decisions and resolve on their own the incidents that occur in variable production, minimizing line downtime and working with maximum performance, allowing customers to optimize and improve the competitiveness of their processes.

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Technological alliance

An alliance that will enable Fagor Arrasate to offer solutions to meet the demands of its customers in terms of process automation and quality assurance. “To automate processes of low added value but which until now could only be carried out by people, is to offer solutions to problems that our customers suffer on a daily basis. Thanks to the application of robotics, artificial intelligence and 3D vision, these solutions also mean substantial savings in costs associated with non-quality by reducing defective parts and avoiding the return of batches of parts by customers.”

“Ribinerf provides us with the capacity to incorporate this type of solution into our teams,” explains Unai López Moñux. For his part, the co-founder of Ribinerf, Xavier Ribalta, considers that the operation with Fagor Arrasate will give his company access to new markets and customers. “For us, Fagor Arrasate is a strategic partner, which brings solidity to our project and can contribute to our international expansion. Ribinerf will be boosted thanks to the seal of reliability and the market share and penetration that Fagor Arrasate currently brings to the deformation sector in the international markets where it operates,” Ribalta points out.

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Verification Robotic Machine 3D (VRM3D)

The Verification Robotic Machine 3D (VRM3D) is a solution for the quality control of parts that uses a 3D point cloud of the scanned area to compare it with the theoretical model in search of non-matches. It compares the part to the CAD model, with a resolution and repeatability of 0.1mm (0.04 in), allowing for increased production of the next process by eliminating defective parts.

The Verification Robotic Machine 3D (VRM3D) is a perfect solution for production processes that require detailed analysis of parts at different stages. The machine can analyze up to 30 parts/minute and helps to increase the throughput of the next process by eliminating NOK parts.

In particular, its ability to adapt to different production needs, such as for double hand part infeed, where two hands of parts enter side by side, or for doublemodel parts, where two hands of parts enter, but one behind the other, makes it very versatile and suitable for different types of production.

In addition, the Verification Robotic Machine 3D (VRM3D) is a modular solution that adapts to various needs, such as:

  • Increasing production.
  • Adding more part control points.
  • When a single robot is not enough to cover the entire width of the conveyor, it can be done with several robots, which share the work.
  • Dealing with large parts between several robots that share the work.

Depending on the production targets, it is possible to build multiple scenarios using more or fewer robots, considering that the time per point and robot is kept at around 1 second per point.

Key requirements for efficient and safe production.

  • Detect defects on in-line parts during the manufacturing process to ensure that the required quality standards are met.
  • Identify the type of defect detected so that actions can be taken in the manufacturing process.
  • Monitor production in real time to detect potential problems and avoid production line stoppages.

 

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Operation of the Verification Robotic Machine 3D (VRM3D) in 5 steps

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1. Entry of the part

Entry of the part with the control face up, regardless of its position or rotation.

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2. Scanning of the part

Scanning of the part with the 3D scanner to locate it and perform an overall quality check of the part. The scanner also repositions the robot.

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3. Control defects

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4. NOK parts are ejected

Finally, NOK parts are ejected into an integrated red drawer while OK parts are allowed to pass.

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5. store the results

The system stores the results of each part and the images of the NOK checks in a SQL Server Express database, either locally or remotely. In addition, it has a web server that allows access to the pages with the results from a web browser. From the same browser, it is possible to print or save the results obtained in PDF format.

Detailed analysis

The Verification Robotic Machine 3D (VRM3D) is a perfect solution for production processes that require detailed analysis of parts at different stages. The machine can analyze up to 30 parts/minute and helps to increase the throughput of the next process by eliminating NOK parts.

Depending on the production goals, it is possible to build multiple scenarios using more or less robots, considering that the time per point and robot is kept at around 1 second per point.

 

 

 

Containerizing Portable Machine (CPM)

The CPM is designed for stacking flat or deep-drawn parts in containers in a portable manner. Its purpose is to stack parts coming out of a container without stopping the press to change containers.

The machine’s output can reach up to 30 parts/minute, which means it is capable of processing large quantities of parts in a short time.

The CPM has a self-programming system thanks to our expertise in VR and AI, which allows it to automatically learn each format in just 5 minutes with the assistance of an operator.

CPM
Installation 1 day
Production adjustments 1 week
Production 30 parts/min
Self-programming 5 min with operator

Racking Double Side (RDS)

The RDS is an industrial automation solution that places the parts coming from the press outfeed into the container or rack by using robots and a conveyor belt.

This system has robots that can pick up the parts quickly, taking between 8 to 10 seconds on average per robot. The solution allows modules to be added one after the other, which makes it possible to pick up different parts or parts with two hands and increases the production per part.

The double output allows working without production stoppages and the symmetrical layout guarantees the same cycle time for each container without penalizing one or the other.

The system can be programmed to handle different part patterns, as well as vertical or horizontal stacking, allowing for greater production flexibility.

RDS
Pick-up time 8 to 10 seconds per robot
Stacking Vertical or horizontal
Double exit 30 parts/min

Robotized solutions for press part output

Ribinerf enables the automation of the part output from the press with machine vision robotic machines powered by artificial intelligence. These are standard robotic machines with machine vision systems for quality verification, loading and unloading of parts in industrial production lines.

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Binpicking Portable Machine (BPM)

The Binpicking Portable Machine is an industrial automation solution that uses machine vision and robotics technology to accurately and efficiently detect and pick parts from a container.

Key requirements for efficient and safe production

  • Generate a stable and smooth picking and positioning process that improves the quality of the final product and increases the efficiency of the production line.
  • Automate a low value-added process and a cost element in production.
    • Reduce the need for direct labor, which can increase efficiency and reduce production costs.
    • Filling labor shortages by freeing up operators for more complex and higher value tasks.
  • Reduce the risk of injuries and accidents, as well as improve overall working conditions, which can increase worker satisfaction and productivity.

Operation of the Binpicking Portable Machine (BPM)

1. The scanner acquires a 3D point cloud of the container to locate the part and analyze any incidents using Virtual Reality. The following actions are performed:

    • Ensure that the part does not overlap with other parts in the container.
    • Avoid collisions with other parts in the container.
    • Control nested parts to avoid taking two parts at the same time.
    • If the part is not the programmed model, it is left inside the container.

2. With the information from the scanner, the robot calculates all possible trajectories to pick up the part and selects the trajectory where any obstacle or collision is avoided. In addition, it calculates the position of the grippers to safely remove the part from the container.

3. Once the part is picked up, the robot places it on the conveyor, CNC or process it is feeding.

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Non-stop machine

Thanks to Ribinerf’s artificial intelligence (AI) software, the BPM is capable of solving on its own the vast majority of incidents where other machines are stopped waiting for an operator, avoiding downtime and loss of production. Some examples of solutions offered are:

  • Parts hidden one under the other and the robot picks up two. The stress sensor detects it, releases it, and picks up another one.
  • Parts in profile, which are hardly visible but generate a collision. The stress sensor detects it, ignores it, and proceeds to pick up another part.
  • Scenario where there is no removable part. The system “stirs” the parts to change the scenario until a removable part appears.
  • Picking points where the robot enters singularity.

In each of these cases, the machine’s AI can detect and analyze the problem, and then solve it autonomously without the need for human intervention. This reduces downtime, improves efficiency and maximizes production, resulting in cost savings and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Modular technology to increase production efficiency

The solution is modular and stackable, so that one or two modules can run simultaneously, feeding a single machine in half the cycle time. A part turner can be included which does not consume robot cycle time.

  • Up to 15 sec / complex castings.
  • Up to 3 parts / sec on small to medium stamping parts.
  • Up to 6 sec / large stamping part.
  • 1 Robot: 1 part/sec - 5 Robots: 5 parts/sec... or more for parts with two stable faces.

Standard part specifications

  • Part weight: from 1kg to 40 kg (2.2-8.8 lb).
  • Type of parts: raw cast iron, aluminum, etc.
  • Immune to part color, rust stains, etc.
  • Number of picking points: 14 points.

Additional features

The high-precision, motionless scanning system is designed to accommodate different container sizes and ensure accurate location of parts inside. In addition, it features automatic calibration between the scanner and the robot in the event of an incident, allowing for quick troubleshooting in less than 2 minutes without the need for the presence of a specialized operator.

The machine is highly customizable and adaptable to different processes, allowing seamless integration with your production line. The machine is portable and can be installed in as little as one day, making it easy to deploy and reducing downtime.

The return on investment (ROI) of such a machine is less than 2 years due to reduced direct labor and increased efficiency in picking and placing parts.

In addition, we offer complete training to operators so that they can perform maintenance and program the new models autonomously, allowing greater control and autonomy in the maintenance and operation of the machine.


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