ESS Technologies: Robot for syringe pick and place

ESS Technologies, Inc. integrates the new M-3iA robot from FANUC Robotics to create a high-speed pick-and-place cell that requires little floorspace. An overhead frame mounts the delta-style M-3iA six-axis robot above the infeed conveyor, reducing the system footprint. The robot incorporates iRVision and line tracking to locate glass and plastic syringes (with or without finger guards) on the circulating infeed conveyor, pick them, and place them into blisters on an integrated blister packaging machine for secondary packaging of syringes. The custom vacuum-style end-of-arm tool (EOAT) is designed to gently press the syringe into a locking tab in the blister without shattering the glass syringe. The TaskMate® system can load up to 60 syringes/min.

The compact robotic cell handles multiple sizes with minimum tooling to reduce the cost and time associated with size changeovers. Allen Bradley CompactLogix PLC and PanelView Plus 600 HMI controls provide for easy operation. Category 4 safety guarding comes standard with the robotic cell. The TaskMate Robotic Loading System may also be used to package other types of medical devices, diagnostic test kits, etc., as well as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.