Bagging systems specialist Automated Packaging Systems has partnered with robotics manufacturer ABB to integrate the Autobag 500 bagging system with ABB's YuMi robot. According to the company, YuMi is the first collaborative dual-armed robot designed to work side by side with humans.
The YuMi can assist with assembling and packaging small parts and kits on the Autobag 500. Using motion control and camera-based parts location, the YuMi can pick and place products into pre-opened bags, which are then automatically sealed and dispensed by the Autobag 500.
YuMi has two magnesium arms that flex on seven axes to mimic human movements with spatial efficiency. The robot takes up no more space than a human operator does and is extremely precise, with 0.02 mm accuracy and speeds of 59 inches per second. This robot includes built-in sensors that instantly halt all motion if the unit bumps into a person or other object, which eliminates the need for cages and safety zones. There are no pinch points on the YuMi robot.
The Autobag 500 bagger is an automatic filling and sealing machine capable of cycling at rates of up to 100 bags per minute. Genuine Autobag pre-opened bags-on-a-roll are available in a wide range of sizes and styles that are system-matched for optimum performance. (Automated Packaging Systems, www.autobag.com)
