n TECHNOLOGY TWO ITALIAN COMPANIES HAVE come up with a robotic partsfeeding system that, they say, addresses the common challenges of feeding and sorting. The Infinifeed system – designed by Doma Automation, and integrated by Tera Automation – can handle parts in a variety of shapes and sizes, using machine vision to detect, select and manage the feeding process. It eliminates the need for multiple feeders for different components, or challenging programming to handle diverse shapes. The system, equipped with diverters and a 2D vision system, is designed to integrate into existing production lines. Set-up times are said to be short. The system is based on a pair of parallel belt conveyors moving in opposite directions. Items move from one belt to the other under gravity, and the speed of the belts can be fine-tuned to match the production requirements. The inclination of the belts can be adjusted to accommodate parts of different sizes and weights. Users capture images of items to be handled, mark gripping points and send the information to the vision system which tells a robot which items to pick up. Precision feeding ensures consistent and accurate placement of parts, while high-speed operation boosts throughput and reduces cycle times. The Infinifeed system works with Scara robots from Shibaura Machine’s THE series, and is being distributed by Shibaura’s partner, TM Robotics, whose managing director Nigel Smith says that the system “represents the next step in industrial parts feeding”. In addition to the hardware, the other key element of Infinifeed is an easy-to-use app which acts as the user interface, providing remote control, configuration and real-time monitoring functions. It can be used by operators without specialised skills. The Infinifeed system eliminates physical barriers, allowing smooth parts circulation. The machine has magnetic removable shells and sides to simplify cleaning and maintenance. Options include illuminators for better visibility, and electric actuators to manipulate and tilt the parts. Robotic system overcomes parts-feeding challenges The Infinifeed system uses a pair of conveyor belts to handle parts of different shapes and sizes
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