November/December 2019 - 21

NEWS FROM AROUND THE INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY
INSIDER
Harpak-ULMA introduces next level smart
packaging option
Harpak-ULMA, which offers packaging line solutions for food
and other products, has introduced its latest smart, connected
packaging solution - the Trave line, built by G. Mondini. It uses
Rockwell Automation's Integrated Architecture (Allen-Bradley)
production control and information system.
Harpak-ULMA also
announced G. Mondini's
commitment to
standardizing on a single
automation platform
in North America. The
move reflects a growing
awareness that a smart,
connected automation
platform delivers
significant competitive advantages over traditional automation
approaches - which often embody a mix of components from
different automation suppliers.
The Integrated Architecture platform dramatically accelerates
and eases integration with advanced software applications,
such as augmented reality (AR). Harpak-ULMA's deployment
of PTC's Vuforia AR software - part of the FactoryTalk
InnovationSuite - guides staff maintenance or production
activities through 3D step-by-step work instructions using available
tablets, smartphones or glasses. AR applications reduce staff
learning curves while improving maintenance outcomes.
Standardizing on the Rockwell Automation Integrated
Architecture platform for controls offers several immediate,
tangible producer benefits. Allen-Bradley replacement parts and
controls technicians are widely available through the company's
distribution network. That availability, combined with easy access
and modification of the control's software, means producers have
more options when it comes to resolving maintenance issues that
might otherwise result in extended line downtimes.
In addition, the combination of rich information access and
easier integration with other systems is proving attractive to
producers that place a premium on the competitive advantages
of a more connected enterprise.
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meaning it can be reused again for the same purpose without
being downgraded to lower quality plastic.
Norway-headquartered TOMRA, a leader in reverse vending
machines and sensor-based sorting systems for the recycling,
food and mining industries, made the announcement at the Our
Ocean in Oslo conference in late October.
" A circular economy for plastic is achievable, and there is
every reason to be optimistic about the future, but it requires
investment from industry, government and consumers, " said
TOMRA CEO Stefan Ranstrand. " TOMRA has been enabling this
change through our technology and expertise for more than 45
years - we challenge others to join us and act now. "
TOMRA works with many global brands, plastic producers,
converters and recyclers, enabling organizations to improve
sustainability and reduce environmental impact through TOMRA's
solutions and knowledge.
By 2025, TOMRA estimates its solutions will sort more than
eight million tons of plastic per year from waste streams at a global
level. The company also estimates it will upgrade two million tons of
plastic to the quality of virgin material. Its reverse vending machines
already collect 40 billion used beverage containers every year.
High-profile partnerships that TOMRA has entered into recently
include the new global Alliance to End Plastic Waste, which has
pledged 13.67 billion Norwegian Krones ($1.48 billion) toward
solutions to eliminate plastic waste.
Robotic palletizing partnership announced by
Universal Robots, Columbia/Okura
Columbia/Okura has been working on the development of
miniPALTM a mobile, collaborative palletizing product integrating
Universal Robots' UR10e. Columbia/Okura intends to launch this
new product range of palletizing " cobots " immediately.
" The partnership between our two companies allows Columbia/
Okura to provide a safe and economical palletizing solution to
clients who are facing labor shortages, many of whom may also
be new to factory automation, " said Brian Hutton, president
of Columbia/Okura. With the introduction of a collaborative
palletizer, employees can be re-deployed to work on higher value
tasks where their time and skills are better served.
The company cited five primary benefits it aimed to address:
Efficient set-up. Takes less than a full day; plugs into 110V AC
TOMRA details plan to reduce plastic in oceans
TOMRA recently announced a commitment to enable 40% of
plastic packaging produced globally each year to be collected for
recycling by 2030.
Currently, only 14% of plastic packaging is captured for
recycling, and only 2% of this is recycled in a closed loop,
wall power.
Easy operation. No previous programming experience required.
Quick Payback. Average payback is 8-10 months, depending on
application and industry.
Flexible deployment. The mobile solution is easily moved and
re-deployed to new processes.
No guarding required. A vast majority of cobot applications
work next to humans without perimeter guarding requirements.
PRODUCE PROCESSING
21
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November/December 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November/December 2019
