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TASK
The Swiss post initiated a project in 2005 named "REMA" (reengineering mail processing). The project was about the complete automation of the letter mail in three mail distribution centers These three distribution centers will now take over the work of the current 16 sub centers. The targeted degree of automation in these letter distribution centers is unique worldwide and will serve as a standard for other post services far into the future.
GÜDEL's tasks were divided into four areas.
- Unloading the letter containers from the collective containers off the trucks and feeding them into the sorting system.
- Loading the sorted letter containers onto the collective container to be transported to the various post offices.
- Layer-wise depalletizing of letter containers from Euro palettes (special bulk mail for companies)
- Handling of empty containers for storage
SOLUTION
A standard robot system was used to solve the tasks. Using different solutions, the same robot system could be used in all areas. For the applications, a line portal was used of installation size ZP-5 with a Siemens Sinumeric 840D control unit.
Furthermore, the cycle time was of significant importance when it comes to guaranteeing fast postal deliveries. Therefore, the robot system had to be designed to unload 1500 letter containers per hour. This placed high requirements on the drives and on the sophisticated program flow. Special calculations and methods for the optimization of the transfers path were used. The gripper system is another important core periphery. Due to the high dynamics they have to be light and function with absolute reliability. Additionally, the solution had to be implemented in consideration of the tight space requirement.
SCOPE OF SUPPLY
Postal centers East and Central:
18 Portal robots each, type ZP-5
and in the West center 9 more portal robots type ZP-5.
Altogether, 45 portal robots were used.
GÜDEL also delivered:
- Design and planning of the system
- Gripper systems
- complete protective fencing with safety technology
- complete programming
- start up and test
RESULT
With the completion of the project the Swiss post will have reached its target of the automation of the letter mail to the maximum degree. GÜDEL was able to make a significant contribution towards the success with its automation technology. The high-stake targets in regards to cycle times and reliability could be attained by GÜDEL thanks to the cooperation of the project partners and by using solid and reliable products.
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