Dispensing Robots




Dispensing robots automate the process of distributing materials or objects. When you think of dispensing applications you may associate them with the industrial world with tasks such as pouring paint, sealant, and adhesives. Dispensing robot applications are now also becoming common along industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. Delta robots such as the FANUC M-3ia or more traditional six-axis robots like the FANUC M-710ic/50 are commonly integrated for dispensing applications. These robots can be fitted with special EOAT (end-of-arm tooling) that is customized to an application’s dispensing requirements.

Articulated robots are the ideal dispensing candidate for manufacturers because they are easily programmable with consistent movements. Their accuracy along with their arm reach and flexibility makes them capable of completing even the most tedious of tasks. Manual dispensing does not provide the same level of accuracy or consistency which many times leads to errors. These errors can be costly to a company as they waste materials and time. Incorporating a Yaskawa Motoman MH50 into a production line eliminates these risks because it can monitor the flow of materials being distributed ensuring the correct amount is dispensed every time. The repeatability of these robots decreases cycle time as products are turned out at a faster pace than a human worker would be able to produce. Delivering products in a shorter amount of time while saving on errors and materials means increased profitability for businesses.

Dispensing robots have become the gold standard for industrial fields. Manufacturers know they can rely on robots like the ABB IRB 2600/20 to dispense materials such as paint or adhesives accurately which improves operation efficiency. Goods being manufactured have a uniform appearance due to distribution of materials, such as paint, always being correct. The increased production speed means more parts are completed per hour further reducing manufacturing costs. It can be a very tedious job for a human worker to try to consistently dispense the same amount of paint or sealant for hundreds of parts. The use of these robots can also improve customer satisfaction with the delivery of consistent high-quality products.

The repeatability and efficiency that dispensing robots such as the FANUC M-20ia can offer is why industries outside of the industrial world have started to add robotics to their workforce. The pharmaceutical industry is one of those and they are now incorporating robots in pharmacies and hospitals. Robots are working behind the scenes to improve efficiency with counting and filling prescriptions. They are taking over the time-consuming tasks of locating medications, counting pills, and filling the pills into vials. This process can be timely for pharmacists and can also be susceptible to errors. A pharmacist can become easily distracted when counting medication by having to answer customer calls. These distractions can lead to miscounting of medication and result in the wrong number of pills being distributed. Dispensing robots eliminate the risk of these errors and frees up the time of the pharmacist to better help customers.

As the food industry moves toward more automation, they are adding dispensing robots to their operations. Dispensing robots can be used to distribute ingredients in food production facilities or in automated food dispensing kiosks. The FANUC Lr Mate 200id/7LC can be used in automated yogurt kiosks to provide a turnkey worker-less soultion. Robots dispense the correct amount of ingredients, which sometimes human workers are not consistently capable of. They also reduce the risk of food contamination due to human handling.

Contact us by email mm@robotsdoneright.com or phone (440) 724-6568 today to discuss buying or selling a dispensing robot.


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