Pioneer Foods is a leading food and beverage producer which also exports worldwide. The largest of its state-of-the-art bakeries operates in Shakaskraal near Durban. Cutting edge technology ensures the highest product quality, while supporting sustainable operations. In this high tech environment, a large number of ABB robots do everything from pan handling to bread de-panning, lidding, de-lidding and lid storage. Nearly all of these robots are supported by ABB’s Connected Services.
ABB has signed a service agreement with Pioneer Foods, which includes its Connected Services Condition Monitoring & Diagnostics for 27 robots, preventive maintenance, technical service, training and backup response. Connected Services was chosen for its unique ability to help maintain Pioneer Foods’ large investment in ABB robots. Condition Monitoring & Diagnostics is a secure 24/7 monitoring and diagnostics service that ensures faster reaction time, higher efficiency and better service technician preparation for technical support. This helps to keep robot systems running at optimal performance.
ABB’s robot solutions are part of an interconnected 24/7 ecosystem called the Internet of Things, Services and People. All ABB robots are ready to be connected, wirelessly or hard wired, unlocking a world of possibilities in predictive, proactive and immediate support. The Connected Services suite consists of five services to meet the unique needs of a plant: condition monitoring and diagnostics, backup management, remote access, fleet assessment and asset optimisation.
With the latest four ABB robots being commissioned this year and more robots to come, the future looks promising for continued collaboration with Pioneer Foods. The secret ingredients are proactive and professional service with Connected Services.
Embracing robotics for SMEs Yaskawa Southern Africa
Robotics & Mechatronics
As industries increasingly integrate robotics and automation into their business operations, South Africa’s SMEs are beginning to recognise the benefits of robotics, and want their piece of the pie.
Read more...Diving robot cleans up canals Beckhoff Automation
Robotics & Mechatronics
Around 70% of the waste in water sinks to the bottom of the ocean or decomposes into micro and nanoplastics, amounting to tens of millions of tons. So the European Horizon Maelstrom research project put together an international research team and developed the Robotic Seabed Cleaning Platform.
Read more...Robotic solution for adhesive tape application with flexible control Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Robotics & Mechatronics
In industry, even elaborate processes, such as the application of adhesive tape to parts with varying geometries are automated. Innovative Automation has developed a platform with Beckhoff control technology and a remote feeding module, which increases productivity and enables flexible customisation for different requirements.
Read more...Automating precision tasks
Robotics & Mechatronics
A new low-cost modular robotics kit from motion plastics manufacturer, igus, makes automation extremely easy and affordable for manufacturing companies in South Africa.
Read more...The importance of precision and accuracy in manufacturing robotics
Robotics & Mechatronics
When it comes to robotics and automation in the manufacturing industry, precision and accuracy are crucial for seamless operations. Jan ‘t Hart, national sales manager of Yaskawa South Africa, details what goes into ensuring precision as a leading manufacturer of industrial robots.
Read more...Caster for service robot applications
Robotics & Mechatronics
As part of a drive to get robots into more workplaces, operating side by side with humans, a team of expert development engineers at NSK has come up with a novel way to improve the mobility of cobots.
Read more...Future-proofing SMEs with cobots Omron Electronics
Robotics & Mechatronics
Many countries around the world are likely to experience skill shortages over the coming decade, especially technical specialists. At the same time, product lifecycles are becoming shorter. Collaborative robots are easy to set up, and offer a quick and cost-effective solution.
Read more...Automating screw assembly using AI
Robotics & Mechatronics
Screw assembly is a key process in all production industries. In essence, it creates a secure connection between two or more parts, using one or more screws. What sounds simple is, in practice, extremely complex.
Read more...Connecting robot accessories to any industrial or factory network
Robotics & Mechatronics
Robots need accessories to work efficiently. But what’s the easiest way to connect the accessories to factory networks? The easiest way is to use HMS Networks’ ready-made Anybus products, as RSP discovered.
Read more...An innovative cobot DNH Technologies
Robotics & Mechatronics
The Franka Emika Production 3 is a highly innovative collaborative robot that is playing a key role in shaping the future of smart factories.