OnRobot and DCISIV Technologies bring off-the-shelf collaborative palletiser to Australia
OnRobot, a world-leading turnkey provider for collaborative applications, has partnered with Queensland-based robotics and machine company DCISIV Technologies to introduce an off-the-shelf collaborative palletised for SMEs in Australia. This industry-first solution offers same-day installation, requires no programming, and can be re-deployed within minutes. DCISIV Technologies is situated in Toowoomba, inland from Brisbane.
“OnRobot has successfully introduced end-of-arm tooling and sensors for robotic automation to the market by ensuring seamless integration with all major robot brands and providing a simplified and consistent user experience,” said James Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer for OnRobot. “With D:PLOY, we are taking the next logical step in simplifying the overall application rather than just focusing on individual components within the robot cell.”
Founded in 2018 in Denmark – more than two decades after the first collaborative robot (cobot) came onto the scene – OnRobot identified a need for quality cobot hardware. “With so many cobot manufacturers coming onto the scene, we recognised a need for a reputable manufacturer that could provide all the complementary physical hardware required.”
From two- and three-finger grippers to sanders, vacuums, polishers, vision sensors, and more, OnRobot provides solutions for various applications and tasks. “No matter the application or task, we have a solution.”
OnRobot continues to evolve with the market’s ever-changing needs. “Our vision is to be the worldwide leader in collaborative applications,” added Taylor.
“And while we remain ever committed to developing and enhancing OnRobot’s hardware, our sights are set on transcending the norm to deliver a total solution. More than that, we want to make it simple for all producers or manufacturers to use robots by removing the barriers to entry: cost, complexity and inflexibility.”
D:PLOY boasts big benefits
The missing piece of the puzzle is D:PLOY by OnRobot, the industry’s first automated software platform for building, running, monitoring, and re-deploying collaborative applications.
“Our goal is to ensure that no matter what robots customers choose to use, they will always have a consistent OnRobot experience,” Taylor added. “We recognise the fact that the end-user has a desired outcome. They aren’t necessarily focused on the branding but rather on the required output. Their challenges are centred around time and cost –specifically when changing box sizes.”
According to Taylor, the ultimate peace of mind lies in D:PLOY’s same-day installation, changing an application or box size within minutes and the quick changeover of a production line. “This enables manufacturers to automate applications with robots that they have not been able to in the past due to the cost and time needed for production changeovers.”
“Today, for example, most palletising is done manually due to the high mix nature of production lines with one line often changing productions or box sizes. With D:PLOY, changeover can now be reduced to only a few minutes, which means automating tasks with robots is now achievable and affordable since the application cell can automate multiple palletising tasks.”
Other differentiators include its transparent, competitive pricing – which James Taylor believes hasn’t been seen in the market before.
So, why Australia?
Regarding OnRobot’s investment in Australia, Taylor shares that many small to medium-sized manufacturers face workforce challenges and require a cost-effective solution for high-mix palletising applications.
“Australia is privy to high labour costs as well as labour shortages. As a developed country, the majority of the workforce isn’t interested in undertaking menial, strenuous labour tasks associated with palletising, and this is why a high-value proposition like that of D:PLOY will be well-received by the market.”
He shares that OnRobot’s partnership with DCISIV delivers a unique advantage to the local market. “We partner with local companies who can best serve the local market—this is our tried-and-trusted global model. DCISIV are the industry experts, and we are there to support them and their customer offering, which includes a flexible, quick-to-deploy, always available solution.”
Accessible automation
Ben Leamon is Director of DCISIV. He believes the launch of PalletProX, in conjunction with OnRobot’s D:PLOY will reduce the barriers to entry – particularly for SMEs.
“We want automation to be accessible to companies of all sizes. The PalletProX is an entry-level system intended to help SMEs automate their palletising and protect their people by reducing the risk of back injuries,” he explained. “The system is designed with functionality and ease of installation, service and maintenance in mind. We’ve additionally made it flexible to accommodate multiple pallet sizes.”
Regarding the partnership, Leamon explains that OnRobot’s support will ensure easy configuration, lowering the total cost of ownership by reducing the need for ongoing engineering support. “OnRobot has the resources to maintain and continually improve the software, and the customer is empowered to use the system flexibly.”
The PalletProX is an OMRON TM25 equipped with an OnRobot VGP20 gripper, OR:Base Controller and D:PLOY software license which will be sold at an introductory price of $114,540. It comes with a 12-month warranty, DCISIV Palletiser Base Dual Pallet with robot pedestal, training, installation and set-up.
“We are pleased to partner with DCISIV to bring cutting-edge, easily accessible technology to Australia. We believe it will be well received and is set to shake up the market as we know it, offering the first truly off-the-shelf cobot palletising solution for the region,” Taylor said.
OnRobot was founded in 2018 to break down automation barriers and bring the benefits of robotic automation to manufacturers of all sizes. As a leading provider of robotic end-of-arm tooling and solutions, they enhance automation with innovative no-code platforms, grippers, sensors, and tool changers. Their solutions and products integrate seamlessly with collaborative and light industrial robots, boosting flexibility and efficiency. They aim to simplify automation for all businesses, enabling quick deployment in assembly, material handling, packaging, and CNC machine tending, screw-driving, sanding and much more.