A robotic palletiser control strategy redesign

This paper presents the design changes to the control strategy of a robotic palletising machine that was developed earlier. The changes were required in order to simplify maintenance, and to enhance reliability and robustness. The updated control system uses a distributed control configuration to minimise control complexity and maximise functionality. The main benefit of the lower complexity distributed control is a more robust and “intelligent” control that provides better feedback to operators and maintenance personnel. This in turn translates into less machine downtime, and not surprisingly happier people. There are several lessons to be learned from this control system redesign, some of which are technical and some relate to the challenges of getting the appropriate stakeholders to “buy” into the project.