The new handling system uses a pick-and-place solution to remove incoming battery cells from a tray via a conveyor belt and transfers them to the inspection system. An end-of-arm tool with six pneumatic grippers from Festo is used for this task. The individual battery cells are then tested. The results of the quality inspection are fed digitally into the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) of the plant for complete traceability. Once the cells have been inspected, the handling system transports them to the dispensing point, where they are placed back into trays for onward transportation. Simple sizing and commissioning The key to the successful development of the new machine was maximum precision when handling the charged battery cells. Harris Hill Automation achieved the customized specification of the gantries using the Handling Guide Online (HGO) from Festo. The engineering tool supported the U.S. automation experts in sizing and selecting the components and provided 2D CAD files, a parts list, the delivery date and the price for the entire system at the end of the design process. The handling system was commissioned quickly and efficiently using the free PC-based software tool Festo Automation Suite and the digital commissioning file supplied by Festo Handling Guide Online. Festo VTUX works directly at the front end The flexibility of the machine design was increased by the modular valve terminal VTUX from Festo. Introduced in 2024, Harris Hill Automation was one of the first companies in North America to use it. And with success. When mounted directly on the end-of-arm tool, the VTUX terminal shortens the length of the compressed air tubes while its lightweight design optimizes handling movements. The VTUX terminal offers advantages for centralized and decentralized machine concepts thanks to integrated electric and pneumatic valves. The comprehensive connectivity, which ranges from multi-pin or IO-Link interfaces to fieldbus integration, ensures easy and efficient integration into different communication environments. > www.harrishillautomation.com > www.festo.com/engineeringtools > www.festo.com/vtux Inspection of battery cells Electric vehicles require high-quality batteries to operate reliably. A new automatic handling system from Harris Hill Automation now enables individual charged battery cells to be inspected safely, thoroughly, and quickly. The seamless integration of Festo servo drives, motors and actuators has contributed to a twenty-fold increase in product throughput. The engineering tool HGO ensured that the innovative system was designed and commissioned quickly. The new Festo valve terminal VTUX sustainably increases flexiblilty. OEM successfully breaks new ground With its innovative solution, Harris Hill Automation has successfully ventured into new territory for an OEM customer. Until now, this company did not have an automated process for handling battery cells during the inspection process. Now, individual cells are seamlessly tracked and documented as they enter and exit the new inspection system. Flexible solution: Valve terminal VTUX is suitable for almost any machine concept, whether centralized or decentralized. The modules are compact, lightweight, and can be arranged as required. You save time, space and weight in the machine. Real-life application Electromobility Automation in the battery life cycle
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzczNDE0