As a specialist and system integrator for camera-based industrial image recognition, Eckelmann is a development partner for intralogistics. From March 24 to 26, pioneering automated solutions for logistics depots and production facilities will be on display at LogiMAT in Stuttgart in Hall 6, Booth 6F72: efficient counting, inspection, and tracking for bulk recording of all types of products.
Error-prone, time-consuming manual counting is a thing of the past: Vision Products from the Eckelmann FactoryWare® portfolio control individual systems and entire lines with guidance and image processing systems. They are tailored to specific automation processes and areas of application in manufacturing and intralogistics in partnership with customers and according to industry and customer requirements. The complex system development of Vision Products and software is carried out in-house. The software is able to recognize customer-specific designs and product characteristics and can be adapted to very demanding conditions. In addition to classic image processing algorithms, AI modules are also available for this purpose, which can highly efficiently draw all necessary conclusions, document them, and transmit them to customer interfaces.
At LogiMAT, E°CD will be using a combination of software from various recognition modes to capture and inspect various pallet types and containers (reusable/disposable) live. The capture process can be followed in real time on the monitor.
Vision Products: perfect in combination and as a standalone solution
Last year, the Eckelmann team presented a space-saving, AI-supported counting gate at LogiMAT under the motto “Fresh Ideas: from Gate-Counter to Warehouse,” which counted mixed-stacked containers on pallets in seconds.
Just one year later, the Wiesbaden-based company is presenting the further development of an even more powerful product generation for efficient image recognition live in Stuttgart: the Vision Products E°CD Series (Counting & Detection), E°CI Series (Counting & Inspection), and E°CT Series (Counting & Tracking) with high integration capability into existing automation and IT structures.
E°CD Series: Counting and matching
As part of this portfolio, the E°CD Series handles the precise image recognition of reusable load carriers. The efficient counting gate is used for the reliable counting and allocation of stacked products in logistics depots across various industries. Its main task is to validate whether the palletized goods have been correctly delivered or shipped.
Eckelmann supplies pairs of columns with camera technology and image recognition for the automated mass recording and counting of stackable containers or packaging units. Various pallets are recorded, for example, with bags, cartons, or containers with food such as fish, meat, baked goods, or fruit and vegetables, but also wood and glass panels or bricks. Potential defects in the pallet blocks can also be detected.
The limited size of the gate has been designed for standard truck door widths and can be installed at both the goods receiving and goods dispatch truck doors.
The Vision Products solutions:
- User-friendly: minimal training required / multilingual
- Transparency and security
- Efficient: maximum recording and counting accuracy, very fast processing
- Reliable, paperless evaluation and documentation
- Innovative, proactive support for maintenance personnel: for example, with swivel doors on the counting gate for easy access to technology
- Highly automated: communication with higher-level systems such as ERP or document management systems
- Product data and interfaces are customized to customer specifications.
- Sustainable: Shortages or incorrect deliveries are detected immediately and minimized. This saves both resources and transport routes.
E°CI Series: Inspection and Safety
The E°CI Series is used for 100% quality control in automated processes. For example, for pooling products such as reusable containers and pallets in the food industry. It automatically sorts out defective, contaminated, and foreign containers. Depending on the task at hand, each E°CI Series system and the vision components it contains are adapted to the individual customer application and the goods to be inspected.
At LogiMAT, the E°CI will detect and display errors live.
The inspection device can be integrated into existing conveyor technology in a space-saving manner without having to interfere with its control system. It makes continuous decisions at very high speeds and sends signals for post-processing to the higher-level conveyor technology control system, for example for ejection or further transport to the picking station.
E°CT Series: Tracking & Tracing
The E°CT Series (Counting & Tracking) handles tracking and tracing plus documentation for digital traceability. A modular solution for demanding production environments. The system captures 1D or 2D codes even when there are no gaps between fast-moving objects.
Both display outside the machine network via network or Internet connection and remote maintenance are possible.