Robotic Automation with OMRON TM-5S: A Smart Packaging & Quality Control Solution
With the contribution of Kalamarakis Automations, a leading electrical components manufacturer in Northern Greece, transitioned from manual handling to robotics.
The Client
CHARALAMBIDIS ELECTROTECHNIKI, based in Katerini and active in the market since 1993, specializes in the production of electrical materials and cables. As part of its ongoing effort to upgrade its production processes, the company systematically invests in technologies that improve product quality and production flexibility.
The Need
During the packaging process, employees manually collected the products to be packed. To complete their tasks, they often had to move from one machine to another—whether similar or different—in order to perform the same operation.
This working model limited efficiency and relied heavily on the constant availability of personnel. Therefore, there was a need for an automated, flexible, and safe solution capable of performing the same tasks reliably, with the ability to move between similar production stations.
The Solution
Recognizing the specific requirements of the production process and the needs of CHARALAMBIDIS ELECTROTECHNIKI, KALAMARAKIS AUTOMATIONS proposed the use of the OMRON TM-5S collaborative robot (COBOT), which features a built-in camera and the Landmark system — unique capabilities that offer exceptional flexibility in positioning and repositioning.
Combined with Omron’s mobile Robot Stand, the robot can easily move between different workstations without requiring complex reconfiguration or permanent installations. This reduces the need for specialized personnel and accelerates the solution’s integration into the production environment.
As a result, humans and robots coexist harmoniously and safely to achieve optimal outcomes.
Function Expansion with Quality Control
Leveraging their deep knowledge of the equipment’s capabilities, KALAMARAKIS AUTOMATIONS’ team proposed using machine vision tools via the built-in camera, allowing the cobot to also take over the quality control of final products. This enables the system to detect defects and automatically reject non-compliant items, ensuring consistent product quality without human intervention.
Ease of Use and Support
OMRON’s user-friendly programming environment allows operators to easily configure the robot’s functions without specialized knowledge. KALAMARAKIS AUTOMATIONS supported staff training, ensuring the smooth integration of the solution into daily production operations.
Benefits
Precision: Consistent, repeatable accuracy across all production stations.
Flexibility: Easy movement of the cobot between stations without complex setup.
Automated Quality Control: Detection and rejection of defective products.
Human Resource Optimization: Employees are freed from repetitive tasks.
Cost Efficiency: Superior functionality compared to similar cobots, without the need for additional equipment.
Ease of Learning & Support: End users can operate and adjust the robot independently through simple procedures.
The expertise of the KALAMARAKIS AUTOMATIONS team was crucial in evaluating technological options and identifying this specific solution as the most suitable for the company’s production environment.
The installation and implementation of the solution were carried out by the end user, with the support of Kalamarakis focused on knowledge transfer and empowering the customer to independently apply and maintain the system.
