The delta robot D5-1200-C-IP69K represents the latest SIPRO innovation, developed in collaboration with a group of companies and the prestigious Polytechnic University of Milan to address a specific challenge: picking and placing (or discarding) of eggpalnt slices from a conveyor belt. This challenge is particularly complex since the slices can overlap and assume oblique positions with than the plane of the belt. To deal with it successfully, was designed a 5-axis robot able to picking in a parallel and precise way.

The introduction of the fifth axis was made possible by the addition of a second cardan joint, which, thanks to appropriate reductions and gears, allows the end effector (the gripping hand) of the robot to be precisely oriented. This is based on the information provided by the 3D camera developed by ISS in collaboration with the Polytechnic of Milan. At the same time, updates were made to the robot management software to ensure the correct movement of the two additional axes, namely the fourth and fifth. Furthermore, the RTCP (Rotation Tool Center Point) functionality has been implemented in the Delta Robot software, which allows you to rotate the robot base or change the orientation of the tool, keeping the tool's working point fixed.

The design of this robot faced additional challenges related to the installation environment. Since the application falls within the food industry, it was essential to select materials suitable for contact with food products to avoid any form of contamination. Furthermore, in order to allow quick and thorough cleaning, the robot has been designed with IP69K water and dust protection, allowing washing even with high pressure washers up to 100 bar. All components used have undergone strict testing to ensure compliance with this high level of protection, while the materials in contact with food products meet the standards established by the FDA.

During the last months of 2023, the first integration tests between the SIPRO Delta Robot and the vision system were conducted, achieving positive results. Currently, SIPRO is in the final stage of testing the robot at its headquarters. During spring 2024, the system is expected to be installed and definitively tested at the company responsible for processing the eggplant.

At the conclusion of this project, SIPRO adds to its Delta Robot catalog with a new important option for the food industry: the IP69K protection degree. This feature is fundamental in sectors such as meat and fish processing, where it’s essential to ensure accurate cleaning with high pressure washers.