[Case Study] Automation of Cream Puff Box Packing "piSOFTGRIP"

Simple and durable! Capable of handling delicate work that is prone to scratches.

Piab's "piSOFTGRIP" is a cost-effective gripping tool developed for automation in the food industry. It has a hollow interior and grips the workpiece with 2 to 3 fingers. Due to its vacuum operation, the gripping force can be easily adjusted and controlled based on the applied vacuum level. Additionally, it has the potential to be used for picking small and irregularly shaped workpieces, such as toys, outside of the food industry. 【Features】 ■ Cost-effective gripping tool ■ Hollow interior ■ Grips workpieces with 2 to 3 fingers ■ Simple and durable ■ Usable for picking small and irregularly shaped workpieces *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us. (Piab Japan Co., Ltd.)

• Vacuum Equipment

Packing soft cream puffs that are easily damaged without hurting them!

Piab's vacuum soft gripper, capable of handling delicate and sensitive workpieces. It can accommodate irregular shapes and surfaces. In addition to food, it is also suitable for picking small parts and tools. (Piab Japan Co., Ltd.)

• Vacuum Equipment

The "CCS2" is a ceiling-mounted vehicle counting sensor that employs an infrared reflection method. It can detect vehicles in both directions with just one unit, accurately counting vehicles even during traffic jams or when vehicles pass each other. Additionally, this product can be used not only for vehicle counting but also as a sensor for departure warnings. Furthermore, by using a separately sold dedicated remote control, it is easy to reset the sensor alone, switch the counting direction, and change the patterns of the departure warning timer. 【Features】 ■ Angle adjustment is possible up to ±5° ■ Can be installed in locations with high ceilings up to 4m ■ Detection area consists of 40 spots, allowing for wide-range detection ■ The display LEDs are color-coded by direction, making operation confirmation easy.

Many people may have questions like, "What can be done with IoT?" and "What is needed?" upon hearing the term IoT. Through digital communication, it is possible to obtain various information such as flow sensors, valves, circuit boards, and abnormal monitoring that were not accessible with traditional analog control. For example, by monitoring the valve opening, one can detect blockages in the equipment and identify leaks from cumulative flow. This information directly contributes to reducing downtime and improving quality through continuous long-term monitoring and knowledge-based management. Compatible models include those with digital communication via RS485, in addition to traditional analog controls like 0-5VDC and 4-20mA. (Older models such as the 58xxS, MfxxS series, SLA58xxS, and SLAMfxxS series). Even older models that do not support digital communication can be upgraded to the latest mass flow models, enabling digital communication. The dimensions between new and old models are the same, and no wiring changes are necessary. Additionally, we can provide control boxes for data collection from mass flow. This enables a "visualization" of small IoT without making large changes to the equipment.

Model SLA5850/SLA5851/SLA5853/SLA5860/SLA5861/SLA5863 "With just one unit, you can use 14 types of pressure and flow rates in a single process." Imagine such a mass flow controller platform. Moreover, it features excellent reproducibility, precision, and repeatability. This is the evolved simple performance of the SLA5800 series mass flow controllers/meters. The SLA5800 series boasts high accuracy, zero point stability, and repeatability that are characteristic of Brooks Instrument, a leader in mass flow measurement and control technology. Equipped with configurable advanced multi-gas/multi-range capabilities, it offers superior zero drift specifications compared to competing products while demonstrating long-term maintenance of factory calibration and accuracy.

Model SLAMf50 / SLAMf51 / SLAMf53 / SLAMf60 / SLAMf61 / SLAMf63 / SLAMf64 "Durability to withstand harsh environments! Achieving excellent precision with precise mass flow control" Whether indoors or outdoors, in environments with dust or places that handle water, the 'SLAMf series' elastomer seal thermal mass flow controllers/meters provide proven high precision and long-term stability unique to the "SLA5800 family." Applications ■ Pilot plants for petrochemical and chemical gases ■ Life science bioreactors ■ Blanketing in food processing

We will introduce the implementation results of the sensor technology developed by the Hotron Group, which has been cultivated over more than half a century, through customer case studies. In addition to automatic door sensors, we also offer a wide range of vehicle detection sensors and nursing/care sensors. Many implementation examples are also presented, so please take a look at the case study page.