INTEGRATOR OF NEW AND USED ROBOTS FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

Forbes Chocolate has adapted to their demands by using robots within their palletizing system. FANUC's M-410iB robot allows for the versatility required for the variety of bags in the production. The iPendant allows an order to be set, which picks the correct parts of the process.

• Forbes Chocolate is a supplier of blended cocoa and flavorings used in the food industry. Forbes blends are used in products such as milk, ice cream, soft serve, frozen yogurt and baked goods.
• While retaining the family-owned feel and responsiveness, Forbes has adapted in many ways to the changing industries that they serve. As part of this ongoing process, they have recently added a FANUC Robotics bag palletizing system.
• The palletizing system had to be capable of handling four different sizes and styles of bags and had to accommodate changes in each bag’s filled dimensions and firmness. The bag characteristics vary depending on the density of the Forbes blends used and the fill volumes required. The robot program had to allow flexibility to easily adjust palletizing positions to adapt to the bag variations.
• ‘‘The robotic system has helped us improve productivity, and that means that we’re well positioned to be more flexible and responsive to our customer’s needs. This truly is a win-win situation.’‘