The Datong Coal Mining Group have installed four palletizing robots for brick production in high temperatures and heavy dust environments, helping improve working conditions and increasing productivity.
The IRB 660 robots are installed in the Tashan coal mine and are working in a brick production line for palletizing adobe
(a natural building material made from sand, clay, water, and some kind of fibrous or organic material) , replacing traditional manual labor and improving production efficiency, product quality and working conditions.
This application is the first of its kind in China, making it a model in the National Circular Economy initiative for the coal industry and setting an example for the palletizing application in China’s brick production industry.
Dr. Chun-yuan Gu, head of ABB's Discrete Automation and Motion division, North Asia and China, said, “As a pioneer and technology leader in the global robotics industry, ABB closely cooperates with its Chinese customers to provide customized robotics solutions to address local demands. We are happy to supply China’s first robotic palletizing solution to Datong Coal Mine Group. The solution will fill the gap in China and create a good model for other similar applications in the industry.”
Rocks and other waste material are generated when producing coal. This waste is then reused by coal mines to make bricks. The four robots have been applied in the brick production lines of Tashan coal mine, and they are responsible for palletizing the adobe and putting it into the brick kiln; a task that used to be handled by manual workers.
By utilizing ABB robots the palletizing accuracy is greatly improved. It ensures the accurate placement of adobe in the brick kiln, increasing product quality. It allows for the flexible change of the types of bricks, the production pace, product code, the kiln, and the vehicles. In addition, ABB robots can take the place of workers in high temperatures and heavy dust environments, helping to improve the workers’ environment and sanitary conditions, while reducing their labor intensity.
The ABB palletizing robot IRB 660 is well suited for material handling and palletizing. With a payload of up to 250 kg, this 4-axis robot has a reach of 3.15 meters. A single IRB 660 unit equals the productivity of 15 manual workers and delivers over 30% more operational accuracy.