SPSolve ProductionPractical production help from Lancing UK
slow output

How can I increase robotic pick and place production speed?

Increase sustained good output by identifying the actual constraint, separating machine cycle time from handling time and removing the first recurring cause of waiting.

Recommended machinery for this problem
packagingautomationuk.co.uk
View suitable machinery at packagingautomationuk.co.uk →

Direct answer

Increase sustained good output by identifying the actual constraint, separating machine cycle time from handling time and removing the first recurring cause of waiting. For robotic pick and place, confirm the result with representative product and packaging before altering several variables at once.

Likely causes

  • The first constrained operation is being confused with the slowest nameplate speed in the robotic pick and place process.
  • Operators are waiting, loading or clearing rather than the machine cycling in the robotic pick and place process.
  • Upstream starvation or downstream blocking stops production in the robotic pick and place process.
  • Changeover, cleaning and replenishment are excluded from the rate in the robotic pick and place process.

What should be checked first?

  • Measure good packs per scheduled hour
  • Time running, blocked, starved and fault states
  • Record operator handling time separately
  • Identify the first operation that cannot recover lost time
  • Test whether a small buffer changes the constraint
  • Measure the hardest normal format
  • Calculate output after cleaning and changeover

What should you compare before buying?

Compare the operating principle against the actual product, pack range, sustained good output, measurable quality limits, cleaning, changeover and site conditions. Use representative samples and agree what will be demonstrated during testing before delivery and after installation.

Machinery options for this problem

Start with the first option below. It most closely matches the product, pack and problem described on this page. The other options may suit a wider line or a different level of automation.

packagingautomationuk.co.ukView machinery →packaginglines.co.ukView machinery →

Related robotic pick and place questions

Production process relating to robotic pick and placeConveyors, automation and lines

Why is robotic pick and place production giving inconsistent results?

Variation usually begins with changing product or packaging conditions, unstable presentation, unsuitable settings or wear in the process.

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Production process relating to robotic pick and placeConveyors, automation and lines

Why does robotic pick and place equipment keep jamming or stopping?

Find the first point where control is lost. A downstream alarm is often only the final symptom of poor feeding, transfer, detection or format control.

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Production process relating to robotic pick and placeConveyors, automation and lines

How can I reduce waste when handling robotic pick and place?

Measure product loss, rejected packaging, rework and start-up waste separately, then remove the largest repeatable cause.

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Questions customers also ask

Useful questions before you compare machinery

Use the questions below to prepare the information needed for a useful recommendation.

What should I check first for slow output in robotic pick and place?
Measure good packs per scheduled hour. Time running, blocked, starved and fault states.
Can settings alone solve slow output?
Sometimes, but settings should only be changed after product, packaging, presentation, wear and utilities have been checked. Change one controlled condition at a time.
What samples are needed for a robotic pick and place machinery trial?
Provide representative product and packaging from normal production, including the hardest size or condition and enough material for setup and sustained testing.
How should performance be accepted?
Use written numerical and visual acceptance limits over a representative run, including output, quality, rejects, interventions and changeover where relevant.
Where can I see machinery for this problem?
Start with packagingautomationuk.co.uk. It is the closest match for the product, pack and problem on this page; the other options may suit a wider line or a different production requirement.