Automation & Conveyor Insights
Background A customer came to us needing an automation solution for their end of line palletizing, with a few specific requirements. The requirements included handling multiple product types, with two of those products being palletized at any given time. Product types included cardboard cases and poly overwrap bundles. With footprint…
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June is Dairy Month, a time to celebrate the hard-working producers and processors keeping our grocery shelves stocked. But behind every gallon of milk, block of cheese, or tub of yogurt is a production floor facing intense pressures. Strict sanitary regulations, constant sub-40 degree cold room environments, and labor shortages…
Read moreMaintaining throughput on a traditional manufacturing floor often requires heavy, permanent automation. But rigid lines present a major challenge when production needs change, floor space is limited, or skilled labor is short. If your automation can't move with your business, your lines bottleneck. Zeta Group Engineering designed a flexible alternative. The…
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Wisconsin Manufacturing Faces a Labor Crisis – Automation May Be the Only Way Forward Wisconsin has long been a powerhouse in American Manufacturing. With nearly a half a million workers and contributing $73.7 billion to the state's GDP in 2024, manufacturing is the backbone of the state's economy. But a…
Read moreWhat is Hermes? Hermes is the name of our innovative mobile collaborative robot (cobot) solutions, designed to bring automation, flexibility, and consistency to manufacturing environments. Each Hermes system is built to be mobile, compact, robust, and easy to integrate into existing workflows. The Hermes Stainless Steel Depalletizer is specialized to be…
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Top Benefits of Automating End of Line Palletizing What is Palletizing? Palletizing refers to the process of stacking products onto pallets for storage or shipment. Traditionally done manually, this task is increasingly being handled by robotic palletizing systems that offer speed, precision, and consistency. Key Benefits of Automated Robotic Palletizing…
Read moreMobile equipment plays a pivotal role in the world of manufacturing, offering unparalleled benefits to industries seeking optimization, versatility, and ease of maintenance. In this article, we delve into the numerous advantages of mobility, focusing on three key attributes: optimization, versatility, and simplified maintenance. Moving Hermes Mobile Cobot Palletizer Optimizing…
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Celebrating Dairy Month with the New Stainless Steel Hermes Mobile Cobot June is Dairy Month, a time to recognize the hardworking producers and processers who bring dairy to our tables. At the heart of dairy production is a commitment to hygiene, efficiency, and reliability. That’s why we are excited to…
Read moreTraditional industrial automation ROI (return on investment) calculators are pretty straightforward. Calculate labor costs. Calculate the cost of installing an automation system. Find the difference between the two. While these are crucial components in an ROI calculation, there are many other variables that should be included in order to gain…
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Easy Installation – Hermes Mobile Cobot The installation of robotic systems in manufacturing is often a lengthy and intricate process. This complexity typically results in significant downtime for production lines, which can be costly and disruptive. However, Zeta Group Engineering's Hermes Mobile Cobot Series offers a revolutionary alternative with a…
Read moreFinding the right workers is a common challenge for almost every industry. Many companies are trying various approaches to boost their workforce, from new hiring methods to finding ways to retain current employees. Fortunately for the manufacturing sector, there's a solution that doesn't involve the complexities and high costs of…
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In today's competitive manufacturing landscape, product quality is a critical factor that can determine a company's success or failure. Manufacturers are turning to advanced technologies such as robotics to achieve their production goals. With increasing pressure to product high-quality products at lower costs and with greater efficiency, it's important as…
Read moreIntroducing Hermes Mobile Cobot for Case Packing What is the Hermes Mobile Cobot? You've maybe heard of our Hermes Mobile Cobot being used in palletizing operations, but it also can be used for other operations. Hermes is not just a single product, but part of a comprehensive series of collaborative…
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With so many different conveyor types out there, sometimes its hard to keep track of them all. And even harder to know which kind to choose for your manufacturing system. That's why we are here: to demystify at least one of these conveyor types. The Over Under Conveyor. What is…
Read moreAt Zeta Group Engineering, we are always striving to enhance the capabilities of our mobile cobot solution, Hermes. We're excited to announce that FANUC's PalletTool® 3 software now allows floor operators to create a customize pallet patterns faster and directly on our user-friendly HMI. What's New? This software update brings…
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Simplifying Palletizing with Hermes Mobile Cobot The Need for Mobile Cobots in Palletizing Palletizing is an essential task in many industries, but it presents numerous challenges when performed manually. Companies often struggle with things like labor shortages, safety concerns, and efficiency issues. Labor Shortages Finding skilled workers for repetitive and…
Read moreThe automation industry is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the rise of collaborative robots (cobots), particularly in palletizing tasks. Selecting the right cobot palletizer involves a nuanced understanding of several critical factors that ensure optimal performance and integration. 1. Robust System and Options/Accessories A robust system equipped with a…
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Hermes Mobile Palletizing Cobot FAQs What is the maximum palletizing height? The max palletizing height varies depending on the depth of the cases. For deeper cases, we have achieved heights up to 85". However, with smaller cases, we typically operate within the range of 70-72". What is the maximum box…
Read moreAffordable Automation with High Returns Automation has long been recognized as beneficial to manufacturers. This isn't a new concept. However, the upfront costs associated with traditional robots and hard automation can be prohibitive for small and medium sized companies. Cobots lower this barrier to entry by offering a cost-effective approach…
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6 Tips for Working with Cobots Working with cobots may seems intimidating at first because they are still a fairly new technology. Collaborative robots, or cobots, have been around since the early 2000s, but their popularity and growth has surged in recent years. Most people are familiar with traditional robots…
Read morePRM stands for Powered Roller Medium Duty Conveyor. PRM conveyors are rugged, heavy-duty solutions designed for the efficient accumulation of industrial parts. They are known for flexibility, durability, and innovative control features. Features of a PRM Conveyor Continuously Running Motor The motor on the PRM is continuously running. This significantly…
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In 2020, Zeta Group Engineering became one of the first companies in North America to receive the recently released FANUC CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot (cobot). Since then, FANUC has updated their line of CRX robots to include many more variations. This new advancement in collaborative robot technology by FANUC boasts some…
Read moreCustomization at Your Fingertips: Options and Accessories At Zeta Group, we understand that sometimes, your line requires more than just a palletizer and a single conveyor. That's why our Hermes Mobile Cobot Solution for palletizing offers remarkable flexibility to cater to a wide range of project requirements. By sourcing all…
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How to Prepare Your Manufacturing Floor for Automation So, you've purchased a new automation solution and can't wait to get it on your manufacturing floor. There's just one thing between you and the increased efficiency and productivity that comes with this new equipment: preparing for the installation. But what needs…
Read moreWorking with Robots: A Guide to the Collaboration Levels Between Humans and Robots Collaborative technology has been a hot topic of conversation lately and it doesn't seem like the buzz will be going away anytime soon. It is predicted that by 2027 collaborative robots (or cobots) are expected to make…
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Ever since they came to the automation scene, cobots have transformed industries with their abilities to perform tasks alongside human workers. One of the applications where cobots shine is palletizing. Palletizing involves precise movements and stacking of goods which requires advanced programming. The complexities that are involved in programming a…
Read moreBackground Our customer needed two systems that would work together to meet their needs. First, they needed a conveyor to accumulate bathtubs. Second, they needed a pallet dispenser in order to place the bathtubs on pallets for their shipping procedures. Because of the size and nature of the bathtub, both…
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The manufacturing industry is fast-paced and ever evolving. Because of this, efficiency and adaptability are crucial to business. In order to keep up, businesses must keep evolving the technologies in their manufacturing facilities. Recently, one of Zeta's customers has reimagined their manufacturing floor with technology that adapts to their various…
Read moreIn today's ever-evolving world of manufacturing and automation, companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to streamline their processes. At Zeta Group Engineering, we are keeping ahead of the field and reimagining the manufacturing floor with the Hermes Mobile Cobot Solution for palletizing. Hermes Mobile Cobot Palletizer About Hermes Hermes takes…
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Modular manufacturing equipment offers a myriad of advantages, ranging from enhanced flexibility to cost efficiency and customizability. In this article, we delve into the concept of modularity and it pivotal role in creating well-functioning automation systems. Understanding Modularity What is Modularity? Modularity is the ability to combine individual components to…
Read moreRoller conveyors are fairly standard type of conveyor option. Many places may be able to provide roller conveyors to customers; however at Zeta, we provide additional enhanced user experiences to provide quality roller conveyors above and beyond the standards. General Zeta Roller Conveyor Standards Supports Include: Stainless steel leveling feet…
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In the world of industrial automation, the ability to move heavy loads efficiently and seamlessly is a pivotal factor in optimizing operations. We recently undertook a project to design and build a conveyor system for a client grappling with the challenge of transporting a hefty 3000lb plastic tote. The result…
Read moreZeta's Hermes Mobile Cobot Solution is a game-changer in the world of collaborative robotics. It features the FANUC CRX-25iA cobot. While there are several "mobile cobot" solutions available, choosing Zeta's Hermes brings you a range of distinct advantages, primarily in terms of remarkable features. Let's dive into what sets our…
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Installation of a robotic system is a large undertaking. Especially for those who are underqualified or those who don't fully understand the nuances of system installation. When it comes to a large system that includes a robot, it’s beneficial to leave the installation up to certified robotic integrators. Streamlining Robotic…
Read moreRobotic integrators play a critical role in the field of automation by serving as experts in system design. Integrators possess a deep understanding of robotics and automation technologies, enabling them to develop comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of business across various industries. EXPERTS IN DESIGN System design is…
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In today's rapidly evolving world, automation has become a key driver in efficiency and productivity across industries. When it comes to installing an automated system, it is essential to recognize the significant role of integrators. Integrators are responsible for seamlessly bringing together the diverse components of an automated system. In…
Read moreWhat is a Cleated Belt Conveyor? A cleated belt conveyor is a type of conveyor with cleats or ribs affixed to the conveyor belt at regular intervals. These cleats provide stability and grip during transportation by preventing material from rolling back or dropping off the belt. Cleated belt conveyors are…
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In today's competitive manufacturing market, efficiency is crucial for businesses to remain profitable. Embracing automation is a proven strategy to elevate efficiency. In this blog post, we will dive into the potential of two collaborative robots to share the workload of a manufacturing line and enhance productivity. Meet Hermes: Your…
Read moreSay Cheese! – Robotic Palletizing for Cheese Manufacturers At Zeta Group, nestled in the heart of America's Dairyland, we're immersed in the rich heritage and expertise of Wisconsin's dairy production legacy. With cheese manufacturing as a cornerstone of our local industry, our focus on end-of-line applications, especially in palletizing, aligns…
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Palletizing operations are essential part of many manufacturing and logistics processes. However, when done manually, they can be repetitive and physically demanding, leading to worker fatigue and increased risk of workplace injury. This is where mobile collaborative robot solutions, like the Hermes Mobile Cobot Solution, come in. These solutions offer…
Read moreIn industrial automation and robotics, the use of safety light curtains is essential for worker safety. Light curtains are devices that use beams of light to detect the presence of objects and stop a system if a worker is detected in a hazardous area. There are two main types of…
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Robotic palletizing systems are automated solutions that use robots to load product onto pallets. One crucial aspect of the palletizing process is placing or indexing an empty pallet into place for the robot to begin palletizing on. There are a few ways to accomplish this including manually placing the pallet,…
Read moreWe're thrilled to announce the arrival of the brand-new FANUC CRX-25iA, and we can't wait to share its impressive capabilities and applications with you. This powerful robot is set to revolutionize the way we approach automation, offering an extended reach and greater payload capacity compared to the other collaborative robots…
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Introduction The Hermes Mobile Cobot solution takes a cobot and places it upon a mobile cart, allowing the system to be manually moved around. Zeta has previously released Hermes as a palletizer with the FANUC CRX-10iA/L; however, this unit provided limited reach and limited payload. Hermes Palletizer has now been…
Read moreMedusa Automation Series is a tube feeder perfect for transferring and singulating small diameter tubes and rods. Features of Medusa High-Capacity Bulk Feed Automated Part Singulation The automated part singulation allows for the tubes to move from the bulk feed to individual slots on a conveyor. It separates the tubes…
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The Hermes Mobile Cobot, featuring a FANUC CRX-25iA, is a mobile cobot system designed to increase the efficiency, reliability, flexibility of manufacturing facilities. How is Hermes Mobile? A lot of companies will claim that their cobot solutions are “mobile” but in reality, that just means that they can move them…
Read moreHermes Mobile Cobot is a versatile mobile cobot solution that has taken the robotics industry by storm. Featuring the FANUC CRX-25iA, it's designed to work alongside human operators, and it's mobility allows for high flexibility, making it an idea solution for numerous applications. From palletizing to case packing and machine…
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A Shift in the Workforce Ever since 2020, there has been a large shift in the labor force. The durable goods manufacturing industry has seen many troubles when it comes to finding quality workers. A large percentage of the manufacturing industry is made up of the baby boomer generation who…
Read moreOver under conveyors are unique material handling solutions. At Zeta Group, we take a standard design and customize it to fit the parameters of specific projects. We recently completed a project where two over under conveyors were stacked on top of each other to provide a unique solution for our…
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Palletizing Specs for a Cold Environment Tooling Design In colder temperatures, tool design becomes crucial to meet project requirements. An integral aspect is the selection of tool cups, which must adapt to lower temperatures. The reduced pliability of cups in the cold makes them harder to pick with, making a…
Read moreOld facilities with limited floorspace often face numerous challenges, from congestion to inefficiency and safety concerns. However, there is a modern solution that not only addresses these issues but also enhances overall productivity and safety - collaborative robots, or cobots. Introduction to Collaborative Robots (Cobots) Collaborative robots, or cobots, are…
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The 2022 Manufacturing First Expo is just 2 weeks away! We are excited to showcase what we have to offer businesses in Northeast Wisconsin and beyond! What is the Manufacturing First Expo? The Manufacturing First Expo is an event in Green Bay, Wisconsin which connects over 230 exhibitors with event…
Read moreZeta Group Engineering is proud to be an exclusive robotics partner and Authorized System Integrator with Fanuc America Corporation. As such we are able to provide quality robot and cobot systems to our customers. Who is FANUC? FANUC is a robotic manufacturer with over 40 years of experience. They are…
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Levels of Collaboration Between Humans and Robots Interactions between humans and robots can be distilled down into five levels. These levels are: Fenced Robot Coexistence Sequential Collaboration Cooperation Responsive Collaboration An extensive breakdown of each of the levels can be found here. Case Study: Fenced Robot The first level of…
Read moreHuman/Robot Collaboration The future of robotics and automation is not about replacing workers with robots. Instead, it is about allowing humans and robots to collaborate efficiently to improve manufacturing lines. Collaborative robots (or cobots) are one prominent example of how humans and robots collaborate. These types of robots allow the…
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Easy & Quick Installation Our light duty over under is much less complex than a standard over under, meaning that the design-build-install process takes a fraction of the time. With Zeta's in-house controls installation, the lead time of implementing controls on this conveyor is greatly reduced compared to using a…
Read morePRM conveyors are a highly durable and reliable conveyor type. At Zeta Group, our Arion Conveyors are comprised of customizable PRM conveyors. Steel Frame The frame of a PRM conveyor is made from a rugged steel construction. Steel frames are known for durability and reliability. PRM frames were originally designed…
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At Zeta Group, we pride ourselves in providing quality solutions to our customers. We partner with other leaders in the industry to be able to provide the best solutions. One of Zeta’s key partners is FESTO, providing the pneumatic and electrical components for many of our systems. We recently received…
Read moreAbout a year ago, we release our Hermes Automaton Series – Mobile Robot Solutions. The solutions in this series are known for being mobile, compact, and cost effective. Since FANUC has recently released new additions to the CRX lineup, our Hermes Automation Series has also been upgraded to include more…
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Overview A customer came to us needing a conveying solution for transporting bagged dry ice. Because of the type of product being transported, special materials were needed. Our solution was a stainless-steel plastic belt conveyor constructed for a washdown environment. Features Stainless Steel Frame The frame was made from stainless…
Read moreAt Zeta Group, our Cyclops Conveyor Series - Over Under Conveyors stand out as some of our most popular conveyor solutions. The popularity of the over under conveyors is attributed to their remarkable versatility, allowing for customization to accommodate a large range of solutions and floorspace requirements. Recently, a customer…
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New FANUC CRX Collaborative Robots About two years after the initial release of their CRX series cobots, FANUC has added three new cobots to the CRX family. Collaborative robots are popular due to their additional safety features, allowing the cobots to be utilized in solutions where a smaller footprint and/or…
Read moreDepalletizing and palletizing are two of the most common processes in material handling. At Zeta Group, we specialize in robust end of line robotic solutions, including depalletizing/palletizing. We currently have two FANUC robots on our floor being integrated into a fully automated depalletizing/palletizing system. Utilizing automation and robots for these…
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Overview of End Of Arm Tooling End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) are the mechanisms attached to the end of a robot arm. They are what allow robots to interact with objects. It is crucial for enhancing the functionality and efficiency in automating projects. Without EOAT, the robot arm would be…
Read moreRobotic safety is an essential part of the automation process. Since automation in manufacturing is a collaborative effort between humans and robots, it is integral that certain safety protocols need to be followed. RISK ASSESMENTS FOR ROBOTIC SAFETY At Zeta Group, in order for a project to leave our…
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Conveyors are used for transferring materials from one place to another. Some basic conveyors do this without the need for precise placement of those materials. However, when precise placement of different box sizes in a row with low back pressure is needed, added "smarts" are required. Smart Conveyor Technology for…
Read morehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-_Tl5PX_Go Named after the Greek goddess that is known for having snakes for hair, the Medusa Automation Series tube feeder application is for transferring and singulating small diameter tubes and rods. There are many features to this system as well as options and accessories that can be added which make…
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How to Change the Pallet on an Over Under Conveyor Knowing how to change the pallet on an over under conveyor is essential for maintenance and ensuring smooth operations. You may need to remove or replace a pallet for retooling, adjusting the number of pallets, or performing repairs on the…
Read moreNowadays competitive lead times are crucial. Being able to provide a comparable service in less time than a competitor can make or break a deal. This is why being able to complete certain aspects of a service in-house, rather than outsourcing, creates a competitive edge for a company. 1. Lead…
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Background This project was designed and built for a major chip manufacturing facility that performed chemical etching for circuit boards. Our customer was in search of a conveyor that could bring their product in and out of a clean room fill station. They needed five lines total to do this.…
Read moreHow to Tension a Chain on an Over Under Conveyor A properly tension chain on an over under conveyor is important for making sure that the conveyor runs properly and avoids jamming. Jams can cause significant downtime, disrupt production schedules, and increase maintenance costs. By keeping the chain tensioned properly,…
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How to Create More Realistic ROI Calculations ROI calculations for industrial automation typically account for labor costs and automation costs but fall short on accounting for other factors. In order to gain a better, more well-rounded prediction of ROI calculations consider adding some of these important variables to your calculations.…
Read moreMobile manufacturing equipment offers significant advantages to automation systems. In another blog post, we explained the many benefits of mobile equipment, including optimization of equipment, versatility in systems, and ease of maintenance. Recently, Zeta Group assisted a customer in integrating automation across multiple production lines and used collaborative robots (cobots)…
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An automated pallet dispenser and accumulator saves time, increases production, and reduces chance of injury from manual pallet handling. Athena Automation Series pallet dispenser/accumulator provides a robust and customizable solution for pallet handling needs. In this post, we will lay out the features of the Athena Automation Series. Pallet Dispenser…
Read moreStreamlining Industrial Automation: The Power of In-House Controls In the fast-paced world of modern manufacturing, orchestrating the seamless integration of conveyor and automation equipment is like conducting a symphony. And at the heart of this harmonious operation? You guessed it - the control systems. When it comes to these controls…
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A standard over under conveyor is extremely useful in material handling applications. But what if you need a conveyor that is more compact, economical, and quicker to implement? A light duty over under might be the answer! A light duty over under conveyor is a wonderful alternative to the larger…
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