Robots take over for repetitive furniture assembly

UK furniture maker has introduced KUKA robots to perform arduous and repetitive processes and so release staff to other more skilled positions, whilst improving competitiveness and quality.

A long-established UK furniture manufacturer said that more UK factories should be using higher levels of automation.

Crown Products said it had successfully boosted its efficiency by introducing two KUKA robots.

Based in Herne Bay, Kent, Crown Products, has used the robots to transform two repetitive and time-consuming processes into slick, high-performance operations.

The robots have increased productivity and further improved the working environment.

* Shelf edging - one of the KUKA KR16 robots is being used to put shelf edging material on to a range of kitchen corner cabinet panels, which typically weigh around 10kg.

The robot is equipped with a distance measuring sensor for identifying the correct size of melamine panel for processing.

The KR16 performs a series of tasks, which begins with the transfer of the panel to a jig where it is centred before being placed on to a gluing station where the edging strip is applied and pressed into place.

The robot then manoeuvres the panel to a set of cutting blades for trimming the edges and completes the operation by passing the finished panel over a strip of sand paper.

* Quality control - the second KUKA KR16 robot is rapidly inspecting the depth and location of drill holes on kitchen panels.

It carries out the operation in 20-30s compared with several minutes required manually.

Crown's manufacturing manager, Martin Head, installed and programmed both robotic cells after he had completed a KUKA training course.

In partnership with KUKA, he was keen to develop a high level of understanding about robotics in order to produce a bespoke automation solution for the business.

Head explained: "My main objective for this project was to automate the most complex process, which involved the application of the edging material on to the panels, so that it would mean more straightforward applications could be considered in the future".

He added: "I think KUKA robots are brilliant.

They are very easy to operate and simple to program.

KUKA has provided good training, technical and after-sales support and was very committed to working with Crown to develop the right solution".

Head added that the introduction of these robots meant that members of staff had been transferred to other more skilled positions elsewhere in the factory.

He concluded: "This project demonstrates how easy it is to efficiently and reliably transform arduous and repetitive processes, highlighting the fact that more UK manufacturers should be using robotic automation to gain a competitive advantage".

* About Crown products - Crown Products, established for more than 60 years, manufactures kitchen and bedroom furniture under the Imperial brand for distributors in the UK and some parts of Europe.

It has an annual turnover in excess of GBP 20million and employs around 90 staff.

Back to top