Replacing the Conventional Palletisation Methods - Research Proposal Example

Research proposal Name Date Course Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Literature Review 5 Research questions, Aims and sub-goals 8 Theoretical content/ Methodology 9 Experimental set up 12 Results, outcome and relevance 14 Conclusion 15 Bibliography 16 Abstract Robotic palletisation is increasingly becoming popular in stacking and packaging companies. It is replacing the conventional palletisation methods which were being used in the past. The literature review indicates that the use of the robot has a lot of benefits. The benefits involve low costs, low downtime, improved efficiency, continuous production, flexibility and less space requirement. The methodology for carrying out the research will involve the mixed research method. Both the secondary as well as primary methods of data collection will be utilized in the research. Interviews as well as field observations will be carried out in order to obtain the required data. The data analysis process will be carried out with high levels of accuracy. The respondents in the interview will involve the managers as well as he employees who ate familiar with the use of the robots. Lack of adequate resources is one of the main challenges that may affect the research. High levels of ethics will be observed during the research in order to ensure that the outcome is credible. The research is expected to provide information about the technology, benefits and use of the robots. The research is relevant as it will provide new information required by the stakeholders. Introduction The use of robots is increasingly becoming popular in different industries. Robots are replacing the manual methods in stacking and arranging goods. Robotic palletisation is becoming common as manufacturers are seeking to improve on their production. Robotic palletisation is useful in automating the packaging lines. A robotic pallet cell is comprised of one line in and one line out and a single robot that loads and unloads one pallet at a time (Masood, et al, 2015). Robotic palletisation pattern allows for the configuration in a number of ways which ensures that multiple loading and unloading activities can be carried out using a single robot operating multiple lines. An increase in efficiency has been one of the main advantages of robotic palletisation. In most of the manufacturing and production facilities, robotic palletisation has replaced the manual labour. This has seen a reduction in back injuries to the employees who were involved in the manual lifting and hoisting of the goods. Research is still ongoing in the field of robotic palletisation in order to ensure that the concept is widely embraced. Robotic palletisation has been replacing the traditional layer palletisers. This can be attributed to the decrease in the cost of developing a robot. The traditional layering technique was not effective as it involved high costs as well as a lot of time. This increases the overall cost of production and hence impacting negatively on an organization. The traditional method was unable to address the problem of mixed pallets which required different products to be placed in the same layer (Xu, et al, 2015). This problem seems to have been solved with the introduction of the robotic palletisation. Improved and better outcomes have been registered in most of the organizations that have embraced the robotic palletisation. The research intends to obtain more information about the robotic palletisation. This is through the use of information from the existing sources as well as other sources. The technologies involved as well as the advantages of robotic palletisation will be of focus in the research. Other aspects that will be analyzed in the research are the general information about robotic palletisation. The paper is thus a research proposal about robotic palletisation. Literature Review The technologies involved the robotic palletisation enable the creation of different pallets including the single, dual and multiple pallets configurations which have different patterns. This enables the robot to pick and lift the packed and sealed cases from the infed conveyor which in most cases is inline or at 90 degrees (Dunning , et al, 2015). Case grips are designed for each application in order to facilitate the process and solve the pallet pattern problems. The positioning and placement of the case is usually carried out depending on the specific arrangement. Pallet discharge conveyors can be used for the purposes of removing the full pallets automatically. The process can also be carried out manually through the use of self guide vehicles. A pallet magazine as well as a pallet dispenser can be used for the purposes of setting in place the empty pallets. The configuration is usually custom engineered in order to ensure that the palletising needs are met. Other factors that influences the configuration is the speed and the payload. This has to be considered in order to ensure that the required task is performed effectively and pallet pattern problem solved. Specification is carried out in order to ensure that a specific outcome is attained (Black, 2016). System specifications are useful when dealing with robotic pallets. The factors that need to be considered in the system include speed, pallet size, changeover, payload and the robot reach. The standard system features in robotic palletisation includes controller and panel overview operator interface, pallet tool software, guarding and custom-end- of arm tooling. The configuration also allows for different pallet cell options. Robotic palletisation is cheaper and as compared to the other conventional methods due to the solutions of pallet pattern problems. This is due to the technology involved in its development. The low cost has made it popular among most of the organizations. A part from the low costs, it is also convenient as it requires less floor space. Robotic palletisation also has many other advantages which make it more ideal for palletizing operations (Singh & Saha, 2014). The custom-end-of arm tool is useful in terms of handling the fragile packages which is usually damaged in most cases by the conventional means. The incidences of uneven and unstable pallet loads are usually eliminated through the use of the robotic palletisation. The squeezing action as a result of using the conventional methods is responsible for the damages which are eliminated through the use of robotic palletisation. The robotic palletisation has a lot of benefits as compared to the conventional methods. The reasons that the robots are advantageous include reliability, flexibility and increased flexibility. This is usually achieved with small equipment footprints. The new robotic pattern technology that is commonly used includes ESS and mini robotic palletiser cells (Chen, et al., 2014). The technology can handle a case accumulation at a time which eliminates the need for extra conveyors. A streamlined overall design is also achieved through the use of the robotic palletisation. The failure point in robotic palletisation is 80% less as compared to the conventional systems. This is therefore an indication that the chances of failure are reduced through robotic palletisation. The mean time between failures is also high for most of the robotic palletisation. The meantime for most of the robotic palletisation is about 80,000 hours (Dunning , et al, 2015). The overall reliability is increased when the robotic palletisation is used. This is achieved through the use of a vision system that is integrated within the robot. Randomly packed cases can also be stacked in accordance with the preprogrammed pallet pattern. This is an advantage for the manufacturers dealing with different types of cases. The handling of the packages is also improved and enhanced in accordance with the packaging needs. The need to establish a precise pattern is reduced as the robot ensures that the cases are accumulated (Chen, et al., 2014). The case can also be placed in their exact position by the robots regardless of the orientation at the infeed. The equipment is highly flexible which ensures that the needs of the manufacturing and packaging companies are met. The robots reduce the need for hiring more personnel. This therefore ensures that the cost of production is reduced. The capital requirement for the robots is low and this is also useful in reducing the overall cost for businesses. The robots are also beneficial in handling different types of package size and weight. It therefore ensures that the activities can be carried out throughout regardless of the changes. The changeovers require no tool unlike the uses of the conventional systems. The changeover when dealing the robots can take place in a period of less than two minutes. The custom made pallets can be handled easily by the robots due to its flexibility. The orientation of the individual items in a load. This is useful where the loads require an outward display of the loads. The use of the robots has also play an important role in enabling the companies to discontinue one product and introduce another. Reconfiguration for new application is relevant when dealing with the robots and this enables it to deal with different challenges including situations where height is relevant (Singh & Saha, 2014). The use life of the robots is much higher as compared to the conventional automated systems. This is therefore an advantage for the users as it takes a long period of time before a new robot is acquired. The robotic palletisation is offering a solution to most of the organizations that deals with stacking of goods. The robots can also be used for different purposes within an organization. This includes high speed infeed for other machines. Most of the packaging lines that handle different products are increasingly using the robots due to its advantages (Black, 2016). The robots usually provide room for additional pallets and hence eliminating the need for stopping the production line. This is important in ensuring that time is not wasted during the production process. Through the use of the robots, the time required to carry out the operations is also reduced. More companies are increasingly turning to the robots for the packaging process. Concerns have however been raised regarding the loss of jobs due to the use of robots. Research questions, Aims and sub-goals Research questions What are the main factors that influence the use of robotic palletisation and how is palletisation pattern solved? What are the technologies that are involved in the robotic palletisation pattern? Aims To determine the technologies used in solving the robotic palletisation pattern. To determine the advantages and benefits of robotic palletisation. To establish why most of the organizations are option to robotic palletisation. To determine the future of robotic palletisation. Sub-goals To carry out feasibility studies to obtain an overview about the application of robotic palletisation pattern. To ensures that a high amount of information about the topic is obtained through the use of minimum resources. Theoretical content/ Methodology Both the qualitative and quantitative research methods will be used for the collection and analysis of the data. Qualitative methods will be used for collecting information about the perceptions and perspective regarding the application of robotic palletisation. The quantitative methods will be used for the purposes of ensuring that the statistical information is obtained. The qualitative information is important during the research for obtaining new information about the topic (Creswell, 2012). The qualitative research concepts will also be used for the purposes of obtaining a general insight about the topic. This is common where the information about the topic is not sufficient in literature. The sampling process is an important aspect that determines the quality of information collected. Random sampling will be used for the purposes of collecting information. This method of sampling is commonly used in mixed research as well as the quantitative research. The sampling method is also influenced by other factors which include the site where the information is collected. During the sampling process, five main factors have to be considered and this includes the timeframe, financial restrictions, geographic restrictions and access to the confidential information (Ragin, 2014). The factors have to be considered in order to ensure that maximum information is obtained about the topic. A homogenous sampling process will be used during the process. This mainly involves classifying similar cases and events that are related to the topic. This may involve similarities in terms of the technology as well as the benefits of robotic palletisation. A wide range of information can be obtained through the sampling procedures. It will also be possible to obtain a diverse range of information about the topic through the sampling procedures. In order to obtain detailed information about the topic, both the qualitative and quantitative research methods will be utilized. The primary methods of collecting the data involve obtaining the information directly from the source (Jensen, 2013). The secondary method of data collection involves the use of existing sources. The existing sources involve the use of books, journals as well as the internet. During the research, the secondary method of data collection will be utilized in order to obtain the general information about the topic. Only the recent books and journals will be used for obtaining the information. The credibility of the information is also important and only the articles from the credible publishing houses will be used for obtaining the information. The primary methods of data collection will involve interviewing the people who are using the concept of robotic palletisation. This will involved some employees as well as managers of the organizations. However, due to the resources constraints, only a few respondents will be interviewed. Open ended questions will be used in order to ensure more information is obtained from the respondents. The open ended questions are useful in ensuring that new information about the topic is obtained (Saladana, 2012). The selection of the respondents will be carried out in a careful manner in order to ensure that only the experienced and respondents who are knowledgeable about the topic are interviewed. In qualitative research, the knowledge of the respondents is useful in determining the quality of information obtained. It is for this reason that the selection of the respondents has to be carried out in a careful manner. All the respondents will be interviewed through face to face method. An observation is also an important method that is used for collecting the data (Baskarada, 2014). A visit to various factories and companies that utilize the robots will be made. This is mainly to ensure that observations are made with regards to its operations and the technologies used. The data collected will be subjected to an analysis using the qualitative and quantitative methods. This will involve the use of statistics as well as the use of the qualitative analysis. The results will also be subjected to external validity in order to determine its quality. During the data analysis process, high levels f accuracy has to be applied in order to ensure that the information is credible (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011). The interpretation of the data will mainly be carried out by comparing the results with the existing information collected from the literature review. The information from the literature review will therefore play an important role in the research. High levels of ethics will be applied throughout the research. This includes the process of collecting and analysis of the data. The respondents will not be influenced in any way and the data analysis process will be carried out with high levels of accuracy. The information collected from the literature review will not be subjected to any form of plagiarism. Experimental set up Collaborations with the industry will form an important aspect in the research. Field work will be carried out in order to obtain information. This will be through making visits to the companies where the robots are being utilized. This will ensure that practical information is obtained with regards to the operations. This will require official communication with the various organizations that utilize the robots. The experimental set up is useful in ensuring that accurate information is obtained (Baskarada, 2014). However, the experimental set up is prone to some challenges as well as limitations. One of the main challenges that may be encountered during the research is lack of adequate finances. The visits to the companies which are located far apart require resources. Time constrain is also a major problem as the visit to the companies requires an appointment. Difficulties may also be encountered due to the physical barriers such as distance and location of the companies that utilize the robots. Lack of cooperation from the players in the industry may also impact negatively on the field work. In some cases, the players in the industry may not cooperate due to various reasons (Creswell, 2012). The companies are also carrying out commercial activities and this may limit the time required to carry out observations. The challenges are therefore expected and it may affect the outcome of the observation process. However, it is expected that the limitations will not totally affect the observations as well as the outcome of the process. Gantt chart Activities Requirements Duration Preparation for the research Laptops Transport system Financial resources 1 week. Carrying out secondary research Online library. Laptop. Financial resources. 3 weeks. Carrying out secondary research Laptop. Interview questions. Transport system. Financial resources. I month. Data analysis Laptop and software. 3 weeks. Compilation of final report and presentation Laptop. Human resources. 3 weeks. Preparation for the research, 1 week Carrying out secondary research, 3 weeks Carrying out secondary research, 1 month Data analysis, 3 weeks Compilation of final report and presentation, 3 weeks Results, outcome and relevance The main focus of the research will be the collection of data regarding the aspects of technology, use and limitations of the robots. The qualitative analysis will ensure that new information is obtained about the technology, sue and limitation of the robots. This is considering that new information can only be generated through the use of qualitative analysis concepts. The concepts of quantitative analysis in the research will mainly deal with the aspects of statistical information. This mainly involves the numbers associated with the use of the robots. The mixed research method of data collection and research is useful in ensuring the weakness of one of the methods is complemented by the other method (Creswell, 2012). All the data collected will be scrutinized in order to ensure that it is credible before it is applied in the research. The results are expected to highlight the extent of use of the robots as well as the technologies that are being utilized in the research. The benefits as well as the advantages of the robots will also be highlighted through the research. It is also expected that the research will be able to highlight new information that will be necessary in providing more information to the stakeholders. The results will therefore be relevant to the industry in terms of providing accurate information regarding the use of the robots. The designers and developers of the robots will also be able to obtain more information that can be used for making improvements. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that robotic palletisation is increasingly becoming important in the industry. This is due to the benefits that are associated with the use of the robots. The use of the robots is advantageous to the users and it has the ability of transforming the industry. It is evident that the research will focus on various aspects regarding the use of the robots. The research methodology is a factor that determines the quality of information that can be covered in the research. The concepts of mixed research methods are useful in ensuring that more information is exposed during the research. The use of qualitative and quantitative research may be useful in ensuring that new information about the topic is obtained. Observations are part of the data collection method and it has the ability of highlighting useful information. The research is prone to some challenges that may affect the operations. The results of the research can be used by different stakeholders in the industry. It is evident that the research will be able to provide new information that may end up transforming the use of the robots in the industry. Bibliography Masood, S. H., et al. 2015. Development of pallet pattern placement strategies in robotic palletisation. Assembly Automation, 34(2), 151-159. Xu, C. J., et al. 2015.Reconfigurable high speed palletising and loading system for bagged cement. In Mechatrinics and Automation (ICMA), 2015 IEEE International Conference on 49-53, IEEE. Dunning , L. et al. 2015. Trajectory planning and simulation study for Four-DOF palletising robot. Journal of Chinese Agricultural Mechanization, 2, 078. Black, S. 2016. Research in robotic palletising. Digital commons. Singh, A., & Saha, R., 2014. Selection and comparison of industrial robots for packaging and palletising using graph theory. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 9(5), 505-509. Chen, F., et al., 2014. Modeling and simulation of a hybrid palletising robot arm. In multisensory fusion and information intergration for intelligent systems (MFI), 2014 International conference on (pp 1-6). IEEE. Creswell, J., 2012. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage. Ragin, C. C., 2014. The comparative method: Moving beyond qualitative and quantitative strategies. Univ of California Press. Jensen, K. B., 2013. A handbook of media and communication research: qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Routledge. Saladana, J., 2012. The coding manual for qualitative researchers. Sage publishers. Baskarada, S., 2014. Qualitative case study guidelines. The Qualitative Report, 19(40), 1-25. Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S., 2011. The sage Handbook of qualitative research. Sage publications. Read More