End Effectors And Machine Vision Systems

Vision Systems

Vision systems are a critical element of automation in the modern factory.

Brillopak has developed its own camera independent vision software CIVS TM that forms the basis for our vision products. We have developed 2 new products which serve to improve our customers quality of product and protect their reputation.

QoPR™ is our new Pick and Reject Quality control system for high speed food processing production lines.

Developed alongside the British Government Agency, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, our own camera independent software is integrated with both 3D laser vision and 2D colour resolution.

The patent pending system automatically identifies imperfect products and contaminants in products moving along the production line at up to 800 pieces a minute. All products are scanned and any reject products removed from the line by either a delta type or articulated robot with a specialised end effector. The system can work 24/7 and can be removed from the line for high care cleaning.

Out of specification product identified and removed includes mishapen, overlaps, touching and mounted products
Contaminants include Discolouration, missing additives, and coloured contaminants.
Mishapes for reworking and contaminants are automatically placed in separate bins.

Typically, we suggest using vision with non-uniform products or those packaged in bags because of the associated problems with pack orientation. With the aid of vision, the centre of the pack and its angle to the centre line of the conveyor can be identified. This informs the way the product is picked and placed to match the desired pattern.

With our experience, we considered how end of line solutions could be made more efficient and identified that reducing tooling changeover would be beneficial. We then invested resources in research and development to design and manufacture our own heads and end effectors. Our most recent designs mean that we can be more inventive with product recipes, where we can alter elements such as clamping forces and gripping techniques, rather than changing components.

PAK QC is our Quality Assurance system for packed products.

Designed specifically for quality assurance testing of a product pack by checking critical characteristics of pre-packed food products.

Originally developed for QA of apple packs, prior to automated packing into crates, the system identifies the number of products in a pack and whether or not the pack has been cut in the packing process. The system also pushes any ghost bags from the line, to ensure trouble free automated packing of correct product into the crate.

Uses CIVS software and 3 cameras with specialist lighting in order to identify critical data through partially clear flow wrap bags.

Yield is a key measure of production. So how did we ensure that delicate apples did not get damaged in the reject process. Simple, we employed an electronic apple to record multiple measurements per second, of all of the bumps along to process and then checked for bruises. Once we understood the readings, we were able to set a proven path that eliminated bruising .

Integrated Vacuum Heads for packing into crates and trays.

A new range of patent pending vacuum based end effectors designed specifically for flexibility of motion and consistency of performance.

Over time we have developed our vacuum capability to handle a wide variety of traditionally difficult products.

By integrating complex airways in a compact 3D printed head, supported by multiple vacuum cups, each with its own vacuum generator, we are able to create lightweight high speed end effectors capable of handling a multiplicity of products with consistency and accuracy of pick.

Motion control is directing the angle of approach and movement of a robot end effector throughout its cycle, to maximise efficiency and accuracy of performance.

The video shows 3 ways in which Brillopak has recently deployed motion control for 3 different skus in the same project.

Packing into boxes with flaps with no need to control the flap
Packing tight fit bottles into a box with an extra nudge
Placing a layer card between 2 layers of 3 bottles

These applications run continuously every day.

Durability of Operation

Built to operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Control, accuracyand speed

To maintain high consistent line speed and minimise short line stops.

Versatility

To handle multiple product SKUs

Safety

So that everyone is comfortable in its use.

Trusted By Food Manufacturers Across The UK

From small operations to large-scale producers.

What Our Customers Say

Real experiences from operations managers who've integrated our machines into their production lines.

I wanted a system that would be straightforward to operate, with minimal downtime and line stoppages. The new system meets that requirement. Our operators appreciate the speed at which product changeovers can now be completed at the touch of a button. Our staff understood how to operate the system after a minimal period of training.

Muntons

The system has minimal downtime and I am pleased to recommend Brillopak to anyone considering packing automation.

TATA Steel

The new apple packing lines went live on time and on budget and have already achieved a step change in the quality of product that we deliver.

Morrisons |

I found that Brillopak were really focused on doing the job professionally. They also remained on site to make sure all of our people understood the systems before they left.

McVities

We were looking for a supplier who could meet the specification, contribute ideas and also offer the flexibility to modify their machines to work with our environment. Brillopak was a good fit.

Morrisons

PPMA Winner

Processing & Packaging Machinery Association

Innovation Award 2021

Robotics & Automation Excellence

Let's Talk About Your Packing Line

No pressure. No hard sell. Just a conversation with someone who understands food manufacturing and can offer practical advice.

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Brillopak Innovations

Pioneering automation through investment and intelligent design—delivering robust, intuitive solutions that set new standards in packing line performance.

Every year, Brillopak invests 15% of its revenues in innovation.
The majority of this investment goes towards the evolution of our core machines along with 1 new development/system every 18 months.

Our design philosophy is centred around simplicity:

We focus our innovation around 4 areas.

Vision Systems

Vision systems are a critical element of automation in the modern factory.

QoPR™ is our new Pick and Reject Quality control system for high speed food processing production lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

PAK QC is our Quality Assurance system for packed products.

End Effectors

A robot is only as good as its end effector.

Integrated Vacuum Heads for packing into crates and trays.

Motion Control

Motion control is a function of Robot performance, especially important where speed and accuracy are essential characteristics.

New Systems