Label Collation Machine
Problem statement
Reagent kits produced by Promega Corporation each contain five discrete labels which allow customers to identify the packaged reagents. Currently, the kit packaging production line uses a 6-axis Universal robot to collate the labels. The collation process for the robot is slow and a cause for faults in the production line. Faults from the robot collation pause production and lower kit throughput. Mechanical issues with the robot previously caused label collation to be done manually due to maintenance downtime. Replacing the current Universal robot with a newer robot would increase reliability but would not address the inefficient application of a robot arm in label collation. Similarly, Promega previously considered having all five labels printed on a single sheet which would eliminate the need for collation. Printing all the labels on the same sheet was cost prohibitive and not considered further. Our team will strive to develop a new method of collating the labels that is safe for the operator, reliable, and fast enough to keep up with the production line.
Team members
Alex Wollmer – leader
Dylan Zinkgraf – communicator
Kelton Lepak – accountant
Alex Boho – admin
Client
Brian Osterbrink