Efficient and flexible robotic solutions

From palletizing and labeling to slat laying: There are many applications for robotic systems in the timber industry. “Robotic solutions have great potential wherever people in production have to carry out heavy, monotonous and dangerous work. Robots not only relieve employees of tasks which are tedious or involve a high risk of injury, thereby creating space for more attractive tasks with more added value. They also increase productivity in production by working and being available 24/7 while maintaining a constant level of performance and precision,” Peter Hartensteiner, Head of Robotics at Springer Maschinenfabrik in Friesach, says about the advantages of using robotic systems.

Innovative robotic solutions

Family company Springer has extensive experience in providing robotic solutions for the wood processing industry. In the robotics department at the company’s headquarters in Friesach, a dedicated team works on the research and development of new, forward-looking machines and systems. In the past two years alone, the team carried out six customer projects involving eleven robots.

In addition to individual, customized solutions, the company also offers its customers a Relay Laying System (SLS) and Robotic Labeling System (RLS). The Robotic Labeling System allows for the fully automatic labeling of packages and stacks and can be positioned anywhere in the stacking machine, packaging machine and package handling. Information about the packages, such as quantities and the dimensions of boards, is automatically read out of the system and transferred to a high-resolution thermal transfer printer.

The subsequent tasks are carried out with just one tool – a specially developed multi-tool – which leads to a substantial optimization in terms of production time and necessary staff in the entire production process. Thanks to the extremely maneuverable and fast robot, it is possible to put package labels on different sides of the packages and stacks in a very short time after they have been packed or wrapped. Labeling on four sides is possible, too.

Training of junior staff

Springer also places particular importance on supporting and promoting junior staff. For example, Springer apprentices are given an insight into the basics of robot programming as part of their training. They also have the opportunity to actively participate in projects and independently develop solutions for applications which involve robots. Katrin Okorn, a student at the University of Applied Sciences in Carinthia, is currently writing her thesis in the field of robotics at Springer’s company headquarters in Friesach.

“At Springer Maschinenfabrik, I can start my professional life while completing my master’s degree and put theory into practice. Thanks to flexible time management, my work doesn’t have a negative impact on my studies. What I like most about working in the robotics department are the varied activities, which allow you to constantly contribute and implement your own new ideas,” Okorn says, happy about the opportunities which Springer offers her.