IGUS JOI | PICK & PLACE of Yarn Balls

Automating yarn ball handling with the Fairino FR5

Handling textile materials is a challenging task for automation due to their soft, flexible, and deformable nature. In this application, the Fairino FR5 collaborative robot was combined with a Piab needle gripper to validate a reliable solution for picking and handling yarn balls with precision and repeatability.

What is the application?

The system uses a Fairino FR5 cobot equipped with a Piab needle gripper to pick and transfer yarn balls. The purpose of the test was to evaluate the gripping solution and verify its ability to securely handle the material without compromising its shape or stability during movement.

What was the challenge?

The main challenge was selecting an end effector capable of reliably gripping yarn balls. Unlike rigid objects, yarn balls have a soft, compressible structure and an irregular surface, making them difficult to handle with conventional gripping technologies. The primary objective of this test was therefore to validate whether a needle gripper could provide a stable and repeatable gripping solution for this application.

What are the benefits of the solution?

• Validates an effective gripping technology for yarn ball handling.

• Reliable manipulation of soft and deformable materials.

• Reduced pick failures and improved process repeatability.

• Flexible solution for textile and manufacturing automation applications.

What are the benefits of the robot?

The Fairino FR5 offers several advantages for this type of application:

• High repeatability for consistent handling.

• Easy programming and fast deployment.

• Simple integration with a wide range of end effectors.

• Compact and flexible solution for automated workstations.

Validating the right gripping solution

This application highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate end effector for successful automation. By combining the Fairino FR5 with a Piab needle gripper, the test demonstrated an effective approach for handling yarn balls, paving the way for reliable automation of other soft and difficult-to-grip materials.