Modernizing Idaho Agriculture
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Modernizing Idaho AgricultureDid you know that Idaho is not only famous for its stunning landscapes but also for being the nation's leading potato producer? In the heart of this potato paradise, Magic Valley Produce has been producing and packaging prime potatoes for generations. Dean Gibson, co-owner and controller of Magic Valley Produce, says, “One of our biggest challenges absolutely is labor, especially on the palletizing line.” With a limited labor pool available in rural Idaho, Gibson explored his automation options. This is where the story gets exciting! Magic Valley Produce embraced cutting-edge technology to revolutionize their palletizing process.
Challenge: Collaborative Palletizing Overcomes Labor Shortage, Space Constraints and Unique Packaging Needs Magic Valley Produce faced numerous automation challenges for palletizing, including limited floor space and headroom for traditional robots, and 52.5-pound (23.8 kg) boxes that push the payload limits of traditional collaborative robots. But the most difficult challenge was the two-piece cardboard boxes the potatoes are packed into. The unsecured slip top means the boxes can’t be lifted using traditional vacuum grippers, which would pull the tops off the boxes rather than lift them.
Two OnRobot 2FGP20 grippers with industrial-strength cobot provide game-changing solution John Weeks, CEO of automation integrator WeAssistBots, took an innovative approach of mounting two rugged OnRobot 2FGP20 electric finger grippers on the robot arm to handle the 52.5-pound boxes. That doubled the tool’s individual payload of 20 kg (44 lb). The team then attached a metal plate with curved fingers on one side of the dual grippers, and programmed the robot arm to angle the tool so it tucks the curved fingers under the bottom of the box before lifting it. For the robot, John chose the FANUC CR-35iB cobot for its industry-leading payload of 35 kg (77 lbs) and reach of 1831 mm (74 in). “It brought the horsepower required to do 50-pound cases in the Idaho potato industry, that up until now a traditional cobot couldn’t touch,” John explains. The solution also combines the small installation footprint and large work envelope that Magic Valley needs. The application stacks two pallets at once (one on either side of the robot), reaching easily from floor to ceiling, and actually takes up about 18 fewer inches than having workers in that area.
OnRobot support and product adaptability makes the solution successful Dean is quick to credit the OnRobot tooling with the palletizer’s success. He says: “The gripper in particular is what made the whole system come together, because it was crucial to keep the two-piece, 52-and-a-half-pound box together and be able to pick it up and place it. That is the only reason why this all worked for us.” Dean is also confident knowing that OnRobot stands behind the application. He says: “We know that we have a reliable source for parts and help, the warranty work and all that. It’s very important to have someone that you know has got your back.”
Magic Valley's smart palletizing solution reshapes rural agriculture In an environment where the labor pool is limited, the collaborative palletizing system served as a strategic response to overcome these challenges, keeping production levels. This cutting-edge technology not only addresses labor shortages but also ensures precise and efficient handling of the valuable agricultural produce. The adoption of state-of-the-art technology not only boosts efficiency in agriculture but also positions Magic Valley Produce as a forward-thinking and innovative player in the region, contributing to economic growth and showcasing the adaptability of rural communities to modernize agricultural practices.
About Magic Valley Produce Magic Valley Produce, Inc. is a family owned and operated potato farm and fresh pack facility founded in 1964 by the Delis Family. The family farming and packing operation grows Idaho potatoes for the fresh market, grown in Idaho’s Magic Valley. The company washes, grades, sizes and packs Delish Brand Idaho potatoes in their packing facility in Paul, Idaho, and distributes them to retail and foodservice outlets throughout the USA and Canada. |
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Modernizing Idaho Agriculture
Did you know that Idaho is not only famous for its stunning landscapes but also for being the nation's leading potato producer? In the heart of this potato paradise, Magic Valley Produce has been producing and packaging prime potatoes for generations. Dean Gibson, co-owner and controller of Magic Valley Produce, says, “One of our biggest challenges absolutely is labor, especially on the palletizing line.” With a limited labor pool available in rural Idaho, Gibson explored his automation options. This is where the story gets exciting! Magic Valley Produce embraced cutting-edge technology to revolutionize their palletizing process.
Challenge: Collaborative Palletizing Overcomes Labor Shortage, Space Constraints and Unique Packaging Needs
Magic Valley Produce faced numerous automation challenges for palletizing, including limited floor space and headroom for traditional robots, and 52.5-pound (23.8 kg) boxes that push the payload limits of traditional collaborative robots. But the most difficult challenge was the two-piece cardboard boxes the potatoes are packed into. The unsecured slip top means the boxes can’t be lifted using traditional vacuum grippers, which would pull the tops off the boxes rather than lift them.
Two OnRobot 2FGP20 grippers with industrial-strength cobot provide game-changing solution
John Weeks, CEO of automation integrator WeAssistBots, took an innovative approach of mounting two rugged OnRobot 2FGP20 electric finger grippers on the robot arm to handle the 52.5-pound boxes. That doubled the tool’s individual payload of 20 kg (44 lb). The team then attached a metal plate with curved fingers on one side of the dual grippers, and programmed the robot arm to angle the tool so it tucks the curved fingers under the bottom of the box before lifting it.
For the robot, John chose the FANUC CR-35iB cobot for its industry-leading payload of 35 kg (77 lbs) and reach of 1831 mm (74 in).
“It brought the horsepower required to do 50-pound cases in the Idaho potato industry, that up until now a traditional cobot couldn’t touch,” John explains.
The solution also combines the small installation footprint and large work envelope that Magic Valley needs. The application stacks two pallets at once (one on either side of the robot), reaching easily from floor to ceiling, and actually takes up about 18 fewer inches than having workers in that area.
OnRobot support and product adaptability makes the solution successful
Dean is quick to credit the OnRobot tooling with the palletizer’s success. He says:
“The gripper in particular is what made the whole system come together, because it was crucial to keep the two-piece, 52-and-a-half-pound box together and be able to pick it up and place it. That is the only reason why this all worked for us.”
Dean is also confident knowing that OnRobot stands behind the application. He says:
“We know that we have a reliable source for parts and help, the warranty work and all that. It’s very important to have someone that you know has got your back.”
Magic Valley's smart palletizing solution reshapes rural agriculture
In an environment where the labor pool is limited, the collaborative palletizing system served as a strategic response to overcome these challenges, keeping production levels. This cutting-edge technology not only addresses labor shortages but also ensures precise and efficient handling of the valuable agricultural produce. The adoption of state-of-the-art technology not only boosts efficiency in agriculture but also positions Magic Valley Produce as a forward-thinking and innovative player in the region, contributing to economic growth and showcasing the adaptability of rural communities to modernize agricultural practices.
About Magic Valley Produce
Magic Valley Produce, Inc. is a family owned and operated potato farm and fresh pack facility founded in 1964 by the Delis Family. The family farming and packing operation grows Idaho potatoes for the fresh market, grown in Idaho’s Magic Valley. The company washes, grades, sizes and packs Delish Brand Idaho potatoes in their packing facility in Paul, Idaho, and distributes them to retail and foodservice outlets throughout the USA and Canada.
