DrumBot 100 – Depalletisation, automated opening and emptying of drums

The DrumBot 100 is based on an ABB IRB 8700-800/3.5 robot, specially designed for the precise and safe handling of 200 kg drums.

• Maximum load: 800 kg, enabling the handling of several barrel sizes.
• Operating radius: 3.5 metres, ensuring extensive coverage of the work area.
• Execution speed: optimised for rapid depalletising and tipping of barrels.
• Intuitive programming: compatible with Profinet, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, facilitating industrial integration.
• Advanced safety: fully enclosed and controlled environment, guaranteeing operation without risk of accident.

The ABB robot handles the drums with intelligent motorised grippers, capable of adapting to different diameters thanks to its rail guides and brushless motors.

The barrels are opened using a high-precision laser cutting station, which guarantees a clean cut without contaminating the product inside.

• Positioning of the barrel: The robot places the barrel on an input conveyor leading to the cutting station.
• Fixing and rotation: A stabilising roller holds the barrel in place during cutting, ensuring a smooth and seamless cut.
• Automated laser cutting:
  • The laser head perfectly follows the contour of the drum, cutting the lid precisely.
  • A stabilising spring support adjusts the pressure to ensure a smooth and controlled cut.
• Removal of the lid: A pneumatic suction cup grasps the cut lid and removes it to a dedicated conveyor leading to a waste management station.
• Removal of the open drum: The drum is removed from the station and picked up by the robot for the emptying phase.

The system can work with different types of drums, and includes a nitrogen blowing system to prevent oxidation of sensitive materials.

After opening, the DrumBot 100 takes care of emptying the drum without human intervention, guaranteeing an optimal flow rate and drainage without residue.

• Gripping by the robot: The motorised gripper securely grabs the open drum.
• Precise tilting: The rotation of the drum is ensured by the J6 axis of the robot, allowing total control of the tilt angle.
• Emptying into the hopper:
  • The product is poured out with perfect control of the flow rate.
  • Optional vibration or massage systems for materials with poor flow properties.
  • Integrated dust extraction with the option of capture by Pouyes rings.
• End of cycle and emptying check: Sensors detect the end of the flow to ensure that there are no residues in the drum.

The hopper can be custom-designed according to the product to be emptied, with different configurations (304/316 stainless steel, reinforced sealing, particle filtration, etc.).

Once emptied, the drum is automatically transported to a compacting station, thus eliminating storage and handling constraints.

• Pick-up by robot: The drum is picked up by the motorised gripper after emptying.
• Placement on evacuation conveyor: A motorised conveyor transports the empty drum to the compaction station.
• Automatic compaction:
  • A pneumatic pusher pushes the drum into the press.
  • A compaction force of 25 tonnes optimally reduces the volume of the drum.
  • The flattened drum is automatically evacuated to a waste collector.
• Clean and secure management:
  • Cycle time: 60 seconds per drum.
  • Output conveyor to a collection bin (option customisable according to the customer).

This system completely eliminates the manual handling of empty drums, reducing the risk of accidents and contamination of work areas.

The DrumBot 100 is the ideal solution for industries with high depalletising, opening and drum emptying requirements.

• Total automation: From the handling of the drums to their compaction, without human intervention.
• Enhanced safety: Reduction of the risks associated with manual handling and cutting operations.
• Optimised productivity: High throughput thanks to a high-performance robot and optimised processes.
• Adaptability: Compatible with different types of drums and can be integrated into existing production lines.

With its advanced technology and robust design, the DrumBot 100 guarantees safe and efficient processing of industrial drums, while optimising throughput and operating costs.

The DrumBot 100 provides fully automated handling of industrial drums, from depalletising to emptying and disposal of empty drums. Each stage is meticulously optimised thanks to an ABB IRB 8700 robot, a high-precision laser cutting station and fully integrated waste management.

1. Depalletising and handling of drums

The process begins with the full drums being picked up from the infeed pallet.

Identification and pick-up

• The ABB robot detects the position of the drums on the pallet using positioning sensors.
• The motorised gripper automatically adjusts to the diameter of the drum for secure gripping.

Drum extraction and pallet management

• The drum is lifted and extracted without tipping or instability.
• Once the pallet is empty, it is directed towards an evacuation conveyor or a pallet shredder (optional).

2. Automated drum opening by laser cutting

The DrumBot 100 guarantees a clean and precise opening of the drum without contamination or particle projection.

Positioning in the cutting station

• The robot places the barrel on the infeed conveyor of the laser cutting station.
• A stabilising roller presses the barrel to ensure even cutting.

High-precision laser cutting

• The barrel is set in synchronised rotation with the laser cutting head.
• The laser head adjusts its position via a stabilising spring support, guaranteeing homogeneous cutting.

Removal of the lid

• A pneumatic suction cup system lifts the cut lid.
• The lid is placed on a conveyor dedicated to waste management.

Exit of the open drum

• The drum is extracted automatically to the emptying station.

3. Automated emptying and flow control

Once opened, the drum is repositioned and tilted for total emptying.

Gripping and controlled tilting

• The robot grips the drum with its motorised gripper.
• Rotation is provided by axis J6 of the robot, allowing precise and progressive tilting.

Emptying into the hopper

• The drum is tilted over the hopper for optimised flow.
• Optionally, vibration or massage systems ensure discharge without residue.
• A dust extraction system guarantees a clean working environment.

End of cycle and repositioning

• Sensors detect the end of the flow, triggering the robot's return to neutral position.

4. Emptying and compacting of empty drums

Once emptied, the drum is immediately taken over for emptying and automatic compacting.

1. Pick up by the robot
   • The robot picks up the empty drum and directs it to the removal conveyor.
2. Transport to the compacting station
   • A motorised conveyor transports the drum to the hydraulic press.
3. Automatic compacting
   • A pneumatic pusher pushes the drum into the press.
   • A force of 25 tonnes reduces its volume for optimised storage.

The compacted drum is automatically evacuated to a skip for recovery.

5. Supervision and Industrial Integration

The DrumBot 100 is fully compatible with industrial management systems.

• Intuitive touch interface allowing real-time monitoring of the process.
• Advanced connectivity (Profinet, Modbus, Ethernet/IP) for smooth integration.
• Control sensors guaranteeing precise detection of the production flow.

Thanks to its fully automated operation, the DrumBot 100 optimises productivity, reduces operator risk and ensures the efficient management of industrial drums.