OnRobot, a global leader in collaborative robot (cobot) applications, has teamed up with Singapore's ProPal Robotics to offer an off-the-shelf palletising solution for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This new solution, powered by OnRobot's Dplatform, simplifies automation by enabling same-day installation without the need for programming skills. The ProPal20 and ProPal20L models are set to transform the industry, offering flexibility, ease of use, and cost-effective automation.
Addressing challenges faced by SMEs in Singapore
SMEs represent 99% of businesses in Singapore, yet many struggle with workforce issues. ManpowerGroup Singapore reports that 79% of local businesses are finding it difficult to hire skilled talent in 2024. Competing with multinational corporations for talent has also been a challenge, as 86% of hiring managers report.
Adding to this, Singapore's population is ageing, with projections that by 2030, one in four citizens will be aged 65 and older. To address this, the government plans to raise the retirement age from 63 to 64 by 2026, and the re-employment age will increase from 68 to 69.
James Taylor, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of OnRobot, sees automation as a way to ease these workforce pressures. He notes, “While robotics is the most logical solution, there are still barriers to deploying robotics, as it can be a time-consuming and costly endeavour for SMEs, who often lack the capital, programming skills and scale to justify the investment.”
A new palletising solution with easy installation
Palletising, the process of stacking products on a pallet for efficient storage and transportation, is crucial in logistics and manufacturing. Traditionally, this task has relied on manual labour, particularly for production lines that deal with various box sizes, making automation expensive and difficult.
OnRobot's new collaborative solution, developed in partnership with ProPal Robotics, is designed to overcome these challenges. The ProPal20 and ProPal20L models, powered by D:PLOY, are the first off-the-shelf palletising solutions that can be installed within a single day. James explains, “Thanks to D:PLOY, the ProPal20 allows operators with no programming skills to make their own modifications. Switching between box types and sizes can be done in minutes, keeping production lines running smoothly.”
The ProPal20 model can handle goods weighing up to 12kg with a cycle time of eight boxes per minute, optimising the process of loading, transferring, and stacking products. The system includes a JAKA Zu20 cobot with a 20kg payload capacity for safe industrial tasks, paired with the OnRobot VGP20 gripper for efficient product handling. The cobot is controlled by OR, a modular compute box with internet connectivity, and operated through D:PLOY's intuitive software.
A winning partnership for affordable automation
OnRobot's comprehensive range of end-of-arm tools, including grippers, polishers, and vision sensors, supports collaborative automation across various industries. The introduction of the D:PLOY platform marks a step forward in making automation accessible to companies of all sizes. James highlights, “Complete applications can be deployed in just a few hours, saving up to 90% on deployment time compared to conventional methods. No programming is required, and operators can make changes directly on the factory floor.”
ProPal Robotics, with its deep knowledge of Singapore's SME landscape, has designed this solution with affordability and ease of use in mind. Their Sales Manager, Charles Toh, explains that the ProPal20 and ProPal20L are aimed at lowering the barriers to entry for SMEs. “OnRobot has the resources to maintain and continually improve the software, while customers are empowered to use the system flexibly.”
James reinforces the value of this partnership, saying, “OnRobot and ProPal Robotics' investment in Singapore aims to enable SME manufacturers that are currently facing workforce challenges to access a cost-effective palletising solution.” He adds that the collaboration with local partners allows OnRobot to better serve the specific needs of the Singapore market. “We partner with local companies who can best serve the local market; this is our tried-and-trusted global model.”
With the launch of the ProPal20 and ProPal20L, OnRobot and ProPal Robotics are confident that their solution will have a significant impact on the industry. “Together with ProPal Robotics, we believe that this solution will be well received and that it will shake up the industry as we know it,” concludes James.
Pricing and availability
The ProPal20 is available for an introductory price of S$73,000, excluding GST. It includes a 12-month warranty, a dual pallet base with a robot pedestal, training, installation, and setup. The ProPal20L, offering a stacking height of 2400mm and utilising the OnRobot Lift100, is priced at S$89,000, excluding GST.
