Customised solutions based on a proven machine platform

With a configuration of the 211R HC robotic labelling cell tailored for a pharmaceutical customer project, Herma demonstrates how demanding labelling processes for autoinjectors can be flexibly automated. The foundation is the proven, standardised 211R HC labelling cell, which the company has specifically adapted to the application’s requirements.

At the heart of the system is a process architecture tailored to the customer’s process, featuring a Stäubli TS2-100 Scara robot, a buffer station, and a separate transport and rotation unit. The interaction of these components enables a stable, reproducible process while ensuring gentle handling, even with complex product geometries. The Scara robot uses a Schunk gripper to remove the unlabelled products from the trays and places them in a buffer station. There, a transport and rotation unit – also equipped with Schunk gripping technology – takes over. It guides the product to the applicator, a Herma 500, and precisely rotates it as required during the labelling process. At the same time, the robot returns a labelled product to the tray and immediately retrieves the next one. Through this parallel operation, the system achieves a throughput of up to 15 products per minute. The buffer station decouples product handling from the actual labelling process. Defined handoff points and reproducible motion sequences thus create the conditions for a stable process during operation.

At the same time, the separate transport and rotation unit ensures precise alignment of the products. This is particularly advantageous for complex geometries and sensitive autoinjectors, which must be handled reliably and gently throughout the entire process. In combination with the custom integrated transport and rotation unit, the Herma 500 applicator can also fully realise its precision potential.

An integrated camera system monitors the process and provides additional safeguards for the individual process steps. This allows for the monitoring of the labelling process as well as the position and alignment of the products and the applied markings. Non conforming products can be reliably detected and diverted from the rest of the process. The proven, intuitive drawer system also ensures maximum process reliability: Products are fed into the enclosed labelling cell via this system and removed again after processing, without the need to open the safety doors during operation. This supports an error free, low interruption workflow while simultaneously increasing safety for operating personnel.

This configuration, implemented for a customer project, underscores the high adaptability of the standardised 211R HC robotic labelling cell. Depending on the product, process, and customer requirements, Herma integrates suitable automation and robotics components from renowned partners into an optimally coordinated overall concept. Robots, grippers, product guiding, labelling technology, and control systems are combined in such a way that they optimally meet the respective requirements. The current version utilises a Stäubli TS2-100 and two grippers from Schunk. In other customer projects, for example, components from Fanuc or Weiss Robotics have already been integrated within the same platform. The current application thus exemplifies how Herma relies on a proven standard concept and, together with selected partners, adapts it specifically to individual tasks. ‘’We use robotics specifically where it makes processes safer, more efficient, and simpler for our customers,’ said Jana Paul, team leader of product management at Herma. ‘The precise interaction of all components – from picking and placing to product guiding, labelling, and checking – is crucial. That is why we configure our standardised solution to suit each specific application and integrate the components that offer the greatest added value for the customer.’

With its process architecture tailored to customer requirements, the 211R HC is particularly well suited for high mix/low volume applications. Not only autoinjectors, but also syringes or vials, for example, can be labelled cost effectively, even when small batch sizes, frequent product changes, or complex geometries come into play. The 211R HC labelling cell combines high precision with flexible automation and can be specifically adapted to a wide variety of requirements.