Hofmann & Stirner Zuführsysteme won first place in the handling and assembly category with its ROTU and PARU feeding systems. Based on a new type of machine architecture with a standardized drive unit and a sorting tool for individual conveyed goods, flexible feeding systems have been created that can be set up to transport up to 800 parts per minute and can be set up within two minutes. With these systems, the manufacturer has combined the flexibility of a robot with the performance of a vibratory conveyor. Hofmann & Stirner claims a 350 percent increase in performance compared to conventional feeding systems and a delivery time of only around six weeks.

The ROTU circular vibratory feeder is designed for sorting tasks, while the PARU linear vibratory feeder is used as an accumulation section. The manufacturer has developed simulation software for the digital design of the feed systems. The Digital Motion module calculates how the systems move. The Digital Feeder module simulates how the conveyed goods behave in the feeding system and in the sorting section. With the final simulation model, the entire feeding system that is delivered to the customer is available as a digital twin. Artificial intelligence (AI) is used for the feasibility analysis and quotation preparation, so that a fully-fledged quotation can be submitted within 24 hours in response to customer inquiries. The customer can upload a material to be conveyed as a 3D CAD model and specify their feeding task. This eliminates the need to create a specification sheet. Using 3D deep analysis of the material to be conveyed, the feasibility of the output position, performance data, costs, delivery time, hooking and other parameters are determined and transferred to a pdf quotation.

Every sorting tool works on every ROTU of the same size: Plug & Feed. The changeover is purely mechanical; no complex sensor technology is installed to adjust the operating parameters. The adjustment is carried out completely in advance using a digital twin. ROTU is available in two system sizes, both left- and right-handed. The system combines vibratory drive, conveyor bowl, parts storage and housing in a standardized mass product. The PARU linear vibratory feeder achieves conveying speeds of up to ten meters per minute. It is available in three basic sizes S, M and L. These can be combined by flanging them together to create additional lengths of 400 to 3,200 millimetres of continuous accumulation distance. PARU does not need to be adjusted in terms of spring setting angle or compensation masses. Adjustments are made exclusively digitally via the digital twin. The initial commissioning time for a new material to be conveyed is usually only a few minutes with PARU. pb