Automatic loading and unloading of mirrors

Deknudt Mirrors, a Belgian company specialising in decorative and bathroom mirrors, was looking for automation options for their production of various types of mirrors. Their mirrors are carefully manufactured using high-quality European glass, which makes the production process complex and requires skilled workers. The company was challenged by the highly repetitive nature of the work and the handling of heavy and large parts, which prompted them to seek automated solutions to relieve pressure on their employees and increase efficiency.

One of the primary objectives was to find a robot or cobot that could handle the full range of mirror products while being adaptable to different locations within the production environment. Mobility and transportability were crucial requirements for the desirable solution. Moreover, the company faced the challenge of presenting the mirrors to the robot in different ways, including stacking them on carts or placing them on a conveyor system. Quality control was also paramount to prevent damage, especially with regard to the use of suction cups that were not allowed to leave marks.