Supported by brick machinery components from Shandong Gongli, the ABB robots will play a key role in producing bricks primarily for adobe palletizing.

The robots are responsible for palletizing the adobe and putting it into the brick kiln, a task that previously had been be handled by manual workers.

Head of discrete automation and motion division for ABB North Asia and China Dr Chun-yuan Gu said: “As a pioneer and technology leader in the global robotics industry, ABB closely cooperates with its Chinese customers to provide customized robotics solutions to address local demands.

“We are happy to supply China’s first adobe palletizing robotic solution to Datong Coal Mine Group. The solution will fill the gap in China and create a good model for other similar applications in the industry.”

After introducing the ABB robots, the palletizing accuracy at the mine has greatly improved, according to ABB.

The orderly placement of adobes in the brick kiln has been ensured, increasing product quality. It allows the flexibility to change the types of bricks, the production pace, product code and the kiln. ABB robots can also operate in high temperatures and harsh environments.

The ABB IRB 660 is well suited for material handling and palletizing. With a payload of up to 250 kg, this 4-axis robot has a reach of 3.15m. A single IRB 660 unit equals and delivers over 30% more operational precision compared to the industry average, ABB said.

Datong Coal Mine Group is a large-scale energy company with a focus on coal production. The company also operates electric power, chemical, metal, and machinery manufacturing businesses.

Tashan coal mine is located in Tashan Circular Economy Industry Park, the first of its kind to embrace the sustainability lifecycle chain in China’s coal mine industry.