KV-Techniek and Axelent build reliable robotic systems together at AGC Glass Europe and Lineage

Industrial automation has long ceased to be just about speed and efficiency. Today, safety is at least as decisive. KV-Techniek, a Zeeland-based company that specializes in customized solutions with industrial robots, also knows this. In Axelent, KV-Techniek found a reliable partner for smart and flexible machine protection. Simon Verbruggen, Digital Sales Coordinator at Axelent, and Bastiaan Krijger, CEO of KV-Techniek, highlight two customer cases where safety literally makes the difference.

At KV-Techniek, safety is not a closing item, but a structural part of the design process. "Right from the first phase, we look at how an installation can operate as safely as possible," says Bastiaan Krijger. "Together with Axelent, we analyze the available space, the interaction of operators with the robot and also how safe maintenance or interventions can take place. That makes safety a natural part of a total solution." 

And that is exactly why the cooperation with Axelent works so well. "We provide machine protection that is flexible and modular," Simon Verbruggen says. "That means that KV-Techniek can quickly and efficiently design a custom shielding, tailored to the specific needs of the project as well as the client."

Quality and flexibility 

According to Verbruggen, Axelent's strength is its unique combination of quality and flexibility. "Our safety solutions consist of certified standard components that are easily adaptable. That makes it possible to realize a suitable protection for any robotic installation, no matter how complex."

KV-Technology also expects more from a partner than just products. "We appreciate their high level of commitment," says Krijger. "The Axelent team thinks along, looks for solutions together and ensures that the security is not only technically correct, but also contributes to the professional appearance of our facilities."

Case study 1: Safe glass handling at AGC Glass Europe

A good example of that collaboration is the installation at AGC Glass Europe in Zeebrugge. "AGC processes large sheets of glass that can weigh up to 200 kilograms," says Krijger. "There is an industrial robot there that handles those sheets with precision. But that is obviously not without risk for the personnel in the area."

That is why KV-Techniek, in cooperation with Axelent, installed complete machine protection around the robot. "Our fencing ensures that no one can enter the robot area just like that. And if a door does open, the whole process stops immediately. This way we protect the people and the production process remains safe and controlled."

Case study 2: Continuity in a busy terminal at Lineage

A second telling example is the robot line at Lineage in the port of Flushing. Here, fruit is processed on a large scale, including a robotic installation that automatically cuts open banana bags. "In itself a simple operation," says the CEO of KV-Techniek, "but the context makes it special."

In fact, the installation is located in a busy terminal where forklifts are coming and going. "There, the risk of collisions is real. That's why we chose robust fencing that not only protects people, but also the installation itself from damage. That shows perfectly how good security contributes to both safety and continuity."

Safety as a differentiating factor

The role of safety in industrial automation has evolved significantly in recent years, Verbruggen notes. "Safety used to be seen as something that 'had to be done.' Today, it is a way to stand out. A safe working environment increases not only the well-being of employees, but also the reliability of the process."

The rise of collaborative robots - cobots - illustrates that trend. "They are designed to work safely with humans, and stop automatically when touched. When, for the sake of production capacity, the speed of a cobot must be high, providing a shield is necessary. Therefore, classic industrial robots are preferred in many situations because they are fast and powerful. Just in those circumstances, proper shielding is essential."

Building trust together

That trust is central to the cooperation between Axelent and KV-Techniek. "For us it's not just about products, but about partnership," concludes Verbruggen. "We want to arrive at the best solution together, tailored to the application and the people who work with it. That is the added value we offer, and which KV-Techniek also passes on to its clients."