Umbúðamiðlun Chooses Pallet Saw System with AI4Pallets

Pallet Saw System with AI4Pallets for Umbúðamiðlun ehf, the Icelandic company has chosen a robotic system from Pallet Sorting Systems to automatically dismantle a wide variety of discarded pallets.

The installation processes pallets that can no longer be repaired or reused as complete pallets. Using AI4Pallets, the system recognises the dimensions, construction and structure of each pallet. AI4Pallets then automatically determines the correct pick-up direction, cutting program and required cutting heights.

This allows Umbúðamiðlun to process a wide range of pallet sizes and designs without requiring the operator to select a program manually for each pallet type.

Automatic destacker for Euro and block pallets

An automatic destacker will be installed in front of the Pallet Saw System. Stacks of Euro pallets and block pallets can be placed on this unit. The pallets are then automatically separated one by one and transported to the sawing system.

This automatic infeed reduces manual handling and ensures a continuous supply of the most common pallet formats.

A separate infeed conveyor will be installed behind the destacker for special and less common pallets. The operator can place these pallets individually onto the conveyor. This enables the same system to process pallets with different dimensions, constructions or types of damage.

The combination of both infeed options provides maximum flexibility:

• automatic destacking of Euro and block pallets;
• continuous infeed to the robot;
• separate infeed for special pallets;
• processing of a random mix of pallet constructions;
• fewer manual pallet movements.

AI4Pallets automatically determines the cutting process

AI4Pallets is a key component of the installation. The camera system analyses every incoming pallet before the robot picks it up.

AI4Pallets recognises and measures:

• the length, width and height of the pallet;
• the direction and construction of the top deck;
• the number of layers in the pallet construction;
• the positions of boards and blocks;
• deviations caused by damage or wear;
• the most suitable pick-up direction for the robot.

Based on this information, AI4Pallets automatically selects a cutting program for pallets with two-, three-, four- or five-layer constructions. The measured cutting heights are dynamically corrected according to the actual pallet positioned in front of the robot.

This allows the Pallet Saw System to process pallets that differ in dimensions, timber thickness, construction and technical condition.

Fanuc robot and Joulin vacuum gripper

The Pallet Saw System combines an industrial Fanuc robot, a Joulin vacuum gripper, a PSS-developed saw unit and AI4Pallets recognition technology.

Once the pallet has been scanned, the robot picks it up in the correct orientation. The robot then moves the pallet past the saw unit in a controlled manner. The selected cutting profile is automatically adjusted to the measured construction of the pallet.

The combination of 2D and 3D cameras ensures that the system not only recognises the pallet type but also checks the actual positions and heights of its components. This is important for used pallets, as wear, damage or previous repairs may cause them to differ from their original specifications.

From discarded pallets to reusable material

Pallets that can no longer be used in their complete form often still contain reusable boards and blocks. By cutting the pallet in a controlled manner, these components can be separated and reused where possible.

The Pallet Saw System therefore supports more efficient use of timber and reduces the amount of material sent directly to waste.

The main benefits include:

• automatic processing of different pallet sizes;
• recovery of reusable pallet components;
• consistent and controlled cutting quality;
• reduced dependence on manual dismantling;
• lower physical strain on employees;
• safe enclosure of the cutting process;
• more efficient use of timber and raw materials.

Capacity of 45 to 60 pallets per hour

Depending on their construction, number of layers and technical condition, the Pallet Saw System can process approximately 45 to 60 pallets per hour.

The operator is responsible for feeding special pallets and removing the cut components. Euro and block pallets are supplied through the automatic destacker. Pallet recognition, pick-up and cutting are then carried out automatically.

This creates a consistent process in which AI4Pallets takes over the specialist assessment required for each individual pallet type.

Insight into production and performance

The system controls register the number of pallets processed and the performance of the installation. Production data can be made available in CSV format through SCADA reporting.

Using the PSS App, Umbúðamiðlun can monitor the current status and production output of the installation live. This information supports production planning, performance analysis and further process optimisation.

Flexible solution for a wide pallet mix

The combination of automatic destacking, a separate infeed for special pallets, AI recognition and robot-controlled cutting makes the installation suitable for Umbúðamiðlun’s broad pallet mix.

Common Euro and block pallets are fed automatically, while special pallets can be placed manually on the additional infeed conveyor. AI4Pallets then analyses each pallet individually and automatically adapts the cutting process.

Pallet Sorting Systems is proud that Umbúðamiðlun ehf has chosen the PSS Pallet Saw System. We look forward to the production, installation and commissioning of this innovative system in Iceland.

Pallet Sorting Systems – Modular. Reliable. Efficient.