Currently, D-PAL is a functional prototype demonstrated in relevant environment, thanks to a project supported by Spanish funds for R&D activities (Government of Navarra). During the prototype tests, some specific deficiencies and lacks were identified, especially concerning D-PAL´s large dimensions, which difficult its integration in a post-printing process chain and the necessity of achieving a less complex machine with an optimized production yield. During the Feasibility Study we have identified the most suitable technical solutions to overcome these problems and defined a business plan for the development of key activities during the Phase 2 project in order to achieve the project´s overall goal:
The activities that will be carried out during the project will achieve the following results:
- Full robotization and automation of D-PAL through the integration of an articulated robot, achieving high precision to manipulate stacks of signatures from 65 mm to 215 mm.
- Industrial adaptation of D-PAL manipulator to be integrated into the robot´s grip, with an average production yield of 5.300-7.000 books per hour (250% higher than manual depalletising and 77% higher than the current D-PAL prototype) and a reduction of the depalletising cycle duration up to 68%.
- Reduction of D-PAL dimensions up to 60% from the existing prototype, therefore allowing its physical integration in every post-printing process chain: 3.800 mm. L x 2.100 mm. W x 2.500 mm. H
- Production and assembly of 2 demo units of D-PAL for validation activities: Internal validation of 2 demo units at LARGOIKO´s installations; external validation of the 2nd unit at GraphyCems (subcontractor)
- Creation of an international network of end-users and partners in target areas (EU: Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium) for the commercialization of D-PAL, with a minimum of 5 end-users and 5 partners involved in the project through pre-commercial agreements per year and per country.
- Dissemination of D-PAL project results in specific media through a dedicated website, the publication of, at least, 2 articles in specialized media and the attendance of, at least, 3 trade fairs.
- Intellectual protection of D-PAL project results through the application of 1 utility model for the manipulator and 1 copyright for the manipulator´s software
- Obtaining of CE marking for D-PAL
- Generation of end-users documentation and procedure manuals in 4 languages: Spanish, English, German and French
