Loading & Unloading Systems
VOLTA
Automatic Slab Loading Robot
VOLTA is a fully automated slab-loading robot designed for transferring natural-stone slabs from storage supports to horizontal processing lines by means of a vacuum lifting system.
Description & Technical Details
VOLTA is a fully automated slab-loading robot designed for transferring natural-stone slabs from storage supports to horizontal processing lines by means of a vacuum lifting system. It is particularly suitable for polishing lines and other installations using comb-shaped or fork-type conveyors.
Unlike conventional floor-running loading robots, VOLTA incorporates a projecting comb-type vacuum carriage that can enter between and pass through the conveyor supports. This allows the slab to be positioned closer to the receiving conveyor without requiring additional intermediate transfer movements. The resulting layout reduces handling distances, shortens cycle times and simplifies integration with polishing-line loading stations.
The robot travels along floor-mounted rails on independently motorised wheel assemblies. It provides movement along three controlled axes: vertical lifting, forward and backward movement of the vacuum carriage, and rotation of the suction-cup frame.
The vacuum pump and lifting system are installed on the travelling bridge. The suction-cup frame is raised and lowered by an electric geared motor, while the complete handling cycle is controlled through PLC programming, encoders and variable-frequency drives.
VOLTA is equipped with 64 suction cups manufactured from durable Japanese-origin NBR rubber. The cups are mounted on shock-absorbing supports and arranged in five independently controlled vacuum zones. Through the touchscreen slab-mapping interface, the operator can activate the appropriate zones according to the slab dimensions and position.
A high-capacity Italian-origin vacuum pump provides a nominal airflow of 160 m³/h.
The electrical control panel is supplied as a mobile stand-alone unit, providing flexibility during installation and maintenance.
Comb-Conveyor Integration
The forward-projecting vacuum carriage can enter between the supports of compatible comb-shaped conveyors. This enables the robot to place the slab directly into the required transfer position, reducing unnecessary movements and supporting faster loading cycles. The configuration is especially advantageous at the entry of automatic polishing lines.
Emergency Vacuum Retention System
VOLTA can be equipped with an optional vacuum generator designed to maintain the required holding condition in the event of an accidental electrical power interruption. Activation of this safety function requires the electrical control panel to be equipped with an uninterruptible power supply.
• Fully automated slab-loading system
• Particularly suitable for polishing-line applications
• Comb-type vacuum carriage for conveyor integration
• Reduced transfer movements and shorter cycle times
• Floor-mounted rail travel
• Vertical, forward/backward and rotational movements
• Independently motorised travelling wheel assemblies
• 64 vacuum suction cups
• Durable Japanese-origin NBR suction pads
• Shock-absorbing suction-cup supports
• Five independently controlled vacuum zones
• Touchscreen slab-mapping function
• High-capacity Italian-origin 160 m³/h vacuum pump
• PLC, encoder and variable-frequency drive control
• Mobile stand-alone electrical control panel
• Optional emergency vacuum retention system