FAQs

In contrast to conventional (purely mechanical or pneumatic) feeding systems, our MRW Opto-Feeder feeding systems can handle a wider range of different workpieces.
When used with an vision sensor, workpieces can be fed in the correct orientation – something that is impossible or only achievable with great difficulty using conventional feeding technology.
And this is achieved largely without any significant set-up effort. The actual work is done by the camera on the conveyor belt, rather than by the orientation assembly in the bowl, which would otherwise need to be reconfigured.
Various additional handling and separation tasks can be outsourced to the feeder.
Thanks to the integrated control system, the customer avoids additional effort in their PLC for the feeder.
Instead of a declaration of incorporation, the feeder is available with a CE declaration (complete machine).

We’d say: Yes

Our Opto-Feeder systems are usually delivered to the customer fully set up – plug-and-play, if you like.
Should changes to the control sequence ever be required, we can implement them via remote maintenance.
New workpiece types can be easily programmed; a basic understanding of the technology is helpful, but a degree in engineering is not required…
And should you run into any difficulties, there is comprehensive illustrated documentation, telephone support, remote maintenance or an MRW service engineer on site.

Our Opto-feeders are suitable for almost all bulkable components – from plastic and metal parts, through springs, screws, nuts and stamped parts, to delicate cosmetic or electronic components.
To put it simply: anything that can be filled into a spiral bowl feeder, where it is aligned and moves towards the outlet, and can then be transported, detected and handled on a following camera conveyor belt. 
The systems are therefore less suitable for balls…

Our Opto-feeders are used across a wide range of industries: the automotive industry, electronics, plastics technology, packaging technology, defence technology and general mechanical and plant engineering.

No, the two MRW companies separated in 2024 and now operate independently of one another.

We, MRW Zuführsysteme GmbH & Co. KG, now manufacture vision-based, intelligent feeding systems using standard camera technology and real-time control systems.

Please note: There is a high risk of confusion here!

Until 2024, both MRW companies were based in the same building. Many of our customers and their ERP systems do not realise that they have ended up at MRW digit, a different company with different staff. This is also because this company has since been using similar-looking quote and numbering schemes…

For our customers: You can find your usual contacts and billing addresses here:

MRW Zuführsysteme GmbH & Co. KG, Mögglinger Str. 37, 73540  Heubach

This is due to historical reasons. The two MRW companies have always existed:

1x Electronics and Workshop
1x Sales & Service

In the past, both worked together, but only the sales division (now MRW Zuführsysteme GmbH & Co. KG) represented the company externally. Since the split in spring 2024, the two MRW companies have been operating independently of one another.

Founded in the 1980s together with MRW digit Elektronikgeräte GmbH, the company separated from MRW digit in 2024.

Gregor Fuisting is the second-generation managing director and has been with the company since 1990.

The third generation, represented by Nils Fuisting, has been on board since 2022 and is pushing the company forward on a technical level.

No, this old technology is now only available from Digit Robo-Pot GmbH. Our systems are called Opto-Feeder and are, if you like, the new ‘Robo-Pot FE’ (Future Edition)…

No, that’s a hoax.

As we are still in business, we remain responsible for the systems we have built and maintained over more than three decades, and of course for our customers as well. 
However, following the split between the two MRW companies, we are no longer supported with either Robo-Pot electronic spare parts or any form of technical support. 
We communicate this fact openly and refer customers with faulty electronic components – which are manufactured exclusively in-house by MRW digit – to the appropriate parties. 
For peripheral components that are particularly prone to failure, such as the MRW digit Vib-Control, we offer suitable replacement units. 
For the Robo-Pot / Robo-Belt system itself, there are three conversion kits available, entirely without any Robo-Pot electronics.

It would be a long list...
In short: our Opto-Feeder could be described as the ‘Robo-Pot FE’ (Future Edition). New, modern, thoroughly constructed, based on control and camera technology available worldwide, rather than on hand-built electronics with assembler software, which is only available from a single small manufacturer.

Yes, the well-known service provided by MRW Zuführsysteme GmbH & Co. KG, which is highly valued by our customers, is still available. Whilst we are primarily responsible for our new systems, we also continue to provide support for the older Robo-Pot to the best of our ability. However, we are no longer able to assist with replacement of Robo-Pot electronic components or software modifications.

Conveyor belts of all sizes for systems from the last 20 years, even without a minimum order quantity.
Drive rollers, idler rollers and tension rollers from all years of manufacture, some in optimised designs.
Drive motor for the turning unit, fork-type photoelectric sensor for the turning unit, green camera glass, all types of pneumatic components.
Mechanical assemblies, such as tippers.

For our new Opto-Feeder systems: Yes. 
All assemblies are fully constructed and are available as 1:1 replacement parts.

For the old Robo-Pot systems: Not as standard.
Their assemblies are not fully engineered and are ‘customised’. However, it is possible to send these assemblies to us so that we can draw them up and provide them as new constructed components.

Since around 2022, the Robo-Pot manufacturer has been installing a so-called software lock into the computer boards. These new replacement boards only work with the EPROM fitted to them.

Neither the circuit board nor the EPROM can be used on other systems:

EPROMs from other systems are not accepted by the computer board.

Computer boards from other systems are not accepted by the EPROM.

The previous practice of keeping one replacement computer board on stock, which could be used to get every Robo-Pot system in the plant up and running again, no longer works.

As far as we know so far: Yes, unfortunately, this has been the case since 2022.

We at MRW Zuführsysteme GmbH & Co. KG, as well as our customers, are – to put it mildly – ‘not amused’. However, we had, and continue to have, no influence over the Robo-Pot manufacturer’s product policy.

As already mentioned, there were reasons for parting ways with this company…

Yes, our customers have already done this. There are three upgrade options:
1. Removal of the entire Robo-Pot electrical system and replacement with Opto-Feeder camera technology. This is built onto the existing conveyor body mechanism, if it is still serviceable and not bent.
2. Replacement of the entire Robo-Pot conveyor body with the Opto-Feeder. The feed bowl and other mechanical components remain in place.
3. Replacement of the entire system based on the Robo-Pot layout, provided it is available and in usable condition.

No. Our Opto-Feeder systems are based on state-of-the-art electronics from renowned manufacturers, which are in thousands of use. They simply cannot afford to have regular breakdowns.
We are no longer plagued by the well-known overheating issues with the Robo-Pot computer boards, the display freezing, the ‘Contact the manufacturer’ message, or the many other familiar faults associated with the Robo-Pot electronics…

Yes, the languages currently included as standard are German, English, French, Italian and Spanish.

Additional language packs for the user interface and documentation can be added easily.

Yes, provided the IT configuration at the installation site allows it (‘remote maintenance network’).

A network-independent connection via a remote maintenance router and mobile networks is also possible.

Yes, both control programmes and camera inspection programmes can be backed up and exported or exchanged.
Either individual programmes or a complete backup can be extracted and restored.

Yes, the old Vib-Control unit can be replaced with a new UniVib regulating device featuring a touch panel.

Adapter cable sets are also available, which even allow the unit to be replaced without changing the existing cabling.

The UniVib regulator can also be fitted with a vibration sensor on the bowl. This enables the bowl’s drive power to be automatically adjusted in response to fluctuating fill levels or weights within the bowl.

For systems with the new UniVib regulator: Yes.

For systems with the old Vib-Control controller: No. In this case, the unit would need to be replaced with a new UniVib regulator.

Of course, wherever it helps us to be more efficient and doesn’t raise any ethical issues. But nothing works without a final human check…