# Ask an Expert: Versaflex conveyors with mk North America

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2024-09-03
- Length: 18m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america

## Summary

Michael Zampano, a mechanical project engineer at mk North America, explains the Versaflex AP10, a flexible plastic chain pallet conveyor designed for industrial robotic workcells. He details how the system handles workpiece palettes (approx. 300x300mm) with lift-and-locate accuracy of ±1mm, allowing robots to perform assembly operations. The AP10 bridges the gap between light and heavy duty systems by tripling load capacity to 66 lbs per palette while maintaining modularity and the ability to route parts through complex, reconfigurable tracks with spurs and curves.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america#t=7) Introduction: Michael Zampano and mk North America
- [1:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america#t=88) Versaflex Overview and the AP10 Product Launch
- [3:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america#t=233) Flexible Routing, Curves, and Spur Conveyors
- [5:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america#t=351) Lift-and-Locate Accuracy and RFID Integration
- [8:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america#t=520) AP10 Load Capacity and Frame Specifications
- [12:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america#t=724) Large Scale Deployments and Modularity
- [14:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america#t=869) 3D Simulation and CAD Integration with Integrators

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- mk North America (company)
- Versaflex AP10 (product)
- Versaflex PO8 (product)
- VersaMove (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Intelligent Robots and the Warehouse of the Future](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-08-16-intelligent-robots-and-the-warehouse-of-the-future) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [173: Leveraging Robotics in an Unstructured World with Dexterity's Michael Patrick Perry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-02-20-173-leveraging-robotics-in-an-unstructured-world-with-dexteritys-michael-patrick) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Episode 72: Smart mobile robots for industry - Rafael Lopez](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-02-09-episode-72-smart-mobile-robots-for-industry-rafael-lopez) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-09-03-ask-an-expert-versaflex-conveyors-with-mk-north-america. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Robot Report Podcast.