Another year, another bounty of case histories for Packaging World’s annual Robotics & Automation Special Report. Just five years ago, this report was made up of a handful of stories—five in all. This year’s report comprises nine case histories over two issues (Part II will be featured in the September 2017 issue). This is not surprising, given the growth of robotics in packaging.
In fact, 2016 was a record-breaking year for robot orders and shipments. According to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), last year, 34,606 robots valued at approximately $1.9 billion were ordered in North America, representing growth of 10% in units over 2015.
While assembly applications topped the list in terms of sales, the report indicates that the food and consumer goods industry increased orders for robots by 32% in 2016.
In this report, five brand owners—including a producer of baked goods, a PET blow molder, a sausage processor, a chocolate maker, and a biscuit maker—highlight some of the reasons robotics and automation are taking off in the packaging market.
Read the case histories here:
Tasty treats packed in trays and cartons at 250 products/min
Modern packaging for a traditional treat
Sausage chubs are a challenge to handle
Single robot does the work of two, saving space, cost
Automated end-of-line system for eight container styles, three case sizes
