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Case-Packing Robots Boast Flexibility, Efficiency, and Speed

Nearly half of CPGs in a new study report using robots for secondary packaging processes. New robot technology for club-store packaging and for case packing of containers and lids gives them new options.

Muller Technology’s solution pairs a six-axis case-packing robot equipped with vacuum EOAT with molding or thermoform machines.
Muller Technology’s solution pairs a six-axis case-packing robot equipped with vacuum EOAT with molding or thermoform machines.

In the area of secondary packaging operations, robots are playing a key role in driving new levels of efficiency and speed that help manufacturers manage production costs and increase throughput. According to a new report from PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, titled, “2022 Robots and Cobots An Automated Future,” 46% of those interviewed currently use robots for secondary packaging processes, and that number is expected to grow to 52% over the next five years.

Shared a director of manufacturing for a large food company, “We are adding robots to our case-packing and palletizing applications on three more lines—all 10 will now be fully robotic.”

Also interviewed for the report, a plant manager for an SME (small and mid-sized enterprise) food manufacturer, said, “Three years ago, we didn’t have any robots, and now we operate robotics on two lines for pick-and-place case packing, and we’re considering adding a pick-and-place robot for case forming.”

The Visibot-LV from Fallas incorporates an ABB IRB-390 Flexpacker delta robot in a Fallas Adabot frame for case-packing of club-store packaging.The Visibot-LV from Fallas incorporates an ABB IRB-390 Flexpacker delta robot in a Fallas Adabot frame for case-packing of club-store packaging.As a result of CPG’s interest in robotic case-packing solutions, OEMs are answering the call with new equipment that allows for flexibility and accuracy. Recently introduced from Fallas is the Visibot-LV, which incorporates an ABB IRB-390 Flexpacker delta robot in a Fallas Adabot frame. The robot has a 15-kg payload, which allows it to handle a wide range of products. Specifically recommended by the company is its use for packing club-store cases. The Adabot’s stainless steel frame also makes it food-safe and easy to clean.

According to Fallas, the robot’s fifth axis allows it to rotate at the point of EOAT, no matter what the product orientation is, and AI-enabled vision systems allow the Visibot-LV to pick and place directly into the case. The vision system, combined with the multi-lane conveyor, eliminates the need for orientation systems upstream.

Videos from Fallas Automation Inc.
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