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Robotic palletizing is a highly efficient means of transporting product from a conveyor to a staging point for loading or packaging. It can typically do the work of several people, and requires little space and maintenance to run. These machines use a large articulating arm to provide the lifting and carrying force needed to transport product from line to staging point. Their fluidity and precision are impressive, but these machines are fairly simple in design, which improves durability and safety.
At some point in every processing facility, product needs to be removed from the processing line for transport. Many facilities use human labor for this part of the job, but lifting heavy bags or boxes constantly can result in severe back injuries. Robotic palletizing can do the lifting for these employees, moving at a pace that would take several people to match.
These machines come in many specifications. The slowest can still lift nine cases or 11 bags a minute, though the fastest can move at more than twice this speed. The articulating arm can also generate more lifting force than the average person, capable of carrying at least 300 pounds of weight without issue. Heavy duty robotic palletizing machines can lift up to 700 pounds with no loss of efficiency. These devices are also highly precise.
Most have an extensive operation space. They are capable of moving 360 degrees, and picking up anything within several feet of the arm’s base. They can lift items several feet into the air, which can be extremely useful on lines that are set at varying elevations. Robotic palletizing machines can be integrated into nearly any processing line, from single to multi-line setups. During installation, experts employed by the manufacturer will verify that the machine won’t interfere with any other part of the processing line. In general, they won’t affect the performance of other machines in the facility.
Simple to use and versatile, these devices can be used in a number of situations. They can be fitted with one of several end effectors, including bag, fork, clamp, vacuum, and sheet styles. Each model comes with an intuitive interface and proprietary software that can be used with only minimal training. Through this interface, an operator can quickly switch the placement pattern of product, kill operation immediately or change the operation speed of the machine.
With their power and efficiency, these devices can quickly become the hardest working piece of equipment in any processing facility.
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