Automate Your Operation with Packaging Robots

Why are robots used in packaging?

1. They make packaging more efficient
   A packaging robot can work consistently at a very high speed and complete the same repetitive task over and over again without slowing down or making mistakes. They can open packaging, load products, and seal the packaging with high levels of accuracy.
2. Packaging robots reduce costly errors
   Robots move with precision, so there will be far fewer instances of accidentally scratching or damaging products or packaging than when completed manually. With robots, the need for double checking, re-packaging, and other additional work can be nearly eliminated.
3. They are flexible
   Packaging robots allow quick changes to be made to your operation. For example, a line operator can change the outline for a case or pallet with the push of a button, much faster than when handled manually.
4. Robots can work in unfavorable conditions
   A packaging robot can work in more extreme temperatures than a person can, and they can operate in areas with heavy fumes or dust, which would be uncomfortable or dangerous for people who are packing.

How robots are used for packaging automation

With packaging automation, there are many opportunities to implement robotics. Modern packaging robots are smart and sophisticated enough to handle a wide variety of necessary tasks in your operation. A packaging robot can identify, align, and place products of varying shapes and sizes into their correct packaging as they move down a conveyor belt. Robots are nimble enough to handle very fragile or delicate items and strong enough to stack items on pallets and move the pallets where they need to go. There are robots that can handle almost every part of your packing line, allowing you to implement packaging automation for many of the required tasks.

The most common types of packaging robots

There are four primary types of packaging robots used in the industry:

• Articulated robots have rotary joints and are typically shaped like an arm. These robots have two to ten articulation joints, don’t take up much floor space, and can be programmed to handle materials, pack goods, and even assemble products.
• Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) robots are mounted in a fixed position and closely imitate the movements of a human arm. They are used for assembly, packaging, and palletizing.
• Delta or parallel link robots can move in a 360 degree circular motion and are designed for functions that require picking up and placing items quickly.
• Cartesian robots are strong, simple to operate, and used for loading and unloading heavier items than those typically handled by articulated joint robots.