Packaging manufactured goods is an integral part of the production process in a factory, regardless of the industry. Performing this task manually has long been unprofitable, and machines are usually used instead of humans. The robotization of the production process allows for additional improvement of this stage of work. Find out how cobots, or robots that collaborate with humans, can help with this.
Robotization of packaging and palletizing – why is it worth it?
Manual product packaging is one of the most repetitive tasks in the production process. It also does not contribute significantly to employee development. For these reasons, machines have been used for this task in most factories for a long time. Packaging itself can also be a multi-stage process, varying depending on the type of items being handled, or even different series of products within the same category. It may be necessary to pack items in individual boxes, wrappers, or collective packaging. In addition, additional security measures are sometimes used, such as dividers. Palletizing may also be necessary at the final stage. Although the use of machines in the basic range significantly improves these processes, it is not yet an ideal solution. Without the use of modern technologies, these devices will not be adapted to quickly change the nature of work and packaging, e.g., for different types of products. They may require advanced technical support and retooling between changes. For this reason, an additional solution that further optimizes production processes is robotic palletizing.
Streamlining the packaging process through robotization
Cobots, i.e., palletizing and packaging robots that cooperate with humans, are a solution that is even more tailored to individual needs and technically advanced. They can perform various tasks even within a single production station. When properly programmed, they will be able to pick up packaging, pallets, or spacers without the need for advanced modifications when changing the type or size of packaging. To modify the nature of its work, a palletizing robot may only need to select the appropriate program. The operator will be able to do this conveniently from the control panel of the system. Properly designed packaging automation will also take into account the communication between individual cobots and other parts of the packaging or production line, thus enabling the optimization of the entire process. Modern robotization of packaging and palletizing can therefore mean that a single packaging end effector will be multifunctional and can replace even several other standard machines that were commonly used in the past.
The use of robotics for palletizing
The above solutions mean that packaging robotization can be used in industrial companies regardless of the industry and nature of the products manufactured. It is possible to create devices adapted to work with cardboard packaging, bags, or glass packaging. Thanks to this, they can be used in the food, pharmaceutical, electronics, and furniture industries.
In order for robotic packaging to be implemented in a given company, the entire process should always begin with a thorough understanding of the company’s needs and familiarization with existing workstations and technologies. An individual design and visualization are created. If you entrust the implementation of the robotization and automation process to TASKO Inc. specialists, it will be carried out in a comprehensive manner – including implementation and adjustments on site at the factory. Only in this way can a system be created that will actually contribute to improving packaging, which can translate into benefits in the form of the ability to fulfill more orders and greater earnings for the company. Robotic palletizing can therefore bring results that will be felt both in broad terms – for financial results – and by employees in their daily work..