Do you know robotic packaging increases work efficiency by 300% and can replace multiple human workers? Robots can work 24/7 with precision and control. On top of that, they reduce the operational costs by 25 to 40% so you can achieve return on investment within a few months.
This guide walks you through everything you should know about robotic packaging systems to assist you in choosing the best packaging solution for your business.
What is Robotic Packaging Automation?
In robotic packing automation, a robot is programmed to conduct a step-by-step process involving packaging processes. It automates processes, including picking, placing, labeling, and sealing. Specialized robots are available for each process. You can explore the market products or customize a model suitable for your packaging line.
This industry is flourishing as every factory and manufacturing unit jumps to using these high-speed robotic solutions. Modern robots are integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhancing the efficiency of packaging further.
Popular Types of Packaging Robots
Articulated Robot
It typically features six or more axes. It saves you time and money due to its multitasking and increased motion. This packaging robot is perfect for picking, sorting, and assembly.
SCARA Robot
A Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm (SCARA) usually has four degrees of freedom. It you need to do high speed tasks and repetitive movements are required, you should go for it.
Delta Robot
This robot type usually has 3 or 4 arms. It is perfect for pick and place tasks in food, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.
Cobot Robot
A cobot or collaborative robot is designed to work alongside human workers in a shared industrial space. They are easier to program and multitask.
Mobile Robot
This robot type features sensors, AI capabilities, and cameras to help it move around the area autonomously. It’s used for processes that might be dangerous for humans.
Key Benefits of Robotic Packaging Systems
Speed in throughput: An automated packaging line increases the processing speed by 3 percent compared to manual packaging.
Reduced error rate: Robots are immune to human errors and can work 24/7 with the same level of efficiency and productivity.
Labor cost savings: Instead of paying salaries to employees, you can invest in automation to save costs.
Improved consistency: These systems can maintain consistency in packaging quality for long periods, given that they’re well-maintained.
Customization made easy: The packaging process, designs, and speed can easily be customized with robotics.
Traceable date keeping: Unlike humans, robots keep track of all their processing data, which can be used to enhance productivity and reduce errors.
How Robotic Packaging Systems Work?
Robot packaging is a technical process. The robot can be tasked to conduct a range of tasks from packaging to palletizing. It depends on the programming of the user. Following are the steps involved in the process:
1. Robot Integration & Programming
The robot has to be integrated to your production line. You need to program your robot to conduct the series of required tasks. The potential tasks can include:
- Sorting
- Picking and Placing
- Boxing / Tray Loading
- Wrapping / Sealing
- Labeling
- Weighing or Quality Checking
- Palletizing (stacking)
2. Product Arrival
The robot is usually installed at a certain point on the conveyor line. The process starts when the product arrives in its range.
3. Detection & Positioning
Robots have cameras for detection. When the product arrives, scanners activate immediately. It scans the product in view and gathers information about the product’s location and orientation. Then it sends the gathered information to its controller.
4. Robot Movement
After the green signal from the controller, the robot moves its arms towards the product. The arms have grippers or end effectors attached to them at the end.
5. Packaging Completion
The robot puts the product back on the conveyor or storage line after process completion. These systems can be used for further applications of barcodes, labels, and other information, as well.
Application of Robotics Across Industries
Food & Beverage: Automated packing works incredibly in the food & beverage industry for maintaining hygiene standards and keeping the products fresh.
Pharmaceuticals: Medical devices and pharmaceutical products require increased precision in case packing and safety rules, best achievable through robots.
E-commerce: Packaging models are used for packing, sorting, and labeling the products in bulk by E-commerce stores.
Personal care: This industry features delicate products like creams, bottles, and soaps, which require special care during packing, easily achievable through robots.
Logistics & warehousing: Robots enhance the efficiency of sorting, labeling, and palletizing cartons per minute.
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG): Daily life product packing requires speed and accuracy, a strong suit of robotic automation.
Industrial & Automotive: Many industrial & automotive parts are heavy and oddly shaped, making them difficult for human operations. Robots reduce injuries and increase speed.
How SaintyCo Can Help You Get the Best Automation Product
SaintyCo is a recognized supplier of robotic packaging models internationally. While excelling in pharmaceuticals, the SaintyCo products are suitable for diverse industries. We believe in innovation, which has led us to combine the cutting edge European technology with Chinese production.
Contact us today for a free consultation on which models best suit your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is robotic packaging suitable for small businesses?
Yes, robotic automation greatly increases the efficiency of the workflow for small businesses. However, it may take them longer than larger corporations to reach the ROI amount.
Can robots handle fragile or irregularly shaped items?
Yes, robots are programmed to enhance precision and accuracy in the packing process. However, the model choice has to be aligned with the fragile or irregular items.
Are robots safe around human workers?
Yes, robots are safe around human workers. The Cobot robots are particularly designed to share a working space with humans.
