How Are Robots Used in the Packaging Industry

Cyber-Weld • September 15, 2022

The packaging industry has long taken advantage of the benefits of automation. Robotic packaging systems are an integral component of the packaging process, and they’re found in warehouses and on production lines worldwide.

In this article, we explain what robotic packaging is, how robotic packaging systems are used, and which robots are used in packaging.

What Is Robotic Packaging?

Robotic packaging is the use of automated machinery and robots in order to carry out packaging tasks, often in an industrial setting.

Robotic packaging systems allow a range of different packaging tasks, such as picking, placing and palletising, to be carried out safely, efficiently and effectively. Robot packaging equipment may include stand-alone robots, including the popular robotic arm that can be used for picking and placing, or they may be integrated into wider production processes, such as on car assembly lines.

The advantages of automated robotic packaging systems include:

Increase efficiency in the packaging process
Reduce the need for monotonous manual tasks
Improve health and safety in industrial settings
Lower packaging costs
Cut down on waste
Can be run 24/7 without the need for breaks
Have a versatile number of uses and applications
Can achieve high levels of accuracy and precision

How Are Robots Used in Packaging?

Robotic packaging systems are incredibly versatile, and they may be used for a large number of different packaging tasks. From sorting sausages into packets to palletising crates in a warehouse, if the task can be automated then robots can do it with accuracy and speed.

Here are the most common tasks that robots undertake in the packaging industry.

Pick and Place

Robots are well suited to pick and place tasks in the packaging industry. There are a number of different pick and place tasks they carry out, including assembling packaging parts, placing components or products into packaging, and picking objects off conveyor belts.

Boxing

Products can be quickly boxed into their respective packaging when they have been assembled. In an industrial setting, packaging robots can carry out boxing tasks quickly and accurately.

Depanning

One of the more niche tasks that robots carry out is depanning. This is required when foods, such as mass-produced cakes, need to be depanned after cooking and before being packaged.

Inspection

Robots may be used for product inspection in warehouses and on production lines. They may inspect the final, packaged products or they may inspect the goods themselves prior to being packaged.

Palletising

Once products have been packaged, they often need to be palletised for transport. Packaging robots can quickly and safely palletise large numbers of goods, making them ready for the next stage in the distribution chain.

Warehouse Work

Robots may carry out a variety of different warehouse tasks that are essential for the packaging of goods. For example, robots may be used to move goods or pallets around the warehouse, for inspecting and servicing mechanical parts, and for many more industrial tasks.

Which Robots Are Used in Packaging?

Different types of robots are designed to carry out different tasks, so it’s important to choose the right robotic packaging equipment for the job. Robots can be as simple as a robotic arm that’s programmed to pick and pack vegetables, or they can consist of more complex and coordinated robotic systems.

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

Articulated Robots: the most common type of robotic packaging equipment, consisting of a human-like robotic arm with joints. Different attachments can be fixed to the arm, such as a grabber for picking or a welding gun for welding.

Cartesian Robots: are designed to operate on three axes, allowing the robot to move up, down and horizontally. These are large robots that are intended for heavy lifting and palletising.

SCARA Robots: Selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) robots are designed to emulate the movements of a human arm. The arm operates on a Z-axis and is often fixed in position on a production line or conveyer belt. Excellent when accuracy and speed are required.

Delta Robots: are designed primarily for pick and place work, as they consist of three sets of robotic arms programmed to work in parallel.