Robot and Cobot Palletizing and Depalletizing

Pallets are widely used to secure and organize products, materials, and equipment for transport and storage. They can hold single, large items, or stacks of smaller boxes, bags, or packs. The challenge lies with getting the items onto the pallets and securing them with stretch wrap or strapping. Repetitive lifting and moving items can lead to injury, errors, and boredom for workers, and depending on the size of the items, it can be very time-consuming too.

Automated robotic palletizing, based on “pick and place” motion, is an efficient solution that keeps employees safe and speeds up the palletizing process. Whether you need to stack individual boxes, layers of bags, drums, or pails, FANUC palletizing robots offer a steady, quick, and reliable solution.

As a FANUC authorized system integrator, TPC Packaging has a team of internal experts who are trained to develop automated palletizing systems that integrate into existing packaging lines, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial sites. We can evaluate your palletizing operations and challenges and create a solution tailored to your requirements for:

Learn more about FANUC’s palletizing robots and cobots and some of the many benefits of automating this process in your facility.

FANUC M-410 Series Robotic Palletizers

The M-410 parallel link palletizing series from FANUC can handle most medium to heavy payloads while effectively increasing throughput. Features include:

The FANUC M-410 series is specifically designed to increase productivity with a high vertical stroke movement for efficient operation. The integrated controller and base in the pedestal save valuable floor space, making installation and transportation easier. A non-pedestal version is also available, depending on the specific needs of the application.

Cobot Palletizers and Depalletizers

A collaborative robot, or cobot, is designed to work alongside human workers safely in a shared operating environment. Cobot palletizers, once considered only useful for low-payload applications such as material handling and pick-and-place, have evolved into viable automation resources for packaging and production lines. And because of their smaller stature and footprint, cobots can be used effectively even in small spaces.

For instance, stacking boxes is often a monotonous task that can put employees at risk for injuries sustained by repetitive motion or dropped boxes. Assigning this task to a collaborative robot palletizer lets companies redeploy their workforce to handle tasks that are less hazardous, more interesting, and higher-value.

Benefits of Palletizing Robots and Cobots

FANUC is a widely-known and trusted automation supplier whose advanced robotic and automation equipment streamline and improve industrial operations. The authorized integrator program helps companies benefit from palletizing robots and cobots with the help of trained suppliers from vetted organizations, like TPC Packaging.

Automated palletizing and depalletizing has many benefits, including:

Smaller Footprint

Palletizing robots and cobots offer a smaller footprint than some other designs, which can improve use of floor space and workflow layout. There are many ways to design, integrate, and install FANUC palletizing automation systems in large and small spaces.

Dexterity for Versatility

End-of-arm tooling can grasp, lift, and move many types of containers, items, and materials without damage. Some examples include:

Adaptability

Robot and cobot palletizing solutions are designed to accommodate a mix of product types and pallet patterns. They can be programmed to handle individual or multiple units at a time and, after picking products off a conveyor, can add several layers to a pallet.

Workplace Safety

Robotics are well-known for reducing manual, repetitive movements, heavy lifting, and risks of injury from dropping items. Instead of lifting and twisting, workers can be tasked with oversight of the equipment from a safe distance, or redeployed to less physical, higher-value or mission-critical tasks.

Multi-Tasking Intelligence

Robot and cobot palletizers can be programmed with different work instructions for multiple SKUs on the same production line. Integrating vision camera and sensor systems is another way to gather and transfer data to the robot for accurate picking and placing of multiple SKUs onto different pallets.

Strength and Speed

Palletizing industrial robots can handle large payloads, often up to 700 kg. They also work quickly, with some moving up to 30 cases per minute.

Contact TPC Packaging for FANUC Robotic Palletizing Integration

TPC Packaging Solutions is a trusted FANUC Authorized System Integrator with knowledge and experience in palletizing processes and workflow. We deliver customized, turnkey automation solutions for palletizing operations for manufacturers, logistics, warehousing, and other applications. We also provide exceptional post-sale and technical support and preventive maintenance contracts for our robotic systems.

We are a family-owned and privately held company committed to innovation in our products and services. Since 1967, TPC Packaging Solutions has become one of the nation’s largest independent distributors of packaging equipment and materials, including pressure-sensitive tapes and stretch film.

Contact us today to learn more about automated palletizing with FANUC robots and cobots, and how they can boost productivity at your facility.