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Voice of the Packaging and Processing Industry: Robotics

Robot suppliers, contract packagers, OEMs and CPGs who participated in a new study from PMMI Business Intelligence, “Robotics 2019: Innovation 2 Implementation,” had a lot to say.

The PMMI research team interviewed 80 stakeholders to determine current robot use, barriers to growth and future possibilities. In this special feature, we let the anonymous participants of the study weigh in about robotics, in their own words.

Current Use:

“We use our own customized robotics software but still purchase robotic components.” --Owner, OEM

We simply buy a robotic system and integrate it into our machines.” --Engineering Manager, OEM

We purchase from the robotics manufacturer and customize to end user needs inhouse.” --VP Sales and Marketing, OEM

“More components have plug in capabilities with built in sensors, programming, and communication systems with feedback intelligence for reconfiguration if needed, to detect a variety of products.” --Sr. Robotics Application Engineer, OEM

“A team dialogue takes place with internal engineers and all suppliers at every stage of the process: design, build, start-up, and support.” --Engineering Manager, CPG Leader

“We are nearly doubling our robotics for loading containers into the FFS machine, which will be about 30% robotics in the future.” --Packaging Manager, Large Snack Food Company

We will be implementing robotics to place bottles into recycled cartons using SCARA robots on 2 out of our 18 lines.” --Packaging Manager, Personal Care Co-Packer

“We will be upgrading our last manual case packing operation to robotic case packers this year.” --Sr. Packaging Development Manager, Pharma; Rx, Generics, OTC, and Supplements

“We are 100% automated, from palletizing to warehouse and distribution functions, using integrated pick and place robotics.” --Engineering Director, Beverage Leader

“Our goal is nearly 100% robotic handling for palletizing and depalletizing.” --Production Manager, Snack Food

“We have one cartoner with six robots for a picking application.” --Technical Supervisor, Cosmetics Leader

“There are about 12 spider pick and place robots on the same line.” --Sr. Project Engineer, Canned Food

“We typically use two, three, or four Delta robots for picking and packing.” --Robotics and Automation Manager, Dairy

“We just installed the first multirobot machine this year for case packing; it’s doing well. One robot picks up the product and the other moves the slip sheets.” --Director Corporate Engineering, Small Beverage Co.

“We are spending more, the trend is for more robotics.” --Engineering Director, Beverage Leader

Needs of manufacturers:

“It’s difficult to find qualified people or just people in general; younger engineers and skilled technicians are looking for employment beyond the manufacturing sector.” --VP of Engineering, Software Supplier

“Companies need to get creative and use robotics to solve inefficiencies and bottlenecking issues along the line.” --Vice President, Robotic Expert

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