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Special Report: Robots Drive the Manufacturing Revolution

New innovations in robotics for the packaging industry enable greater flexibility, efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness for those CPGs looking to automate a range of applications.

The T5 pick-and-place delta robot from Gerhard Schubert GmbH features a fifth axis that allows for high performance in small spaces.
The T5 pick-and-place delta robot from Gerhard Schubert GmbH features a fifth axis that allows for high performance in small spaces.

In 2019, a business intelligence report, “Robotics, Innovation 2 Implementation,” from PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, proclaimed, “Robotics is no longer just a tool, it is a force in the industry driving a revolution of change in manufacturing.” This change has become increasingly vital for packagers, who are facing massive shifts in consumer buying behavior and changing market conditions—changes that in some cases have rapidly accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Packagers grappling with mass customization, a shortage of labor (particularly skilled labor), more rigorous food safety standards, greater competition, and the quickening pace of e-commerce, are turning to robots to address these challenges. And robotics suppliers are responding, with innovations in hygienic features, vision systems, and ease of programming, as well as more palatable price points and greater flexibility.

While innovations overlap in terms of robot types, applications, and features, most of the drivers remain the same: less reliance on manual operations; greater productivity, efficiency, and flexibility; and reduced costs.

See all articles contained in Packaging World’s 2020 Robotics Special Report:

Case Packer for Croutons Saves Dough on Corrugated: Specialty food products manufacturer installs a robotic case packer for croutons that can keep pace with the rest of the packaging line, while saving costs on shelf-ready packaging, as well.

Mass Customization Demands Flexibility: A growing omnichannel environment requires that CPGs have the flexibility to produce a range of package sizes and styles. Automation provides that capability.

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