Automation is revolutionizing every industry it reaches, and the packaging industry is no exception. Robotics is showing up at every level of the supply chain. Here are three ways automation is transforming the packaging industry. We’ll address the practical impact of such automation, and we’ll also explain the business factors driving these trends.
Robotic-Human Relations
Robotics are rapidly proliferating in the packaging industry. Robotic arms are able to sort and pack items into a variety of boxes, never getting tired or complaining of health problems. Robot arms provide flexibility since you can swap out gripping systems and reprogram them as the process changes. There are mobile robotic platforms that navigate warehouses at will, while autonomous robots can navigate the warehouse and deliver items as required. All of this depends on advanced sensors, computer vision, and advanced intelligence from control systems to robots. This is why many online retailers still use human pickers along with robots. Humans remain more efficient for small, short, and one of a kind runs, and they can be used for tasks that aren’t yet automated.
Insite case erectors are simple compared to other packaging equipment. They can turn case blanks into fully erected, bottom sealed cases. This automation increases the automation of the entire operation and frees up humans for work that cannot be automated.
Packaging Design
Packaging is evolving for a number of reasons. Price pressure drives businesses to combine primary and secondary packaging and choose to package made in small lots so they don’t sink money into materials they don’t need or have to store. Robotics is affecting packaging, too. Packaging is being designed so that robots can pick and place a product in its protective package. Robot packaging systems are designed to be accurate and precise, but this doesn’t rule out design elements in the packaging to make this process easier and faster. For example, while robots can pack a case, there must be sufficient clearance for robotic components.
A variation of this is how packaging materials interact with robotic packing systems. PET bottles have static cling, and this can alter how they travel down the assembly line and cause robotic pick and place systems to be confused. Manufacturers can opt for anti-static spray blown on the bottles or changing the material of the assembly line itself to facilitate the robot’s efficiency.
Another shift enabled by robotics is the abandonment of corrugated boxes in favor of Gaylord pallets. These solid, stable containers reduce a business’ carbon footprint since the Gaylord pallet can be reused endlessly.
Quality Control
Robots usually pack more efficiently than humans. They also contribute to a clean environment, reducing the risk of contamination. However, robotic systems still must be monitored via a quality control process. This may be done via an employee on the line. Or it could be done through automated tools like vision systems, leak sensors, and other advanced tools. It isn’t uncommon to combine visual checks on the placement of labels and their quality of printing simultaneously, automating a large part of the quality control task. Fewer defective items get passed down to final inspection, much less shipped to the customer. And fewer errors can be traced due to mistakes made by bored or tired humans.
Conclusion
Automation is altering everything from the design of product packaging to packaging operations. Businesses see improved quality, productivity, and safety, though humans have not yet been rendered entirely obsolete.
