The rapid technology advancements in robotic technology have revolved the packaging industry in recent years.
As manufacturers seek major market share and competitive advantages by boosting efficacy and cost reduction, robotic systems emerged as a game-changer solution. Robotic packaging actively offering a wide range of benefits that are reforming product quality and packaging standards.
Why robot packaging?
Precision and repeatability:
Compared to the traditional process, robotic packaging is gaining popularity among manufacturers by providing repeatability and precision. Robotic packaging is programmed to perform the packaging task with accuracy and consistency. By using computer vision and sensors, robotic arms can help manufacturers with a level of accuracy that far exceeds human capabilities. Also, robotic packaging can minimize manual inspection and rework continuing the packaging workflow.
Increased speed and throughput:
The robotic packaging offers impressively greater speed and throughput than manual labor. Robotic arms can work 24/7 with minimal downtime with more significant dexterity than humans. The lower production cost and faster work capabilities make it the ideal choice for the packaging industry.
Improved Safety:
The workplace safety is a major concern in the packaging industry, where workers are often exposed to repetitive motions and heavy lifting with sometimes hazardous equipment. Robotic packaging eventually provides safety by removing human operators from the most risky tasks. Robotic arms are designed to handle heavy loads and operate in hazardous areas without taking the risk of human injuries. Thus, robotics are significantly reducing costs which are associated with worker’s compensation and regulatory compliance.
Flexibility and adaptability:
The inherent flexibility and adaptability are contributing to the growth of acceptance of robotics in packaging. Robotic systems can be programmed and reprogrammed like dedicated packaging equipment by handling a wide variety of products with sizes and packaging configurations. This type of versatility allows manufacturers to respond to changing consumer preferences and trends.
What are the trends in Robotic Packaging?
As packaging lines become more complex and diverse, robots are being designed to handle a broader range of tasks, such as picking, packing, sorting, labeling, and palletizing. This trend is especially prevalent in the food and beverage industry, where robots are being used to handle delicate and perishable products with greater speed, safety, and hygiene.
Adoption of collaborative robots. Cobots are designed to be easy to program, operate, and maintain, and can perform a wide range of tasks, such as picking and placing, assembly, and inspection. They are particularly useful in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that require flexible and affordable automation solutions.
Increasing use of robots in e-commerce and logistics, where they are used to handle the high volumes of packages and parcels that are processed every day. Robots are being used to sort, pack, and transport packages, as well as to perform last-mile delivery tasks, such as loading and unloading trucks and vans. This trend is expected to accelerate as e-commerce continues to grow and consumers demand faster and more efficient delivery options.
Focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Robots are being designed to reduce waste, energy consumption, and emissions, as well as to optimize the use of resources such as water and materials. For example, robots can be used to pack products more efficiently, reducing the amount of packaging material required, or to recycle or repurpose waste materials. This trend is driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable products and practices.
Introduction of AI in the packaging industry:
“The fusion of AI and robotics into protective packaging systems connotes an innovational step toward smarter, more resilient, and eco-friendly operations, requiring investments in smart machineries and technologies.” – Says Ismail Sutaria, Chief Packaging Analyst.
The packaging industry is evolving with the technological revolution, as artificial intelligence emerges as a needy and powerful innovation and transformation. The advancement in areas such as language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning will enable even more sophisticated automation, predictive maintenance, and supply chain optimization.
A quick look at our latest report on AI in packaging
The global AI in packaging market is estimated to be worth US$ 1,790.8 million in 2024. The artificial intelligence (AI) in packaging market is expected to reach US$ 23,415.2 million by 2034. It is projected to surge at a CAGR of 29.3% in the forecast period 2024 to 2034. The packaging sector is undergoing significant innovation through partnerships between companies, technology providers, research institutes, and government agencies, focusing on creating integrated solutions, conducting research, exchanging best practices, and resolving regulatory issues in various countries.
What is the future of robotic packaging?
The future of the packaging industry is associated with AI technology by transforming the industry into a more agile, customer-faced, and efficient. As manufacturers embrace the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, the packaging sector is poised to reach new heights of excellence and competitiveness.
Final Thoughts
Robotic packaging has become a game-changer solution for the packaging industry, offering a wide range of benefits such as precision, repeatability, speed, safety, and flexibility. Robotic systems have vastly improved the packaging workflow, increasing efficiency and reducing costs for manufacturers. Additionally, the introduction of AI has further transformed the industry, offering even more sophisticated automation and optimization.
Some recent developments in the packaging industry
In 2021, BEUMER Group was contracted by Helthjem, a Norwegian CEP (Courier, Express, and Parcel) provider, to automate its parcel sorting and distribution process. This partnership is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Helthjem’s operations and enabling it to deliver a better customer experience. By leveraging BEUMER Group’s advanced sorting technology, Helthjem intends to streamline its parcel handling process, reducing processing times and boosting productivity.
In 2022, Maxpack Machinery LLC has recently launched a revolutionary piece of packing equipment called Leap by Max pack, which is designed to meet the demands of the fast-growing Buy Now, Pay Later market. Leap is a state-of-the-art automation equipment that enables customers to pay for their purchase over time. This innovative technology is offered as premium bundles with 18 interest-free, guaranteed, and credit-free monthly installments. This makes it easier for customers to invest in this equipment without having to worry about the upfront costs, thereby increasing accessibility to businesses of all sizes.