Packaging Robots: Are They Worth the Hype?

Currently, packaging end users are increasingly turning to automation and robotics for provision of their efficiency, cost, flexibility, safety and quality benefits. For this reason, the market for packaging robots is on the rise.

According to a report done by The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), the employment of robots used for packaging applications have grown from a ratio of one out of five manufacturing locations to three out of four for the past ten years. This includes application in consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, medical device and pharmaceuticals.

According to new research, the rising number of manufacturing industries is one of the key factors that continue to play a significant role in boosting the growth of the packaging robotics market. With an increase in disposable income as well as rapid urbanization, the demand for digital packaging and labeling is anticipated to increase.

Why packaging robots are in high demand

Owing to advancement in technology, packaging robots are getting smarter in both software and sensing which results in high demand for the robots. Additionally, because these robots feature intuitive human machine interfaces and integrated controls, they offer manufacturers ease of use.

Due to rapid industrialization in countries such as China, South Korea and India, the global packaging robot market will witness a high growth mainly in Asia pacific. While China is expected to witness considerable growth in terms of revenue within this region, japan also anticipates to enjoy high growth potential. However, the market is anticipated to be dominated by the US in the near future. Similarly, Europe is also expected to show high demand because it has numerous diversified industries.

The benefits of using packaging robots

In the pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage industry as well as other major manufacturing industries, the advantages of using packaging robots are becoming more apparent. For instance, when a robot puts an estimated 70,000 working hours without experiencing mechanical failure, it is the company that reaps the benefits.

Packaging robots not only reduce safety and labor costs but also increases throughput. Since they are designed to work at a high speed, robots increase both productivity and output. Packaging robots also provide flexibility and precision benefits to the manufacturer which in turn eliminates the need double checking and additional work. These two are the main factors that contribute to their cost-saving reputation.

In addition, packaging robots allow manufacturers to operate without additional mechanical loaders and the cost of maintaining them. Instead, one robot can perform all duties in the line of packaging collation, case packing, layer insertion, and palletization.

Another advantage of using packaging robots is that they reduce damage to the products. Due to their precise movements, damage to the surface of the product such as scratching is eliminated. Packaging robots in pharmaceuticals are beneficial because they prevent or avoid contamination.

One of the major benefits of packaging robots is their reliability. Since they are more accurate than human workers, they can decrease instances of faulting packaging thus saving the company a lot of money. For instance, the six-axis robot can identically replicate hand and arm movements which enhances greater accuracy for the optimization of case sizes as well.

Why packaging robots are worth the while

In packaging operations, the fastest way to ensure reliability, flexibility and productivity is through packaging automation. If you want to compete with batch manufacturing, new packaging designs, shorter production cycle times and multiple pack sizes, acquiring packaging robots is the right way forward.

Remember that packaging robots are extremely flexible and easy to integrate into the working space. This type of robot can complete ant type of packaging process if it has the right end of arm effector. Packaging robots also come in a variety of sizes, robotic reach, payload and mounting options available to choose from. With software upgrades and vision technology, you can now get a packaging robot without worrying about safety.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.