Pick & Place Robots: technology and benefits for Industrial Packaging

According to Astute Analytica, the global industrial robotics market was valued at $22.13 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $192.91 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.2% from 2024 to 2032. Fonte Pick & Place robots are among the most in-demand categories due to their efficiency, speed, and precision.

Thanks to their flexibility, these robots are widely used in high-demand industries such as food & beverage, where speed and gentle handling are essential. In this article, we will explore how they work, the available types, and the added value they bring to a packaging line.

Pick & Place robots are designed to pick up an object and place it in a precise location with maximum speed and repeatability. Their operation is based on robotic arms, gripping systems, and vision technologies, enabling them to identify, lift, and position moving products with high accuracy.

There are different gripping technologies, each suited to specific handling requirements:

• Pneumatic suction cups: the most economical and lightweight solution, ideal for smooth objects such as boxes and plastic packaging.
• Mechanical grippers: used when suction cups cannot grasp the product without compromising its integrity, such as containers with loose lids.
• Electromagnetic systems: suitable for handling metal components.

Pick & Place robots work in synergy with conveyors and other packaging machines, ensuring a continuous workflow. With vision sensors and advanced control software, they can detect product position and orientation, adjusting their movement in real time to ensure precise placement.

Pick & Place robots can be classified into different categories based on their structural and functional characteristics:

• Cartesian robots: move products along three orthogonal axes, ideal for standard applications with simple and repetitive movements.
• SCARA robots: provide fast multi-axis movement, suitable for assembly and light handling operations.
• Anthropomorphic robots: articulated-arm robots offering great operational flexibility, used for complex tasks.
• Delta robots: known for their speed, ideal for high-speed applications such as snack and confectionery packaging.
• Collaborative robots (Cobots): designed to work safely alongside operators, perfect for applications requiring flexibility and human interaction.

At Zambelli Packaging, integrating a Pick & Place robot is never a one-size-fits-all decision but rather the result of a thorough analysis of each customer's production needs. Every packaging line has unique characteristics, determined by product type, required speed, and handling specifications. Thanks to our expertise in industrial automation, we carefully evaluate every aspect of the process to identify the most effective and efficient solution.

At Zambelli Packaging, integrating a Pick & Place robot is never a one-size-fits-all decision but rather the result of a thorough analysis of each customer's production needs. Every packaging line has unique characteristics, determined by product type, required speed, and handling specifications. Thanks to our expertise in industrial automation, we carefully evaluate every aspect of the process to identify the most effective and efficient solution.

Our approach is based on an in-depth analysis of various parameters, including product weight, size, shape, and fragility, as well as the operating environment. We also consider technical factors such as production speed, reach, and the most suitable gripping system, selecting the technology that offers the best balance of performance, reliability, and operational sustainability.

With our expertise, we seamlessly integrate Pick & Place robots into production lines, ensuring perfect synchronization with other equipment and minimizing downtime. Our goal is to provide customized, high-performance solutions designed to maximize efficiency and ensure continuous operation.

1. Increased Production Speed

Pick & Place robots can perform up to 300 operations per minute, compared to 20-30 by a human operator, increasing production rates by up to 1000%.

2. Greater Precision and Waste Reduction

With vision sensors and advanced control software, the margin of error in packaging processes is reduced to less than 0.1%, cutting waste by up to 50% compared to traditional methods.

3. Full Automation and Integration with Production Lines

Integration with cartoners, case packers, and palletizers minimizes downtime and improves overall productivity.

4. Reduced Operational Costs and Workforce Optimization

The introduction of robots reduces manual operations, lowering costs and increasing operator safety. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies that adopt automated systems achieve an average ROI of 25% within two years of implementation. Fonte

5. Energy Efficiency

Modern Pick & Place robots consume up to 30% less energy than traditional machines, thanks to advanced energy management technologies.

The integration of Pick & Place robots into packaging lines is a strategic solution for optimizing production processes. Our Pick & Place system, connected to a case packer with tray and internal lid, is designed to create ready-to-shelf packaging, perfect for warehouse storage and direct sales.

By combining high-speed Pick & Place robots with advanced packaging machines, Zambelli Packaging offers high-performance solutions that boost production efficiency and ensure maximum precision in product placement.

Discover how to optimize your production line with our state-of-the-art technology. Contact Zambelli Packaging experts to find the best solution for your needs!