BOBST’s Robotic Solutions Boost End-to-end Efficiency
Automation has become a central driver for the packaging industry, enabling faster, more reliable, and cost-effective solutions.
Perhaps the perfect example of modern automation is robotics – state-of-the-art technology used in smart ways to improve precision, reduce errors, and enhance productivity.
For BOBST, it has been two years since the company fully entered the world of robotics by acquiring Dücker Robotics, a world leader in the corrugated board sector for robots in loading and palletizing. The acquisition reflected BOBST’s focus on automation as a core pillar of its industry vision to shape the future of the packaging world, alongside connectivity, digitalization and sustainability. Since 2023, robotics has now become an integral part of the company’s corrugated portfolio, boosting end-to-end efficiency for customers.
Now, with a full range of robotic solutions on offer for loading and palletizing on flatbed die-cutters, folder-gluers and flexo folder-gluers, and two years’ experience of cutting-edge robotics under its belt, BOBST is ready to take the next step.
Robotics proves its value for the corrugated board industry
“Our customers in the corrugated industry have appreciated being able to efficiently manage their entire production chain from start to finish with one unique partner,” said Pierre Binggeli, Head of Product Line Folder-gluers & Robotics. “The robotics solutions were one of the final pieces of the puzzle to enable this to become reality, enabling automation of key stages and allowing configuration of complete and seamless production lines.”
BOBST’s industry-leading robotic solutions include BOBST ROBOLOADER and ROBOPALLETIZER, along with robots ensuring the safe transport and accurate labeling of pallets.
BOBST ROBOLOADER automates the transfer of blank piles, eliminating the need for any manual intervention at the feeder. The robot ensures regular and consistent supply to match top machine speeds, enabling optimal production line productivity.
BOBST ROBOPALLETIZER stacks the piles or batches in various patterns, completely automating the palletizing process. These highly versatile robots offer tailor-made solutions according to each customer’s needs, thanks to several gripper types and the option to combine various robots.
BOBST ROBOTOP, WRAPPER and ROBOLABEL secure the load, speed up the secure wrapping process, ensure full protection and correct labelling, guaranteeing that the pallets travel securely to the right destination.
The Potential of Robotics in the Future
Momentum is gathering. More and more converters are realizing the potential of robotics beyond simply automating their lines.
BOBST’s robotic solutions enable converters to maximize the potential of their equipment, improving speed and productivity in an ever more demanding market environment. In addition, robots help to minimize waste by adapting specific feeding and palletizing needs which fluidify the production process and preserve the integrity of sheets, blanks and boxes. They also contribute to workplace sustainability by removing a considerable amount of repetitive and strenuous tasks for operators.
“The sustainability benefits of robotics are also a big plus for our customers, who want to keep waste to an absolute minimum and improve workplace conditions,” said Mr. Binggeli. “We foresee a future where robotics are an integral part of all corrugated packaging lines, with fully automated box plants running at maximum capacity with minimum waste and downtime.”
Indeed, the success of integrating robotics into the BOBST corrugated offer has provided a potential roadmap for BOBST in other industry sectors.
It may not be too long before other sectors benefit from BOBST’s robotic solutions, helping customers to meet ever-tightening deadlines and demands for fault-free packaging with minimal waste. Corrugated has shown what’s possible with robotics. Now, let’s see what the future brings.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Packaging Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Packaging Impressions.
