Packaging robots gain traction in local markets

Robots are not only transforming theglobal packaging industry, but they're fast gaining traction on local shores.Introducing efficiencies and f lexibility thanks to the precision and consistency with which they operate, robots are reducing cost and liability in packaging.According to Martin Bensch of Cape Town-headquartered Compact Robotic Systems, while there is still some scepticism in the local market about robots in packaging, it is a growing trend thanks to the innovative packaging solutions offered.“Packaging is at the end of the product line, traditionally done through manual labour that is still relatively affordable in South Africa. Compare this to robots which are perceived to be expensive, and there are still barriers to market entry,” he told FTW. The cost of implementing a robotics system had steadily been declining, said Bensch. “System prices have come down as technology has improved and competition has grown.”He said the option to rent such a packaging system had proved to be a successful model as it allowed companies to implement robotics in their operations without huge capital outlays.At the same time, manufacturers who have introduced robotic packaging solutions have found that they are able to increase output thanks to the efficiencies introduced at the end of the production line.“We have had clients whose main aim in opting for robotic solutions was to reduce staff, but within months of introducing these solutions, they had increased manufacturing output significantly.”There were also few industries where robots could not be the packers, said Bensch. “We first introduced a fairly simple “palletising” solution to the cement industry in 2012,” he said.Since then ongoing research and development has seen the company design and patent several other solutions including a mechanical gripper for the fertilising market. This robotic arm allows for 50kg bags of fertilizer to be packed into sling bags in what was previously a completely manual operation.Bensch said robots offered f lexibility as the arms could be positioned and replaced for different jobs, while the systems could be reprogrammed to change their packing functions.“They can also be tailor-made to meet specific solutions for any manufacturing plant.”