JLS Automation will feature a fully automated cartoning system that includes robotic carton forming, loading, and closing functions at two industry events in September. The first is the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) in Las Vegas, September 13-17 (booth 3215), and the second is PACK EXPO Las Vegas, September 29-October 1 (booth SL-15018).

The JLS vision-guided robotic Peregrine IS is designed to solve the challenges of picking and loading randomly oriented products into cartons or other style containers. According to the company, the automated robotic cartoning system increases efficiency by replacing the repetitive motion of loading products into cartons, whether manually or via a complex series of conveyors.

The Peregrine receives primary packages from an upstream process (usually a flow-wrapper, thermoformer, or vertical-form-fill-seal machine) and robotically picks and loads them into a top-load carton. Building upon the technology of the original Peregrine, this updated Peregrine IS model is an integrated system that includes JLS TRAK as well as a new vision-guided robotic carton forming function. The company reports it is ideal for bakery items like wrapped snack cakes, sandwiches, or cookies; it is also geared toward frozen foods such as ice cream treats and finger foods. 

JLS says the perpendicular flow for carton forming gives the operator full access to the ergonomic blank feeder and the carton forming station. Said to be unlike other cartoning machines on the market, this perpendicular flow allows for safe access to key areas of operation. Direct access reportedly makes forming tool changeover, maintenance, and cleaning simple. Since the arrangement of the equipment consolidates processes, the Peregrine IS has a narrow footprint compared to mechanical alternatives. The reduced footprint is said to not only improve accessibility to key areas but also improve the overall line layout, creating more space to bring materials to the operation.   

“In a market where labor can be scarce, the Peregrine IS presents a solution that fills gaps when labor is not available and allows bakers and food processors alike to reallocate existing staff to other areas of their operations,” says Gary Pickett, senior product director of secondary solutions at JLS. “This patented technology opens the door to increasing yields while doing more with less.”

Related: JLS celebrates 70 years of innovation in automation